Obituary: Jack Fahey

Posted

Jack Fahey

Bainbridge Island,Wash.

May 30, 1935 – Feb.12,2017

Jack Fahey, a long time resident of Bainbridge Island, Wash. passed away Feb. 12, 2017 after a short illness. He leaves behind the love of his life Claudia (Clark) Black, his wife of 39 years, who had strong ties to the Quilcene and Port Townsend communities. Jack had a full and meaningful life. He was born May 30, 1935 in Lackawanna, New York, and made his way to Southern California in early adulthood. Since 1993 his primary home had been on Bainbridge Island.

Jack worked in the field of addictive disorders for over 40 years. His career culminated as a producer and director of more than 25 ground breaking films and videos. His early works include one of the first educational films on women and substance abuse. Critical to the addiction field were his films addressing children of alcoholics and solidifying the three dysfunctional family rules, “Don't Talk, Don't Trust, Don't Feel.” His films helped to disseminate the seminal work about the impact of roles for children, and educated about the relationship between physical and sexual abuses and living with addiction. In his pioneering work, he produced some of the earliest television commercials for addiction treatment programs. His contributions to individuals and families impacted by addiction have been immeasurable.

For those who knew Jack, they knew he was passionate about his own recovery and that “acceptance was the answer to all of our affairs.” He was known for his wit and creativity in his endeavors, be they personal or professional. He was fortunate to travel much of the world. His “go to” place was on the sailboat Promises in the British Virgin Islands. In his retirement he enjoyed being a gym rat and started a company called Ageless Athlete. He thoroughly enjoyed singing karaoke with a microphone in his hand and a cowboy hat on his head. Car shows, pickle ball, and photography were all beloved hobbies. Jack also donated his time and support to animal safety and rescue efforts.

He left this earth with incredible grace and dignity at his winter home in Wickenburg, Ariz. surrounded by his wife and loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Margaret Fahey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two brothers Joe and Tom (Jeannette) Fahey, and sister Kathy Gamble; his mother and father-in-law, Lee (Clark) and Tom Gilmore of Port Hadlock, Wash.; and his sister- in-law Jana Kay (Jim Giger) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be made online at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com. The family has requested no flowers but donations could be made to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, www. nacoa.org or the local animal rescue/humane society.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Wickenburg, Arizona on March 12, 2017. As said by many, Jack lived his life with courage and inspiration and his voice will be missed.