Jack Menard

Jack Judson Menard, 87, passed away peacefully in the home that he built, on July 28, 2009. He was born September 7, 1921 to Noel Arthur and Dolly Lang Menard in Maple Bay, British Columbia.

Growing up in Washington state, he graduated from Le Center High School in 1940, where he was the editor of the school paper, The Tattler, for two years. Following his graduation, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and later worked as a carpenter for Kaiser Shipyard.

In 1941 he married Margaret Milligan, they had one son, Milo. They were later divorced.

Jack was inducted into the U.S. Army, where it was discovered that he was actually a Canadian citizen. He was then transferred to the Canadian Army. He was stationed in England where he served with the Canadian First Army as records clerk during the Blitz. He returned to the United State and completed his education in New York City.

He came to Idaho and started working as a carpenter in 1945. He worked for several contractors and was a foreman for Hykes Macabee.

On April 23, 1948, he married Shirley Ricks in Pocatello, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they had six children, Judy, John, Jim, Janice, Jean and Jennifer.

In 1953, he started his own company, Tri-City Concrete, Incorporated, completing approximately 1300 residential basements and foundations in the Southeast Idaho area. He also did the concrete work on 315 commercial and industrial sites, to include building three commercial buildings. He also poured the irrigation dam on the Portneuf River. He always said, “It's not cement " it's concrete.” He founded Hallmark Homes, Incorporated and built 42 homes. He owned Triangle Investments, Incorporated which developed Mountlake Terrace Subdivision and purchased other tracts of land in Chubbuck.

He was a Chubbuck City Councilman for four years and the Chairman of the Chubbuck Planning and Zoning Board for six years.

After retiring from his businesses he was the Bannock County Building Inspector for two years, a real estate appraiser for two years and the building inspector for the City of Preston for 12 years.

He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October of 1953. He held various positions, to include ward clerk, Elder's Quorum President, home teacher and he taught the Gospel Doctrine class for 15 years.

He enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of furniture and other items for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to camp and enjoy the outdoors with his family. He was proud of the fact that he had hiked to the top of Bell Mountain three times. He has always had a computer and for many years has e-mailed family and friends a “Sparkle of the Day” which were thought provoking and uplifting quotes and poems. He would always include a “Joke of the Day,” which exemplified his wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by; his seven children, Milo Menard, Gamble, CA, Judy (Terry) McCurdy, Twin Falls, ID, John (Traci) Menard, Boise, ID, Jim Menard, Janice (Lynn) Nelson, Jean (Gary) Christensen, Pocatello, ID, Jennifer Bloomquist, Pocatello, ID; a sister, Evelyn Worlund, St. Paul, MN; 16 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley, and two sisters, Frances and Mardelle.

His family would like to give a special thanks to Idaho Home Health and Hospice, especially Ashley and Jeniel for their loving care and to Dr. Zimmerman and Nurse Peggy for their extraordinary compassion and support.

Dad, you were the sparkle in every day. You are dearly loved and will be missed by all of the many people whose lives you have touched.