Jack Elwyn Colliflower, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Forest, CA on February 17, 2016.

Jack was born May 22, 1931 to Gladys and Eakle Collifower in Milledgeville, IL, the youngest of two boys. During his youth, he was raised in both Milledgeville and Oklahoma City, OK, but as a teenager returned to his home town, where he caroused the streets as a self-proclaimed "Milledgeville Hooligan." He graduated from Milledgeville Community High School in 1949. Shortly thereafter, with the help of his best friend, Lyle Coates, he was introduced to a local beauty, Sharon Kroff. As it was love at first sight, on September 4, 1950, he married his "raven haired beauty" (later to be known as the "Silver Fox") in her home town of Sterling, IL. This was the beginning of a beautiful 65 year love affair!

Jack and Sharon started their family in Illinois, with the birth of their first two children, Michelle and Kenneth. In 1953, the West was calling, and Jack moved his young family to Long Beach, CA, and soon after Steven was born. He eventually settled his growing clan in Westminster, CA and there, with his beautiful bride, also produced Kathleen, Patrice, Leah Anne, Jacqueline, David, Jennifer, and Jonathan. He is survived by all 10 children, 31 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. Jack will always be remembered for the ferocity in which he loved his family!

Jack modeled an incredible work ethic for his family by supporting them with his career as a truck driver and working various odd jobs. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union for 30+ years. While driving for Smith's Food King, Von's, and Luckys supermarket chains, he made life-long friends connecting on the long hauls and conversing on the CB radio. Lucky Bum would tell those honorable men¸ "10-4 good buddies, I'll see you on the flip side."

Upon retirement in 1990, Jack and Sharon moved to the beautiful mountain town of Oakhurst, CA. There, he cultivated his love for woodworking. In true craftsman-ship style, he built a fort for his grandkids and sheds for his tractors, generator, water tank, wood pile, gardening tools, and the countless pieces of "yard art" that were guaranteed to greet you at every holiday in every corner of the property. In retirement, he relished afternoon game time with neighbors, volunteering at the Oakhurst Living Center, and welcoming family and friends to the sanctuary he created in the Sierras.

Jack will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, affinity for British humor, his love affair with food (especially the patented Colliflower McMuffin), his fondness for a good book, his incredible memory, and his ability to tell a great story.

On February 17, 2016 Jack entered into eternity and was greeted by his Master who said, "You lived simply, loved generously, cared deeply, and spoke kindly. You left a legacy of love, acceptance, humility, honor, sacrifice, and tradition…Well done my good and faithful servant!"

In lieu of flowers (which would be sent to the Church) the family has asked that offerings be made to:

Alzheimer's Association/Orange County Chapter:

Donate On Line: http://www.alzoc.org/get-involved/donate/

(800-272-3900) or

Directly to Sharon Colliflower for her continued care at: 24001 Muirlands Blvd., Unit 481, Lake Forest, CA., 92630

Thank You.

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