Jack was a self motivated, determined man of strong character with a contagious passion for life and New Zealand. 

Born, in Auckland, the second son of a builder and an English war time bride, he attended Mt. Albert Grammar.  At the age of 18 he was taught to type prior to going off to war to serve in the Telcom unit. On his return and shortly afterwards he married his life long partner, the typing teacher, Dorothy.

Jack was an extremely talented, creative person and always had a project on the go – be it building boats, houses or developing property and later creating beautiful pieces of furniture and woodwork, not to mention the countless fix it jobs for friends and family.

His life long love affair with timber and in particular New Zealand native timbers, lead him into various community activities including the Motuora Restoration Society, different Rotary Clubs, Probus, founder member of Friends of Mangemangeroa and an active member of the Woodturners Guild. He was a deep thinker and somewhat of a perfectionist and was always looking for ways to improve and enhance situations. Jack and Dorothy shared a vision for the Mangemangeroa Reserve in the form of an Eco Centre to display the natural history of the area and in commemoration of the Somerville family. It would indeed be a wonderful parting gesture to them both if Friends of Mangemangeroa can help bring this vision to fruition.