Jack R. Key

1946 - 2020

OCEANSIDE —

Jack R. Key, 74, passed away at home in Oceanside on August 31, 2020, after health challenges lasting over ten years.

He is deeply missed by his loving wife of 25 years, Yvonne, and extended family. Jack will be remembered for his dry wit, constant curiosity, sense of adventure, and pursuit of good pizza.

He was born in Battle Creek, MI. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, spending time on both the east and west coasts and serving two tours in Viet Nam. Returning to Michigan, he attended Western Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1975. From there, he completed a three-year procurement career program at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

Jack loved to travel (he met his goal of visiting all 50 states), adventure, and exploring, and spent 30 years working for the federal government, which allowed him to live and travel around the world. While in Germany, he explored by spending weekends Volkswalking with friends and planning and taking trips with the Heidelberg Ski Club. New jobs and adventures awaited in Saudi Arabia, then Iceland.

In 1994, his assignment brought him to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. While there, he met and married Yvonne. Craving more adventure, they moved to Bahrain, then Falls Church, VA, where early on Sunday mornings, they cycled around the national monuments.

Jack retired when they returned to Oceanside in 2004. Wanting to continue using his skills and talents and to explore the world, he volunteered with numerous organizations such as the 2007-2008 San Diego Grand Jury, Citizens Water Academy, Spotsavespets.org, and The California Welcome Center in Oceanside. He and Yvonne also drove their new Volvo through Sweden, where they picked up the car, then on through Austria and Germany. Back in North America, they traveled through Canada and New England, the midwest, and Jack participated in Fish and Wildlife Refuge reunions in the northwest.

Jack loved skiing, so the family gathered for his memorial at the top of a double-black diamond ski run overlooking Lake Tahoe. He would be pleased to soak in the spectacular view while anticipating a challenging yet fun run down the mountain.

Semper Fi

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