Obituary: Old Mr. Rabbit (1911-2009)

[Jack Rabbit]

Old Mr. Rabbit, 98, passed away Tuesday afternoon in Napa, California after a sudden illness.

Mr. Rabbit was born in Oakland on June 1, 1911. His father was a carpenter. As a child he lived in Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento (he always referred to Capitol Mall as "M Street") before the family settled in Stockton when he was about 6.

He married Mrs. Rabbit, a descendant of Hannah Boone, sister of Daniel Boone, and John Stewart, in 1937. They made their home in Stockton, where they had two children, a daughter born in 1941 and your humble hare born in 1951. A talented artist, he worked as the advertising manager for the Sears-Roebuck outlet in Stockton before starting his private business as a portrait photographer in 1947. He sold his business in 1962 and returned to retail advertising for Bigg and Littel, a local discount store in Stockton.

As a member of a working class family that benefited from the New Deal, Mr. Rabbit was a liberal Democrat during his adult life. He spoke out against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and expressed an awful distaste for the Vietnam War in the sixties. In 1964, he persuaded the board of directors of Bigg and Littel to allow him to hire a black assistant. His final political act was to vote for Barack Obama in November 2008.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 2002, during the 65th year of their marriage, a sister in 2002, a brother in 2003, and his daughter in 2004. He is succeeded by a son, four grandsons and one great-grandson.

Services are pending. His wishes are to be cremated and have his ashes mixed with those of his wife and scattered.

[Countdown_3_2_1]

1. Sorry for your loss

[grantcart]

2. Sounds like a classy guy and a great father- very nice tribute

[Arctic Dave]

3. My condolences to the Rabbit Family.

[MadMaddie]

4. My condolences to you and your family!

Mr. Rabbit lived full life!!

[JohnnyLib2]

5. He's left a proud heritage.

My sympathy.

[barbtries]

6. my condolences Jack Rabbit

a lovely obituary.

[Gormy Cuss]

7. My condolences to you and his kin.

Your father had a long life, well lived.

[havocmom]

8. Strength to you and yours as you face this loss

Thank you for sharing a bit about him with us. Now we get a glimpse of the fine stock you come from. Sounds like he was a real human being, and often a real human doing what was just.

[noiretextatique]

9. my condolences, jack

we missed you at the last DU gathering at proudpatriot's house.
my sympathies to you and your family.

[Poll_Blind]

10. Very sorry for your loss, sir. My thoughts are with you.

PB

[shireen]

11. he sounded like a pretty amazing guy

you're so fortunate to have had him in your life. My deepest condolences.
:hug:

[Zoigal]

12. My sincere sympathy, Jack Rabbit

Sounds like your dad was a great guy. We need more folks like him....z

[TwilightGardener]

13. Sorry about your dad. Sounds like he lived a full and wonderful life.

[sarge43]

14. Condolences, Jack Rabbit

Your loving tribute says a great deal about the quality of the man. To speak out against the internment of Japanese Americans took courage and integrity.

Strength and comfort for you and your family. May he rest in peace.

[havocmom]

15. Hope you are hanging in there Jack Rabbit

Know you have many DU pals who will keep you and yours in our thoughts.

[TicketyBoo]

16. Sincere condolences.

No matter how long they live, it is never quite long enough, and we are never really ready to say goodbye.

[Raine]

17. Sorry for your loss

positive thoughts to you and your family.

[roguevalley]

18. that generation was awesome wasn't it? I am in your debt to share

this with you, Jack. What a lovely man, what a patriot, what a good soul. God bless him in his new journey and you on yours. It will take time, I know. But your dad will always be by your side until you see each other again. He never abandoned you in life. He won't now. Take care and know people are thinking of you today.

[Berry Cool]

19. My condolences to you and to all of his family.

He sounds like a wonderful dad and a terrific guy.

[applegrove]

20. RIP

[StarfarerBill]

21. Goodbye to a good man, with a fine son.

:hug:

[susanr516]

22. Sorry to hear of your loss

That is a wonderful obit. I'm sure your father was a wonderful and caring man.

[blogslut]

23. He sounds like he was a wonderful man

How fortunate for you that you had him in your life. I am sorry for your loss but happy for your memories.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

24. You have every right to be proud of your father

I mean it more than my words can convey when I say that your father was a true hero and a patriot who made the world an infinitely better place because of the way that he led his life and his commitment to progressive values and principles. And he raised a great son as well. You were fortunate to have such an inspirational man as your father.

My deepest and sincerest thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your father. May he rest in peace. The world is the worse for having lost him but the greater for having had him:hug: :hug: :hug:

[enigmatic]

25. I'm sorry, Jack

:hug:

[proud patriot]

26. My friend

I'm so sorry you lost your father .

:hug:

[pinto]

27. Sorry for your loss Jack Rabbit. Your post is really a nice tribute.

[Lithos]

28. Sir

I wish many condolences and well wishes to you and yours in this time of great passage.

[PCIntern]

29. My Father of blessed memory was a contemporary

of your Dad's. They'd have had great conversations had they known each other, I'm sure.

My condolences to you and to your family...I know from experience that when individuals live that long, their very longevity gives many the impression that they'll be around forever. Alas, 'tis not the case.

[livetohike]

30. My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Dad

:hug: This is a beautiful tribute and I hope the memories of your father's life will bring you comfort.

[MaryBear]

31. Nicely written, Jack.

Hard to believe he is gone. Please be in touch.

[DearAbby]

32. Nice Tribute

so sorry for your loss.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

33. Jack, my condolences

My heart is breaking for you. You are in my thoughts, sending vibes your way for peace of spirit and rest.


:hug: :hug: :hug: