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Tool business owner, cyclist
A quadruple bypass in 1999 did nothing to slow former Claremont resident Jack Steele down. In fact, it sped him up. After recovering from surgery, he joined the Claremont Seniors Bike Club and rode nearly 10,000 miles in the subsequent 5 years. Family members note that cycling “truly became his passion.”
“After his surgery, he never thought he would be himself again, but he got on his bike and was better than ever,” said his daughter, Judy Steele Morgan.
Mr. Steele, a resident of Claremont from 1961 to 2006, died on April 21, 2008 at the age of 80. Most recently, he resided in Apple Valley where he and his wife of 58 years, Carey Steele, moved to be near their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Born on July 5, 1927 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Mr. Steele and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1937. In addition to schoolwork, he sold corner newspapers, reset pins at the bowling alley and worked hard in other part-time jobs common to young boys at the time. At the age of 15, he left high school to support the war effort with the Merchant Marines while, at the same time, his older brothers, Ralph and Doyt, served in the Navy. This service was followed by an enlistment in the US Air force for 4 more years. During this time, he met and married his sweetheart, Carey Hattic.
After relocations to Toledo, Ohio and Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Steele completed his high school diploma and left the service, returning to southern California to attend Los Angeles Trade Technical School. Following this education, he began working for Rockwell Tools, and his career was launched.
“Jack was a warm and affable man, with a natural talent for tools and working with his hands,” wrote the family in a remembrance, also noting what a “cracker jack” salesman he was.
From Rockwell Tools, Mr. Steel moved on to the House of Tools in Pomona. In 1963, he opened his own business: J&S Industrial Tools. The store was located on Clark Avenue in Pomona until his retirement in 1991.
Beyond his professional life, Mr. Steel was highly engaged in a number of other interests and activities. From 1964 until the group’s disbandment in 2002, he was an avid member of the Pomona Optimist Club.
“The many friendships formed during that time were lifelong,” the family shared.
He was also a member of the Pomona Elks BPOE Lodge since 1963 and, in the summer of 2007, he was honored as a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge at the temple in Covina. Additionally, he was a member of Woodbadge and an assistant Scoutmaster in the Old Baldy Council Boy Scout Troop 402 in the 70s.
In 1955, Mr. Steele joined the West Covina Police Department as a reserve police officer, continuing in this capacity until relocating to Claremont in 1961. Here, he joined the Claremont Police Department and served with the force until 1976, contributing thousands of volunteer hours during his law enforcement affiliation. Former Claremont High School students may remember the steadfast presence of Mr. Steele at Friday night football games, late-night dances and other CHS functions.
After retirement, Mr. Steele enjoyed many jobs, hobbies and adventures. For example, he drove a tour bus for several years. He also took up bicycle riding, a passion that, once ignited, endured for the remainder of his life.
During his 1999 heart-bypass recovery at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Mr. Steele and his wife were inspired to become volunteers at the hospital. Wanting to help other heart surgery patients in their recovery, he volunteered in the cardiac ward for approximately one year. He also served on the hospital’s bicycle security team.
“Jack was always looking for ways to reach out and provide service to the community,” the family wrote.
Mr. Steele is survived by his wife, Carey Steele of Apple Valley; by his son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Cheri Steele of Apple Valley; by his daughter and son-in-law, Judy Steele Morgan and Patrick Morgan of Loomis; and by his grandchildren Brian Steele, Summer Lee, Megan Steele and Sean Morgan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Elsie, and by his brothers, Ralph and Doyt.
Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2008 at Todd Memorial Chapel, 570 N. Garey Ave., Pomona. Following the service, interment will take place at Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont. A reception will then be held at the Irvine residence, 1393 Carthage Court, Claremont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of the Inland Counties, 17421 Hesperia Rd., Suite 110, Victorville, CA 92345; or to Pomona Valley Hospital Foundation, 1798 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91767.
