Jack A. Engles

Jack A. Engles raised a family and accomplished his career in law, while being active in pursuing many interests as a private pilot, avid fisherman, model train enthusiast and artist. Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helga. He is survived by his sons John, Eric and Donald, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jack passed on February 27, 2013, at age 83.

Jack began his life in Marquette, MI and was raised in Land O' Lakes, WI, where his father owned a sporting goods store. Jack grew up enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of ski jumping, duck hunting and fishing, passing this on to his children. Jack was raised a devout Catholic and briefly attended the Seminary. Jack developed an interest and flare in magic that lead him to perform at a high school fundraiser as a semi-professional magician. He went on to perform at resorts and night clubs. He will be warmly remembered for his distinct sense of humor and jocularity.

Jack pursued a higher education through the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He continued on to obtain his law degree from the University of Denver in 1954. His early years of practice included working for Legal Aid, where he met, then married his wife, Helga, adopting her two sons. Jack and Helga went on to adopt Donald, giving Jack three sons. Jack began his general practice in Denver, eventually moving the practice to Lakewood. Over 20 years, this building was the office location for a number of attorneys. Jack was a mentor to a number of young attorneys who went on to start their own practice. He also played an important role in helping several legal assistants pursue careers in the legal profession. Jack practiced law in a way that reflected his strong religious values and many of his clients became life-long friends.

While Jack was a person with progressive physical challenges, he still managed to enjoy his life. There were many family outings for skiing and camping. Jack and Helga frequently held family gatherings and entertained friends. Jack became a private pilot and enthusiast of radio-controlled model airplanes, boats and model trains. Jack and his son John became involved in drag racing, going on to win the National Hot Rod Association High Altitude Nationals in 1970. Jack and Donald became avid participants in the Scottish Highland Games. Jack's son Eric credits his successful television career to Jack's wicked sense of humor and shared that Helga told him as a boy that "anyone can be a father but very few can be a daddy". Jack was a daddy to his sons.

In the later years of Jack's life after the loss of his beloved Helga, he gave time to his passions of religion, fishing and bird carving. Jack's time with family and friends will be cherished and long remembered.