John B. “Jack” Sorensen passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Windsor, CA on January 31, 2018. He was 86 years old.
Devoted husband to the late Joan A. Sorensen of Boston MA and beloved father to Kirsten Toussaint and to the late John B. Sorensen, Jr. Loving grandfather to Kyle S., Ryan S., Candace S., Erik T., and Lily T. Beloved younger brother to Arthur Sorensen and niece Kesh of Chicago, IL.
Devoted husband to the late Valmae C. Sorensen, of Brisbane, Australia. He also sadly leaves behind his beloved companion during his final years, Lori Lowrance of Novato.
Jack was born to Arthur and Elva Sorensen, in Elmhurst, a suburb of Chicago, IL in 1931, where he grew up and was educated. After several years in college, Jack joined the Army (1951-1953) where he received an honorable discharge.
His dream of flying as a commercial pilot became a reality when he received monies from the GI Bill. He enrolled in the Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University in Miami FL and upon receiving his commercial pilot’s license, began flying for the private sector.
In 1955, he was hired as an engineer pilot for Pan American Airlines, flying international routes out of NYC. He was quickly promoted to Captain and was the youngest pilot in PAA history to be checked out as a 747 Captain.
In 1986, he began flying for United Airlines on its international routes to Australia, Africa, Europe, Asia and South America until his retirement in 1991.
Always active, he soon joined the North Bay Yacht Club and Marin Yacht Club, where he was Commodore.
He enjoyed many years sharing club cruising adventures with family and friends on his yachts “Southern Cross I, II, and III”, all named in honor of his Australian wife, Val. After retiring his last yacht, he continued to be active in the MYC as President of the Retired Commodores Club. In his final years, he lived in Windsor CA (20 years) and enjoyed tending his beautiful garden of roses, peonies, and dahlias. He loved sharing his garden and home with visiting family and visitors from all over the globe, including many from Australia. Jack will be remembered by his family and many friends as a kind, generous and a most exceptional person.
In honor of Jack, memorial contributions may be made to the and to Hospice Services of St. Joseph Health.
(from http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pressdemocrat/obituary.aspx?n=john-b-sorensen-jack&pid=188215098)