ForeverMissed
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Tributes
November 7, 2022
November 7, 2022
After a long and courageous battle with depression, Jack's pain became unbearable and he died at his home in Denver, Colorado at the age of 35. He is survived by his mother, Maribeth Ward (John Kolman), his sister, Shannon Heston (Ryan Alt), his niece and nephew Audrey and James Alt, his aunts, Ellen Ward and Mary Anne Heston, his uncles Mike Ward (Amy) and Dan Ward (Cindy), and his seven cousins -- Jen Stermer, Nate Heston, Steve Heston, Kevin Ward, Grace Ward, Allison Ward, and Kyle Ward.

Jack grew up in Wilmette and Chicago, IL. He graduated from Northside College Prep in Chicago in 2004 and the University of Illinois in Champaign in 2008. After graduating from college he worked as an actuary at Deloitte and as a project manager at CNA. After moving to Denver in 2017, he worked as a bicycle courier.

Jack loved bicycling, music, cats, reading and writing. He was an ardent fan of all Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs. In high school he was captain of the wrestling and lacrosse teams.

He was dearly loved by his family and will remain forever in our hearts.

In one of his last communications to his family, Jack requested that his musical instruments be given to his niece and nephew and that they be encouraged to play them.
June 17, 2023
June 17, 2023
Jack and I met while pledging the same fraternity in undergrad at the University of Illinois and he was one of the most important people in my life for nearly a decade. 

I was always drawn to him because he was so steadfast in who he was. He did not care what you wore or how much money you made. He never did. He only cared about who you believed. 

We traveled across the country and abroad together. Jack evolved, but he never changed, and that was what I loved about him. 

And it makes me very sad to think that I will never ride my bike in Chicago with Jack again. We will never again debate politics, literature, or baseball.  

I miss dearly and think about him every day. 

April 27, 2023
April 27, 2023
I positively love the cover page photo of Jack. First, he looks genuinely happy, and second, Audrey peaking out from the background like a little elf. Just adds the perfect element to the shot (she actually looks a bit like Mom, expression-wise!). Maybe Jack is smirking because he knows she is behind him;)

Also, I will take credit for photo 29, with Dad (Grandpa Hal) and Jack, 1993, which is one of my favorite photos. It was during our trip to Hawaii, when we visited Mike and Amy, and newly-born Kevin. I was the 'sandwich' generation (well, person) between Mom and Dad, who were in their late 60s and Shannon and Jack, about 8 and 10. It was a fantastic, busy trip. I always thought I should send that photo to an Insurance or Wealth Management PR firm, depicting generational legacies or passages. 
February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
This is such a beautiful tribute, Maribeth, and for such a beautiful boy. Coming up on the one year anniversary of my last visit with Jack, the last weekend of February 2022 in Denver. And now, here we are, at the six-month point of his passing. It is still so very hard to process.

Jack and I had a special bond. I felt we were soul mates. Though he appeared aloof at times, deep down Jack was very sensitive, romantic and idealistic. I miss him terribly right now. His death was tragic, and will always remain a mystery in many ways.

I can only hope he is in a better place, and that we will meet again someday in the great beyond.

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