The Second Grandfather I Never Expected
Of all the people I've met in my life nobody reminded more of my Grandfather than Jack. My grandpa was by far the most influential and supportive person I had growing up. When he passed in 2004 my life forever changed. In many ways that void was filled by the relationship I formed with Jack. I loved every minute I could get to pick his brain on his experiences in life and in business. Multiple trips to Vegas provided time to hear about his accomplishments and views in life. His story about going up to Seattle to be pitched a coffee company was one that stood out. His stories about owning part of the Padres always produced a story you couldn't believe. So many things come to mind about Jack including his love for cars, food, Hoover high school, and obviously SDSU basketball. But above all it was his love for his family that I will remember most. His relationship with Jeff and Whitney was something I used to have with my Grandfather and it always helped me remember how lucky I was to have the relationship I had with mine. Couple additional funny memories that come to mind. I'll let Jeff share the details on this one but watching us play Creighton up at Cal State Fullerton against Doug McDermott is an all time classic . The other one is when I took a private flight home from Vegas with the family after the MWC a few years back and Jack agreed to give me a ride home back to Del Mar. He drove maybe 40 mph on the freeway in his Ashton Martin and I enjoyed the entire ride. Anyone else in the world I would've been so frustrated and scared but to me it just provided me more time to hear one of his legendary stories. Best trip I ever was apart of was the Kansas leg of his trip around the country connecting with some of his old favorite places. This by far is the memory I talk about most. I'll never forget walking into Allen Fieldhouse and a loud mouth Kansas fan points to the Naismith championship trophy on display and asks Jack if he has one of his own. His immediate response before the kid can finish his sentence was "have you ever seen a beach" Lol. Then goes on to say we're gonna kick you ass today! I will always remember he passed away on the morning on opening day of Del Mar. Every time I heard he was at the track I made time to go up and see him in the turf club. All day this year I kept wondering who the "parking lot Joe " tip was? Lol. That's it for now on my memories. He was truly a one of one human and I was beyond blessed to have the opportunity to have him as one of my mentors and friends in life. My condolences go out to the entire Goodall family and I promise to continue to keep Jack's legacy alive and respected forever!
Kevin McFarland