- Date Of Birth: September 4, 1931
- Date Of Death: November 10, 2010
- State: New Mexico
Jack Rein, 79, passed away at the Silver Care Center on November 10th, 2010. He was born September 4, 1931, in Salina, Kansas to Leo Rein and Leone Olson, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Diane of forty-eight years, a daughter Lynn Gregory, her husband Toby, and grandson Dean.
Jack was abandoned as an infant and was raised by his Aunt Mollie and Uncle Henry Mai of Russell, Kansas. He graduated from Russell High School in 1949 with top honors for music. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Kansas in 1954. Jack served proudly in the armed services as a member of the Army Band in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1954 to 1956. In the early 60’s, he taught his first year of music in Westcliffe, Colorado. In 1961, cold weather sent him to the Southwest where he taught music at Silver High School.
While participating in the Silver City Community Orchestra, he met his wife-to-be, Diane: he was on violin and she was on bassoon. They left to live in Tucson where he earned his Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Arizona in 1963. They returned to Silver City where he began a long career teaching music in the Cobre School District. Through the years he encountered many admiring students from the past. After leaving the Cobre School District, Jack managed the Mazanek School of Dance and ran the dancewear shop.
He later taught in other area school districts before retiring in 1992. In his early years of living in Silver City, he headed the Methodist Adult Choir. He served a term on the city zoning committee. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, receiving an award for State Outstanding Secretary in 1971-72. Also a member of the Elks Lodge, he made dear friends with the Gila RV Travelers. His love for mountains and photography were most endearing to him.
Jack was Founder and past President of the first Silver Sams RV Club in Silver City and was honored with an appreciation award for his services in 1995-97. He was a loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His devotion to his family was without question, and he always thought of others first.
