Jack Wallace Cridlebaugh passed peacefully April 13, 2013, at home. He was 64.
Jack was born early July 10, 1948, at home with the assistance of his Aunt Nell. He was the son of Anna Marie and Wallace (Dago) Cridlebaugh.
At his birth, Jack joined a brother, Dick Baker, and later welcomed a sister, Jill, and younger brother, Bill, to complete the Cridlebaugh family. They shared many adventures growing up, as well as spending time at the Hilltop Cafe, which their parents owned and operated.
He attended Lewiston schools, graduating in 1967 from Lewiston High School. He was a proud member of the "Hakowies," and over the years he and fellow members relived their escapades over many a cold beer at the Wrangler Bull Room.
Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1967 to 1971 as an aircraft mechanic. He received the National Service Defense Medal and the Expert Pistol Shot Medal. While stationed in Japan, he married Terry Phillips; they later divorced.
After returning to Lewiston, Jack met and married Judy Anderson. They had two children, Bryan and Tori. Judy and Jack later divorced, but Jack remained a stable part of his children's lives while growing up.
In 1994, Jack and his children began building a cabin in the Waha area on Deer Creek. He spent tireless hours crafting the mountain getaway he would enjoy for years to come.
Jack met his life partner, Kristy Roberts, in 1996. She assisted with final touches on his cabin, where they spent many weekends gathering firewood, four-wheeling and snowmobiling. Jack's greatest times were spent on the mountain with Kristy and his grandchildren, Anna and Ozzy. The out-of-doors is where Jack was most comfortable. He loved rafting the Salmon River, hunting, fishing, photography, golfing and tending to his massive vegetable garden.
Jack was a man of many talents, who was a painter by trade, but an individual who could do whatever he set his mind to. He was a high school basketball official for 27 years before his knees wore out. He was a member of the Nez Perce County Search and Rescue and a member of the NAIA World Series Diamond Crew.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dick. He is survived by his life partner, Kristy; his son, Bryan (Shauna) and their children, Anna and Ozzy; daughter Tori; sister Jill; and brother Bill (Vicki); in addition to a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place at his request, and on a later date when the sun is high, the weather warm and the water flowing, Jack will take one last float down the Salmon River. A celebration of life is planned for 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarkston Moose Lodge, with a covered-dish-style reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the charity of one's choosing, or to simply share a day with loved ones enjoying the outdoors or giving a helping hand to someone in need.
