Greenock Family History
Chapter 3: John and Flora Greenock and Their Children
JOHN GREENOCK
born 28 May 1870 in Glasgow, Scotland
died 19 July 1947 in Des Plaines, Illinois (age 77)
FLORA MATILDA TUESNELDA REBMAN
born 29 June 1877 in Shermerville, Illinois
died 17 January 1958 in Chicago, Illinois (age 81)
At age 29, John Greenock married Flora Matilda Tuesnelda Rebman, (daughter of Sara Trier Rebman and Jacob John Rebman). They married 7 June 1899 -- Flora was 22. Three children were born of this union: Gertrude Flora, 20 August 1900; Jeanie Helen, born 22 March 1903, and Dorothy Pearl, born 20 October 1905. All were born in Chicago.
True to his father’s bidding, John Greenock worked as a plumber. When he married, he had his own plumbing business at 5745 S. Wentworth; he and his family lived upstairs. He was in business for himself for fifteen years. Later, he was a foreman for Southside Plumbing (a subsidiary of Swift & Company). The stockyards and railroads provided employment for many of our families. The turn of the Century was the time refrigerated railroad cars were introduced, and this was very important to the meat packing industry, a large employer for Chicago (and our family).
John and Flora Greenock raised their children in the Ogden Park area of Chicago and all were very active in the Ogden Park Methodist Church. Grandpa served as secretary/treasurer for the Church for many years.
John and Flora never did own a car - they got around via street cars. My Mom remembers Christmas’ when the family would street car to the grandparent’s house, loaded with presents. The parents would walk between the children, all holding hands, and John would say ‘curb here, step down’; ‘turning right, be careful.’ Grandpa would also relate little poems and ditties he had learned as a child, such as:
My mother at age 90 still remembered these ditties and could relate them verbatim! John was a cautious and caring father and grandfather. Mom also recalls Grandpa shined the whole family’s shoes each Sunday.
Flora and John had the great good fortune of having a summer residence in the Des Plaines Methodist Campgrounds in Des Plaines, Ill. One’s first thought when they hear ‘campgrounds’ are of tents, camp stoves, etc. The campground at Des Plaines was made up of many fine cottages, obviously set for warm weather use, offering a quiet retreat from city life. There were many family gatherings held there and often the grandchildren were able to spend part of their summer vacation time there.
The Des Plaines Campground had a wonderful swimming pool where for a nominal sum (if you had a swimming cap) you could swim. The cottage that Grandpa and Granny had was very cozy; it had a screened in L-shaped porch (where the floor sort of tilted, but furniture stayed in place!) with wicker furniture and swings. Also on the porch was a small area with a bed that was wonderful for sleeping on hot summer nights. Small as that cottage was, it was extremely expansive when the family assembled. The Tabernacle on the campgrounds was a circular building with a walkway around it. Many a race was run with youngsters starting at the same point to see who could get back to that point first!
Flora Greenock and family friend Harry Campbell operated a small food store/snack bar on the campgrounds several summers and the grandchildren were allowed to ‘help.’ Harry Campbell and his wife Helen were close friends of John and Flora and they had several ventures together. The Greenocks and Campbell’s also operated a grocery store on 75th and Paxton in Chicago for several years.
John Greenock passed away of a strangulated hernia (according to the death cert) on 19 July 1947 in Des Plaines. He had impacted many lives (and continues to do so). Grandpa Greenock was very good about sharing stories and was well-versed in the Bible, an influence his mother had on all of her children. Taking long walks with him after a holiday meal (after he had had his two slices of bread with butter) was especially informative. John spoke as he wrote his narrative of the family history; with a great deal of religious conviction and faith in God. He was small in stature, spoke thoughtfully and slowly. We recall when we posed a direct question to him, he would take a puff of his pipe, exhale slowly, slowly rock the rocking chair, and then would give us a detailed answer. We do not recall him speaking with a ‘Scottish’ accent. My Mother recalls that the meals served had some Scottish traditions: such as finnan haddie, oats, minced scallops, to name a few. As you know, fish was a mainstay in Scottish cuisine, as there isn’t a town in Scotland more than 60 miles away from water! Granny Greenock made a wonderful Scottish shortbread and although the Scottish people drank Scotch with their shortbread, I am sure John and Flora drank tea with this delicacy.
Bill Laskey reminded me that we had another Toots in our family. Granny and Grandpa had a Fox Terrier named Toots. This dog was not best known for obedience. When Aunt Toots visited, they called the dog by other names so as not to offend Aunt Toots, and the dog paid no attention to their orders, not unlike his normal behavior!!
The 1920 Census of Cook County (Flora Greenock was the enumerator) shows John, age 49, Flora, age 42, daughter Helen Jean (age 17) and daughter Dorothy P. (Age 15) living at 6732 Loomis. Mom (Helen) was listed as a file clerk at a packing company and Dody was listed as a file clerk at a department store. Gertrude had already married.
Flora Greenock passed way of a cerebral hemorrhage (although she was treated for years for general arteriosclerosis) on 17 January 1958 in Chicago. She was 81. Granny was subject to epileptic seizures through the years. I think they were of the petite mal type. She had lived some of the latter years of her life in the home of her son-in-law, William Jennings Laskey in Evergreen Park. She moved to the Methodist Home on Foster Avenue two and a half years before she passed away. Granny passed a legacy of love and caring to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved the simple things of life and took pleasure in corresponding with her grandchildren. When I lived in Germany in the early 50s, Granny never failed to write and send stamps, or a couple dollars, thoughtful items that I really appreciated. John and Flora Greenock are buried side by side in Willow Hills Cemetery in Willow Springs, Illinois (cemetery formerly known as Fairmount).
THEIR CHILDREN:
GERTRUDE FLORA GREENOCK
born 20 August 1900 in Chicago Illinois
died in October 1948 in Chicago, Illinois (age 48)
WILLIAM JENNINGS LASKEY
born December 4, 1896 in Chicago
died 2 July 1985 in Chicago, Illinois (age 89)
Gertrude Flora married William Jennings Laskey (father, William J. Laskey, born 1859 - died 1919; mother, Caroline W., born 1859 - died 1934) on 12 September 1917. Gertrude was 17 and Jennings 20. They say that Gertrude got her last doll and her engagement ring the same year! They met at Ogden Park Church, and Gertrude won his heart by demonstrating her skill at roller skating by his house! They were a very handsome couple. Two children were born: Dorothy Florence, born 30 October 1921, and William John, born 3 October 1922 -- both in Chicago.
Shortly after the marriage, Jennings was drafted into World War I. This War was not like the Spanish American War where men lined up at recruiting offices to volunteer. World War I introduced conscription in order to get the forces needed to fight a European war. When Jennings was sent to South Carolina, Gertrude was able to join him there.
Upon leaving the military Jennings worked at Swift & Company up to the time of the Depression. Later he worked with Cities Service Oil Company.
Gertrude and Jennings set up housekeeping in Chicago, but moved to Evergreen Park (9547 S. Troy) when their children were 17 and 19. They were both very active in this then small community. Jennings served on the school board. He also was one of the people who established the public library in Evergreen Park. Gertrude and Jennings both devoted a great deal of time to the church youth group and spent several summers at Lake Geneva Methodist Youth Camp as counselors. Gertrude also worked with Flossie McGuire at the Evergreen Park 5 and l0 cent store.
Gertrude passed away in 1948 of cancer. She lived long enough to see her first grandchild, Stephen Scott Smith born. Jennings remained in the community until 1966 when he took up residence at the Georgian Hotel, Evanston, IL, where he could be closer to his children and grandchildren that lived on the north side of Chicago.
Jennings Laskey belonged to the Blue Lodge and was a Shriner. Jennings and my father, Marshall Jackson, helped build the First Methodist Church in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Jennings was recipient of the Evergreen Park “Outstanding Citizen” award and received the key to the village in 1965. William Jennings Laskey passed away on 2 July 1985 in Evanston, Illinois, after having remained active at the Georgian for many years. He is buried next to his wife at Willow Hills Cemetery in Willow Springs, Illinois. The gravesite is close to his parents graves.
I found a gracious and gentle poem (two adjectives that I believe describe Gertrude) titled Table Setting, written by Gertrude Laskey, that I would like to share with you:
THEIR CHILDREN:
DOROTHY FLORENCE LASKEY
Dorothy married Gerald Lloyd Smith (born 21 March 1921 in Manchester, Iowa) at Wee Kirk O’ the Heather, Forest Lawn, Glendale, California on 26 August 1944. Gerald Smith was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time. He was a Lieutenant in the Amphibious Forces from September 1943 to 1946. Dorothy’s cousin, Bob Morley, hitchhiked from his naval base in San Diego to attend the wedding. Gertrude Laskey was also in attendance. Dennis Day (who for years was a tenor with the Jack Benny show) sang at the wedding. Two of the songs sung were ‘Through the Years’ and ‘Because’. These same songs had been a part of Gertrude and Jennings Laskey’s ceremony, and years later Jerry Smith sang them at the Todd and Marcia Smith wedding. Jerry is gifted with a beautiful baritone voice, still rich and strong even today.
Dorothy and Jerry met at the University of Dubuque in Iowa, both receiving Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Education. Jerry, Voice and Music, and Dorothy, Creative Dramatics. Both impacted the fields of their choice. Jerry was a Professor of Voice at Northwestern University in Evanston for 37 years.
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Dorothy and Jerry have done extensive research into family history. They have visited libraries and birthplaces of many family members. A very valuable resource to a genealogist is a graveyard and the Smiths have visited gravesites, taken down as much information as possible, spoken with the caretakers of the cemetery and tracked ownership of grave plots. Invaluable information!
Dorothy Laskey Smith passed away at age 67 of cancer on 6 May 1988, a few months short of forty years after this same disease took her mother’s life. Her remains are buried in a family plot in Chapel Hills, Chicago Ridge, Illinois. (unmarked grave) Jerry passed away of heart failure on 10 July 1999.
WILLIAM JOHN LASKEY
Bill Laskey married Joanne Weed on 6 January 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. They had met at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Both talented educators.
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Joanne passed away 22 June 1995 of cancer. Bill worked at Armour and Company upon graduation from high school. He started in the mailroom and then advanced to the Credit Department. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 (age 20) and served until 1945 with the Army Air Force. He saw duty in New York, India and the Philippines.
Bill taught band and had the pleasure of accompanying his award-winning marching bands to many competitions. Bill retired from education in 1980 and traveled with his family. He also was able to spend time on his enthusiasms: photography, motorcycles and as a jazz musician. He has a company called In Focus Photography, and has had his work published in several periodicals. In the year 2002 Bill received his private pilot’s license. The same year he turned 80!! In 2003 Bill purchased a bi-plane called Baby Great Lakes.
JEANIE HELEN GREENOCK
born 22 March 1903 in Chicago, Illinois
died 5 March 1994 in Evergreen Park, Illinois
MARSHALL BENTON JACKSON
born 30 October 1900 in LaCenter, Kentucky
died 4 July 1999 in Oak Lawn, Illinois
Helen Jean (as she is known), my mother, married auto car racer Marshall Jackson on 30 July 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He was 27 and she was 24. They were married at Doremus Congregational Church, Chicago. Dad was ready to settle down. He had done some traveling and quite a bit of racing, so the lovebirds decided on Sunday that they wanted to be married the following Saturday. They rushed around and managed to get all done as far as licenses, etc. were concerned. After the ceremony they went to the Greenock family home. Granny Greenock’s dining room had been decorated, and Helen’s Aunt Gee Gee (wife of Adolph C. Rebman) played the wedding march as they entered the room after the ceremony. They spent their wedding night in the home of the matron of honor, Edna (and Phil) Schuh. Ed Morley was best man.
My father was born Marshall Benton Ashcraft, son of Bertha Simons and Charles Ashcraft. He was born in a log cabin just outside of LaCenter, KY. Shortly after his birth Charlie Ashcraft died in a farm accident when he was hit over the head with a rail. Bertha married Charles Jackson around 1903, and my Dad assumed his name. Around 1905 Bertha and Charlie Jackson moved to Ilmo, Missouri. Two more children were born to Bertha - Aline, who died at age three and Mildred, born 30 October 1910.
Four daughters were born to Marshall and Helen: Jeanne, Joanne, Nancy, and Marcia. Jeanne, Joanne and Nancy were born at Jackson Park Hospital in Chicago; Marcia at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park - all in Cook County, Illinois.
Their first home was a two-room apartment at 1516 W. 79th Street. In 1933 they moved to Evergreen Park and had an apartment at 94th and Homan. Later moved to a small home near 96th and Kedzie, where we had a small chicken coop. Remember, Evergreen Park was not very ‘urban’ at this time!! Not only did the chickens provide us with eggs, we were occasionally able to take small chicks to school for ‘show and tell’. In 1941 they bought the home at 9218 S. Turner, where they have lived for over 50 years. During World War II we had “victory gardens”, sometimes sharing responsibility with a neighbor. The gardens continued throughout the years, long after the need to call it a ‘victory’ garden. Most of the vegetables were canned for use, and Mother’s pickle relish and chili sauce were known as the best! (She had gotten the recipes from her mother!)
There had been a previous marriage for Helen (to George Dewey) and from that marriage George John Dewey was born on 18 December 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. The marriage ended in divorce.
Helen was 24 and working with a law firm in downtown Chicago at the time she and my Dad, Marshall Jackson, married. She continued to work with the law firm for several years after the marriage.
They had met at Altgeld Elementary School and also attended Ogden Park Methodist Church as youngsters. Mom attended Parker High School, and in their teen years, she and Dad had dated (mostly with a group of friends). Marshall served 18 months in the Merchant Marines in 1918-19 and saw interesting ports of call such as New Orleans, Louisiana, Bar Harbor, Maine and points in between. (Motto of Merchant Marines: ‘For Trade, Travel, Defense. The American Merchant Marine.’) He was trained at Camp Stewart, Virginia, aboard the ship Utoba. He worked as a machinist on a coal burning ship by the name of Winona County. The Winona had many mechanical problems, so in Galveston, Texas he and a group of others got off that ship before it headed to the Dead Sea for a delivery of wheat, and he served the remaining months on board an oil tanker named the Torres. While in Galveston, he wrote to Helen only to discover she had married someone else! By the time he returned to Chicago, she had divorced, which works out well for the rest of this story.
Life in Evergreen Park for Helen was the family, Church, the PTA, and as a member of Eastern Star. Helen was also active in politics, and worked at the polling precincts for years. She also worked for a time at the 5 and l0 cent store (and yes, there were many items for that amount, not to mention the penny candy counter!). She worked at Wolf’s bakery. It was great stopping there on the way to school to get a sweet roll! She remained active in the community all her life. When her children were in elementary school, she had a spring luncheon for the teachers each year. Each year we passed to the next grade level.
Marshall Jackson had several occupations, but the skill he utilized most in the support of his family was his mechanical ability. He stopped racing autos shortly after the marriage, but never gave up his enthusiasm for the sport. Many of his children and grandchildren would become fans because of him. Now whenever we hear ‘gentlemen (persons), start your engines’ we think of our Dad. He is a Blue Ridge Free Mason, a 65-year charter member in Evergreen Park. Dad died of pneumonia or congestive heart failure on 4 July 1999 and is buried next to my mother at Evergreen Park Cemetery.
My inspiration, my mentor - my Mother - passed away 5 March 1994, 17 days short of her 91st birthday, at her home in Evergreen Park. She had been under doctor’s care for congestive heart failure. Her little body gave out on her, but her mind remained active until the very end. It has been with her and through her that we have been able to construct so much of our family history. Her life is a tribute to her strong Scottish-German family background, as well as her deep faith in God. She was so proud of this story, as it unfolded. She will be missed. While bagpipes played, she was carried to her final resting place by six of her grandsons: the Mackowiak’s, Tim, Larry, Kent and Don; Bob O’Dowd, and Paul Dewey.
THEIR CHILDREN:
GEORGE JOHN DEWEY
Young George, my brother, was taken to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933 by Grandma, Flora Greenock (I wonder if he got to see Sally Rand!). It was at this time that George decided he needed to see the world! W.W.II gave him an opportunity to see Japan, and he has traveled back there several times in the intervening years. George also has been to several other World Fairs, has traveled to Israel, Canada and Europe.
George Dewey graduated from Parker High School in Chicago in 1938. He was drafted and served with the U.S. Army in the Signal Heavy Construction Battalion from December 1944 until October 1946. He saw duty in Japan for one year. George married pretty and petite Florence Pritzen on 7 June 1942 in Chicago. They had met at Parker High School. Upon leaving the military service he took a job as a draftsman for International Harvester where he worked for 32 years. He also has taught drafting. He spent five years in County Jail, not as an inmate mind you, just as a teacher!
George’s enthusiasms are Church, photography, automobiles, piloting small planes, auto racing, gadgets, travel and the organ, not necessarily in that order. He and Florence are both active in their church, The Plymouth Brethren Assembly. George died of cancer on 6 August 2001. He had been treated for it for several years.
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JEANNE HELEN JACKSON
We grew up in a small home, with one bathroom. We always said the first out of the house was the best dressed. Jeanne was always first out. Jeanne attended Calumet High School, and in 1949 she met and married Robert Edward O’Dowd (on 22 July 1949). Three children were born: Vicki, Robert Jr., Daniel. Jeanne has been a homemaker, and Bob worked with sales and service of office equipment. Bob passed away at age 44 of congestive heart failure on 6 October 1972, and is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth, Ill. (the Mulligan family plot - Bob’s mother, Marie O’Dowd (1911-1953) is buried here also).
Jeanne then married George (Mickey) Mack on 19 May 1974 in Cook County. Jeanne and Mickey make their home in Justice, Illinois. They also have a winter home in Pinellas Park, Florida. Mickey retired from Universal Oil Products (UOP) in 1992.
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Daniel Scott O’Dowd was afflicted with Cerebral Palsy at birth and never married. Although Danny does not speak, he does communicate very well with those around him, and he is keenly aware of what is happening. Apparently C.P. has affected only his verbal and motor skills, not his ability to think. Danny passed away on 22 April 2002 in Pinellas Park, Florida at age 45. Vicki McDonough wrote a beautiful eulogy for Danny’s memorial service. She also wrote a poem that is warm and comforting for all of us:
JOANNE ALINE JACKSON
Joanne was always the sensitive daughter/sister. We loved to sing ‘I’m a Poor Sorrowful Beggar Girl’ to her, and we were never sure if it was the words or our voices that made her hold her hands over her ears. Joanne attended Calumet High School. She married Leroy John Langland 22 April 1950. There were six children, all born in Evergreen Park, Illinois: Michael, Lee Anne, David, Mark, Karyn, Thomas. Lee owned several gas stations through the years and was fortunate to have had his sons work with him. He owned a Mobil station at 9lst and Kedzie at the time of his death. Lee Langland died of a massive heart attack on 17 October 1990. He was 60 years old. He is buried in Evergreen Park Cemetery.
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NANCY LEE JACKSON
This was the perfect child. Married Thomas Brendan Quaid (born 22 May 1933 in Little Company of Mary Hospital, Evergreen Park) on 19 December 1953 at Saint Kilian’s Church in Chicago. Both attended Calumet High School in Chicago, Tom graduating a year and a half before me. Four children: Thomas Jr, Teresa, Peter, Patrick.
Tom Sr. enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from January 1952 through 1956, in air traffic control, having spent three of those years in Germany (Bitburg Air Force Base). For almost two years, we lived in Trier, Germany (near the Mosel River). Tom graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960. He joined Motorola, Inc. in Chicago and in 1968 moved with Motorola to Scottsdale, Arizona (land of perpetual sunshine and an occasional flood). I worked in the schools, first as a volunteer and then as a paid employee (ten years in Pueblo Elementary School’s library) and then for 12 years with a wholesale insurance company, as their Marketing Rep, retiring in 1992. Tom took early retirement from Motorola on 26 May 1995. In January 1997, Tom joined Spectrum Astro, an Advanced Space Systems Company as Director of Commercial Space Operations. In November 1999 he again retired.
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MARCIA BEA JACKSON
Marcia was the one that we used to get my Dad to drive us anywhere. She could do the ‘cry on cue’ and get him to agree to drive us to a movie, to Ridge Fieldhouse to swim, anywhere!! She attended Blue Island High School, but once Evergreen Park (finally!) got a high school, she went there. She also attended Moraine Community College. She met her future husband in Justice, Ill. He was Jeanne’s next door neighbor. She married Jerry Mackowiak (born 17 November 1936) on 29 September 1956 in Cook County. Four sons: Timothy, Lawrence, Kent, and Donald - all born in Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Ill. (As was their Mother).
Marcia and Jerry purchased a home in Bridgeview, Ill. in 1958 the same day their second son was born. Jerry worked as a lift truck mechanic with Corn Products until he took disability retirement in 1981. Jerry was diagnosed with chronic polymicitis (muscular dystrophy) in 1962. Jerry died October 2, 1998 of complications of this ailment. He is buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.
Marcia works as a quality assurance technician with IVEX Corporation. They manufacture corrugated paper products. Marcia and Jerry have worked on many creative projects together, one of which is creating and making porcelain reproduction dolls. Beautiful collector items and something that will be treasured forever. Theirs is a very close-knit family and they all look forward to the annual family camp out in Southern Illinois.
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DOROTHY PEARL GREENOCK
born 20 October 1905 in Chicago, Illinois
died 15 April 1980 in San Bernardino County, California (age 75)
EDWARD FRANCIS MORLEY
born 29 September 1899 in Chicago, Illinois
died 23 July 1971 in Highland Park, Illinois (age 72)
Dorothy Pearl married Edward Francis Morley (son of Ellen Burke and Michael Morley) 16 June 1923 when she was 19 years of age and Ed was 24. There had been a ‘secret’ wedding for these lovebirds; Cook County has a record of marriage dated 8 December 1921. There had been some opposition to the marriage because of the different religions. They were remarried in June of 1923, with all family members present and this is the wedding anniversary they celebrated. Ed worked for many years with Cities Service Oil Company.
Dorothy and Ed lived for several years in Highland Park, Ill. where they managed a yellow cab operation. We used to love to visit them there and used the opportunity to run through the hallway, making lots of noise and (if Bob wasn’t there) play on his drum set! This apartment was above a National Tea store, and seeing as our visits were normally on Sunday when the store was closed, we could make as much noise as we wanted - and I'm sure that was a lot!
Dorothy used her extensive verbal, writing and organizational skills in her career. She worked at Marshall Field’s in downtown Chicago while still a teen, but spent many years working with the Highland Park School District as a comptometer operator, also at Kleinschmidt and later with a bank in Deerfield. Dorothy kept close contact with family and friends, and I always thought of her as ‘the great communicator’! Ed Morley, and later son Bob, umpired baseball games. Ed’s quick Irish humor and captivating smile will be remembered by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Their only child, Robert Edward Francis Morley was born 2 July 1925 in Englewood Hospital in Chicago. At that time, Ed worked as a driver for Bowman Dairy.
Ed passed away of cancer on 23 July 1971 in Highland Park Hospital. They had moved from their Deerpath residence into a townhouse also in Deerfield, and eventually Dorothy moved to Redlands, CA to be closer to her family. She passed away of cancer on 15 April 1980 in California. She is entombed next to her beloved Ed in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Hillside, Illinois.
ROBERT EDWARD FRANCIS MORLEY
Bob and his Mother were baptized Roman Catholic when Bob was six years old (and his Mom a little older!). Bob attended Immaculate Conception elementary school and graduated from Highland Park High School.
Bob received his ‘Uncle Sam Wants you for World War II’ letter, and quickly decided he would rather serve in the Navy, so he enlisted 3 September 1943. Boot camp was in Farragut, Idaho. He attended radio school in Indianapolis, Indiana for five months, and became a Radioman First Class. Little did he know that the typing skills his Mom encouraged him to learn would assist him when he became a Navy radioman. He was stationed in San Diego for six months and then was put aboard the PA17 attach transport, and saw duty in Guam. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946, and then went to work for Bowman Dairy, where he worked until he joined Culligan.
Bob married Joy Ann Hester on 15 May 1954. Jerry Smith was soloist and sang ‘Because’ and ‘I Love Thee Dear’ at their ceremony. The children of this marriage are Lisa, Michael and Beth.
Bob and Joy met while they were working with Culligan Water Softeners and after spending a great deal of time on inter-office telephone calls (albeit discreetly) they decided to marry. Bob eventually opened his own franchise of Servisoft Water Conditioning in Redlands, CA on 28 June 1979. They had also lived in St. Petersburg, FL, Glenview, Ill., Nashville, Tennessee, and San Jose, CA before settling in Redlands. Bob, ‘tis said, is a natural born salesman, and although I haven’t figured out what that means, Bob has made a career in sales. Joy has devoted much time in the happy pursuit of music via the Sweet Adelines organization, as well as working with the family business. Bob, always the supportive husband, accompanies Joy on her Sweet Adeline competitions, cheering her group on. Golf also happens to be another love of his life, and he plays as often as possible. Bob passed away 16 June 2004 just two weeks before his 79th birthday. He had been suffering from lung problems, kidney and liver failure. He is buried in Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, CA.
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Previous: Chapter 2: Robert and Jane Redpath Greenock's Children
Next: Chapter 4: Other Family Members
Chapter 3: John and Flora Greenock and Their Children
JOHN GREENOCK
born 28 May 1870 in Glasgow, Scotland
died 19 July 1947 in Des Plaines, Illinois (age 77)
FLORA MATILDA TUESNELDA REBMAN
born 29 June 1877 in Shermerville, Illinois
died 17 January 1958 in Chicago, Illinois (age 81)
Flora Rebman Greenock & John Greenock wedding photo, June 7, 1899. On the right are attendants Olive Fuchs and William C. Segessenman. |
John and Flora's wedding license. |
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Dorothy, Gertude and Helen Greenock |
Gertrude, Dorothy, Helen. Dorothy Lasky Smith in the background. |
True to his father’s bidding, John Greenock worked as a plumber. When he married, he had his own plumbing business at 5745 S. Wentworth; he and his family lived upstairs. He was in business for himself for fifteen years. Later, he was a foreman for Southside Plumbing (a subsidiary of Swift & Company). The stockyards and railroads provided employment for many of our families. The turn of the Century was the time refrigerated railroad cars were introduced, and this was very important to the meat packing industry, a large employer for Chicago (and our family).
John and Flora Greenock raised their children in the Ogden Park area of Chicago and all were very active in the Ogden Park Methodist Church. Grandpa served as secretary/treasurer for the Church for many years.
John and Flora never did own a car - they got around via street cars. My Mom remembers Christmas’ when the family would street car to the grandparent’s house, loaded with presents. The parents would walk between the children, all holding hands, and John would say ‘curb here, step down’; ‘turning right, be careful.’ Grandpa would also relate little poems and ditties he had learned as a child, such as:
Ollie Bollie,
Ollie Bollie Bee.
Sittin’ on your Papa’s knee.
Gruting (weeping or begging) for another bawbee (coin)
To buy a Coaters (brand name?) candee.
My mother at age 90 still remembered these ditties and could relate them verbatim! John was a cautious and caring father and grandfather. Mom also recalls Grandpa shined the whole family’s shoes each Sunday.
John and Flora Greenock's cottage at the Methodist Campground in Des Plaines, Illinois (#2 Thompson) |
The Des Plaines Campground had a wonderful swimming pool where for a nominal sum (if you had a swimming cap) you could swim. The cottage that Grandpa and Granny had was very cozy; it had a screened in L-shaped porch (where the floor sort of tilted, but furniture stayed in place!) with wicker furniture and swings. Also on the porch was a small area with a bed that was wonderful for sleeping on hot summer nights. Small as that cottage was, it was extremely expansive when the family assembled. The Tabernacle on the campgrounds was a circular building with a walkway around it. Many a race was run with youngsters starting at the same point to see who could get back to that point first!
Flora Greenock and family friend Harry Campbell operated a small food store/snack bar on the campgrounds several summers and the grandchildren were allowed to ‘help.’ Harry Campbell and his wife Helen were close friends of John and Flora and they had several ventures together. The Greenocks and Campbell’s also operated a grocery store on 75th and Paxton in Chicago for several years.
John Greenock passed away of a strangulated hernia (according to the death cert) on 19 July 1947 in Des Plaines. He had impacted many lives (and continues to do so). Grandpa Greenock was very good about sharing stories and was well-versed in the Bible, an influence his mother had on all of her children. Taking long walks with him after a holiday meal (after he had had his two slices of bread with butter) was especially informative. John spoke as he wrote his narrative of the family history; with a great deal of religious conviction and faith in God. He was small in stature, spoke thoughtfully and slowly. We recall when we posed a direct question to him, he would take a puff of his pipe, exhale slowly, slowly rock the rocking chair, and then would give us a detailed answer. We do not recall him speaking with a ‘Scottish’ accent. My Mother recalls that the meals served had some Scottish traditions: such as finnan haddie, oats, minced scallops, to name a few. As you know, fish was a mainstay in Scottish cuisine, as there isn’t a town in Scotland more than 60 miles away from water! Granny Greenock made a wonderful Scottish shortbread and although the Scottish people drank Scotch with their shortbread, I am sure John and Flora drank tea with this delicacy.
Bill Laskey reminded me that we had another Toots in our family. Granny and Grandpa had a Fox Terrier named Toots. This dog was not best known for obedience. When Aunt Toots visited, they called the dog by other names so as not to offend Aunt Toots, and the dog paid no attention to their orders, not unlike his normal behavior!!
The 1920 Census of Cook County (Flora Greenock was the enumerator) shows John, age 49, Flora, age 42, daughter Helen Jean (age 17) and daughter Dorothy P. (Age 15) living at 6732 Loomis. Mom (Helen) was listed as a file clerk at a packing company and Dody was listed as a file clerk at a department store. Gertrude had already married.
Flora and John Greenock, circa 1947 |
THEIR CHILDREN:
GERTRUDE FLORA GREENOCK
born 20 August 1900 in Chicago Illinois
died in October 1948 in Chicago, Illinois (age 48)
WILLIAM JENNINGS LASKEY
born December 4, 1896 in Chicago
died 2 July 1985 in Chicago, Illinois (age 89)
Gertrude and Jennings wedding picture. |
Shortly after the marriage, Jennings was drafted into World War I. This War was not like the Spanish American War where men lined up at recruiting offices to volunteer. World War I introduced conscription in order to get the forces needed to fight a European war. When Jennings was sent to South Carolina, Gertrude was able to join him there.
Upon leaving the military Jennings worked at Swift & Company up to the time of the Depression. Later he worked with Cities Service Oil Company.
Gertrude and Jennings set up housekeeping in Chicago, but moved to Evergreen Park (9547 S. Troy) when their children were 17 and 19. They were both very active in this then small community. Jennings served on the school board. He also was one of the people who established the public library in Evergreen Park. Gertrude and Jennings both devoted a great deal of time to the church youth group and spent several summers at Lake Geneva Methodist Youth Camp as counselors. Gertrude also worked with Flossie McGuire at the Evergreen Park 5 and l0 cent store.
Jennings in WWI |
Jennings Laskey belonged to the Blue Lodge and was a Shriner. Jennings and my father, Marshall Jackson, helped build the First Methodist Church in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Jennings was recipient of the Evergreen Park “Outstanding Citizen” award and received the key to the village in 1965. William Jennings Laskey passed away on 2 July 1985 in Evanston, Illinois, after having remained active at the Georgian for many years. He is buried next to his wife at Willow Hills Cemetery in Willow Springs, Illinois. The gravesite is close to his parents graves.
I found a gracious and gentle poem (two adjectives that I believe describe Gertrude) titled Table Setting, written by Gertrude Laskey, that I would like to share with you:
Spread the cover, count each face
Lay a plate to mark each place
At right the knives and spoons we lay
for On left the forks and napkins gay
At tip of knife place glass water
And left a plate for bread and butter
Where Mother sits the tea things go,
Cream, sugar, teapot, cups you know
In front of Father’s place so neat,
Lay knife and fork to serve the meat
A plate for bread, the staff of life
And one for butter, butter knife,
Some salt and pepper don’t forget
And now the supper table’s set.
THEIR CHILDREN:
DOROTHY FLORENCE LASKEY
Dorothy married Gerald Lloyd Smith (born 21 March 1921 in Manchester, Iowa) at Wee Kirk O’ the Heather, Forest Lawn, Glendale, California on 26 August 1944. Gerald Smith was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time. He was a Lieutenant in the Amphibious Forces from September 1943 to 1946. Dorothy’s cousin, Bob Morley, hitchhiked from his naval base in San Diego to attend the wedding. Gertrude Laskey was also in attendance. Dennis Day (who for years was a tenor with the Jack Benny show) sang at the wedding. Two of the songs sung were ‘Through the Years’ and ‘Because’. These same songs had been a part of Gertrude and Jennings Laskey’s ceremony, and years later Jerry Smith sang them at the Todd and Marcia Smith wedding. Jerry is gifted with a beautiful baritone voice, still rich and strong even today.
Dorothy and Jerry met at the University of Dubuque in Iowa, both receiving Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Education. Jerry, Voice and Music, and Dorothy, Creative Dramatics. Both impacted the fields of their choice. Jerry was a Professor of Voice at Northwestern University in Evanston for 37 years.
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Dorothy and Jerry have done extensive research into family history. They have visited libraries and birthplaces of many family members. A very valuable resource to a genealogist is a graveyard and the Smiths have visited gravesites, taken down as much information as possible, spoken with the caretakers of the cemetery and tracked ownership of grave plots. Invaluable information!
Dorothy Laskey Smith passed away at age 67 of cancer on 6 May 1988, a few months short of forty years after this same disease took her mother’s life. Her remains are buried in a family plot in Chapel Hills, Chicago Ridge, Illinois. (unmarked grave) Jerry passed away of heart failure on 10 July 1999.
WILLIAM JOHN LASKEY
Bill Laskey married Joanne Weed on 6 January 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. They had met at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Both talented educators.
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Joanne passed away 22 June 1995 of cancer. Bill worked at Armour and Company upon graduation from high school. He started in the mailroom and then advanced to the Credit Department. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 (age 20) and served until 1945 with the Army Air Force. He saw duty in New York, India and the Philippines.
Bill taught band and had the pleasure of accompanying his award-winning marching bands to many competitions. Bill retired from education in 1980 and traveled with his family. He also was able to spend time on his enthusiasms: photography, motorcycles and as a jazz musician. He has a company called In Focus Photography, and has had his work published in several periodicals. In the year 2002 Bill received his private pilot’s license. The same year he turned 80!! In 2003 Bill purchased a bi-plane called Baby Great Lakes.
Helen and Marshall Jackson |
JEANIE HELEN GREENOCK
born 22 March 1903 in Chicago, Illinois
died 5 March 1994 in Evergreen Park, Illinois
MARSHALL BENTON JACKSON
born 30 October 1900 in LaCenter, Kentucky
died 4 July 1999 in Oak Lawn, Illinois
Helen Jean (as she is known), my mother, married auto car racer Marshall Jackson on 30 July 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He was 27 and she was 24. They were married at Doremus Congregational Church, Chicago. Dad was ready to settle down. He had done some traveling and quite a bit of racing, so the lovebirds decided on Sunday that they wanted to be married the following Saturday. They rushed around and managed to get all done as far as licenses, etc. were concerned. After the ceremony they went to the Greenock family home. Granny Greenock’s dining room had been decorated, and Helen’s Aunt Gee Gee (wife of Adolph C. Rebman) played the wedding march as they entered the room after the ceremony. They spent their wedding night in the home of the matron of honor, Edna (and Phil) Schuh. Ed Morley was best man.
My father was born Marshall Benton Ashcraft, son of Bertha Simons and Charles Ashcraft. He was born in a log cabin just outside of LaCenter, KY. Shortly after his birth Charlie Ashcraft died in a farm accident when he was hit over the head with a rail. Bertha married Charles Jackson around 1903, and my Dad assumed his name. Around 1905 Bertha and Charlie Jackson moved to Ilmo, Missouri. Two more children were born to Bertha - Aline, who died at age three and Mildred, born 30 October 1910.
Clockwise from left, Nancy, Jeanne, Joanne and Marcia Jackson |
Their first home was a two-room apartment at 1516 W. 79th Street. In 1933 they moved to Evergreen Park and had an apartment at 94th and Homan. Later moved to a small home near 96th and Kedzie, where we had a small chicken coop. Remember, Evergreen Park was not very ‘urban’ at this time!! Not only did the chickens provide us with eggs, we were occasionally able to take small chicks to school for ‘show and tell’. In 1941 they bought the home at 9218 S. Turner, where they have lived for over 50 years. During World War II we had “victory gardens”, sometimes sharing responsibility with a neighbor. The gardens continued throughout the years, long after the need to call it a ‘victory’ garden. Most of the vegetables were canned for use, and Mother’s pickle relish and chili sauce were known as the best! (She had gotten the recipes from her mother!)
George John Dewey in WWII uniform |
Helen was 24 and working with a law firm in downtown Chicago at the time she and my Dad, Marshall Jackson, married. She continued to work with the law firm for several years after the marriage.
They had met at Altgeld Elementary School and also attended Ogden Park Methodist Church as youngsters. Mom attended Parker High School, and in their teen years, she and Dad had dated (mostly with a group of friends). Marshall served 18 months in the Merchant Marines in 1918-19 and saw interesting ports of call such as New Orleans, Louisiana, Bar Harbor, Maine and points in between. (Motto of Merchant Marines: ‘For Trade, Travel, Defense. The American Merchant Marine.’) He was trained at Camp Stewart, Virginia, aboard the ship Utoba. He worked as a machinist on a coal burning ship by the name of Winona County. The Winona had many mechanical problems, so in Galveston, Texas he and a group of others got off that ship before it headed to the Dead Sea for a delivery of wheat, and he served the remaining months on board an oil tanker named the Torres. While in Galveston, he wrote to Helen only to discover she had married someone else! By the time he returned to Chicago, she had divorced, which works out well for the rest of this story.
Marshall, Helen and Marcia |
Marshall Jackson had several occupations, but the skill he utilized most in the support of his family was his mechanical ability. He stopped racing autos shortly after the marriage, but never gave up his enthusiasm for the sport. Many of his children and grandchildren would become fans because of him. Now whenever we hear ‘gentlemen (persons), start your engines’ we think of our Dad. He is a Blue Ridge Free Mason, a 65-year charter member in Evergreen Park. Dad died of pneumonia or congestive heart failure on 4 July 1999 and is buried next to my mother at Evergreen Park Cemetery.
My inspiration, my mentor - my Mother - passed away 5 March 1994, 17 days short of her 91st birthday, at her home in Evergreen Park. She had been under doctor’s care for congestive heart failure. Her little body gave out on her, but her mind remained active until the very end. It has been with her and through her that we have been able to construct so much of our family history. Her life is a tribute to her strong Scottish-German family background, as well as her deep faith in God. She was so proud of this story, as it unfolded. She will be missed. While bagpipes played, she was carried to her final resting place by six of her grandsons: the Mackowiak’s, Tim, Larry, Kent and Don; Bob O’Dowd, and Paul Dewey.
THEIR CHILDREN:
GEORGE JOHN DEWEY
Young George, my brother, was taken to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933 by Grandma, Flora Greenock (I wonder if he got to see Sally Rand!). It was at this time that George decided he needed to see the world! W.W.II gave him an opportunity to see Japan, and he has traveled back there several times in the intervening years. George also has been to several other World Fairs, has traveled to Israel, Canada and Europe.
George Dewey graduated from Parker High School in Chicago in 1938. He was drafted and served with the U.S. Army in the Signal Heavy Construction Battalion from December 1944 until October 1946. He saw duty in Japan for one year. George married pretty and petite Florence Pritzen on 7 June 1942 in Chicago. They had met at Parker High School. Upon leaving the military service he took a job as a draftsman for International Harvester where he worked for 32 years. He also has taught drafting. He spent five years in County Jail, not as an inmate mind you, just as a teacher!
George’s enthusiasms are Church, photography, automobiles, piloting small planes, auto racing, gadgets, travel and the organ, not necessarily in that order. He and Florence are both active in their church, The Plymouth Brethren Assembly. George died of cancer on 6 August 2001. He had been treated for it for several years.
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JEANNE HELEN JACKSON
We grew up in a small home, with one bathroom. We always said the first out of the house was the best dressed. Jeanne was always first out. Jeanne attended Calumet High School, and in 1949 she met and married Robert Edward O’Dowd (on 22 July 1949). Three children were born: Vicki, Robert Jr., Daniel. Jeanne has been a homemaker, and Bob worked with sales and service of office equipment. Bob passed away at age 44 of congestive heart failure on 6 October 1972, and is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth, Ill. (the Mulligan family plot - Bob’s mother, Marie O’Dowd (1911-1953) is buried here also).
Jeanne then married George (Mickey) Mack on 19 May 1974 in Cook County. Jeanne and Mickey make their home in Justice, Illinois. They also have a winter home in Pinellas Park, Florida. Mickey retired from Universal Oil Products (UOP) in 1992.
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Daniel Scott O’Dowd was afflicted with Cerebral Palsy at birth and never married. Although Danny does not speak, he does communicate very well with those around him, and he is keenly aware of what is happening. Apparently C.P. has affected only his verbal and motor skills, not his ability to think. Danny passed away on 22 April 2002 in Pinellas Park, Florida at age 45. Vicki McDonough wrote a beautiful eulogy for Danny’s memorial service. She also wrote a poem that is warm and comforting for all of us:
Even Though
Even though I couldn’t say “I love you”
Know that I did
Even though I couldn’t wrap my arms around you
Know I do now
Even though my hands couldn’t wipe away your tears
Know they do now
Even though I couldn’t walk beside you
Know I do now
Even though you can no longer touch me
Know I touch you
Every minute of your day – forever and ever
JOANNE ALINE JACKSON
Joanne was always the sensitive daughter/sister. We loved to sing ‘I’m a Poor Sorrowful Beggar Girl’ to her, and we were never sure if it was the words or our voices that made her hold her hands over her ears. Joanne attended Calumet High School. She married Leroy John Langland 22 April 1950. There were six children, all born in Evergreen Park, Illinois: Michael, Lee Anne, David, Mark, Karyn, Thomas. Lee owned several gas stations through the years and was fortunate to have had his sons work with him. He owned a Mobil station at 9lst and Kedzie at the time of his death. Lee Langland died of a massive heart attack on 17 October 1990. He was 60 years old. He is buried in Evergreen Park Cemetery.
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NANCY LEE JACKSON
Nancy Jackson in front of the Morley's taxi building. |
Tom Sr. enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from January 1952 through 1956, in air traffic control, having spent three of those years in Germany (Bitburg Air Force Base). For almost two years, we lived in Trier, Germany (near the Mosel River). Tom graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960. He joined Motorola, Inc. in Chicago and in 1968 moved with Motorola to Scottsdale, Arizona (land of perpetual sunshine and an occasional flood). I worked in the schools, first as a volunteer and then as a paid employee (ten years in Pueblo Elementary School’s library) and then for 12 years with a wholesale insurance company, as their Marketing Rep, retiring in 1992. Tom took early retirement from Motorola on 26 May 1995. In January 1997, Tom joined Spectrum Astro, an Advanced Space Systems Company as Director of Commercial Space Operations. In November 1999 he again retired.
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MARCIA BEA JACKSON
Marcia was the one that we used to get my Dad to drive us anywhere. She could do the ‘cry on cue’ and get him to agree to drive us to a movie, to Ridge Fieldhouse to swim, anywhere!! She attended Blue Island High School, but once Evergreen Park (finally!) got a high school, she went there. She also attended Moraine Community College. She met her future husband in Justice, Ill. He was Jeanne’s next door neighbor. She married Jerry Mackowiak (born 17 November 1936) on 29 September 1956 in Cook County. Four sons: Timothy, Lawrence, Kent, and Donald - all born in Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Ill. (As was their Mother).
Marcia and Jerry purchased a home in Bridgeview, Ill. in 1958 the same day their second son was born. Jerry worked as a lift truck mechanic with Corn Products until he took disability retirement in 1981. Jerry was diagnosed with chronic polymicitis (muscular dystrophy) in 1962. Jerry died October 2, 1998 of complications of this ailment. He is buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.
Marcia works as a quality assurance technician with IVEX Corporation. They manufacture corrugated paper products. Marcia and Jerry have worked on many creative projects together, one of which is creating and making porcelain reproduction dolls. Beautiful collector items and something that will be treasured forever. Theirs is a very close-knit family and they all look forward to the annual family camp out in Southern Illinois.
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DOROTHY PEARL GREENOCK
born 20 October 1905 in Chicago, Illinois
died 15 April 1980 in San Bernardino County, California (age 75)
EDWARD FRANCIS MORLEY
born 29 September 1899 in Chicago, Illinois
died 23 July 1971 in Highland Park, Illinois (age 72)
Ed, Dorothy and Bob Morley |
Dorothy and Ed lived for several years in Highland Park, Ill. where they managed a yellow cab operation. We used to love to visit them there and used the opportunity to run through the hallway, making lots of noise and (if Bob wasn’t there) play on his drum set! This apartment was above a National Tea store, and seeing as our visits were normally on Sunday when the store was closed, we could make as much noise as we wanted - and I'm sure that was a lot!
Dorothy used her extensive verbal, writing and organizational skills in her career. She worked at Marshall Field’s in downtown Chicago while still a teen, but spent many years working with the Highland Park School District as a comptometer operator, also at Kleinschmidt and later with a bank in Deerfield. Dorothy kept close contact with family and friends, and I always thought of her as ‘the great communicator’! Ed Morley, and later son Bob, umpired baseball games. Ed’s quick Irish humor and captivating smile will be remembered by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Their only child, Robert Edward Francis Morley was born 2 July 1925 in Englewood Hospital in Chicago. At that time, Ed worked as a driver for Bowman Dairy.
Ed passed away of cancer on 23 July 1971 in Highland Park Hospital. They had moved from their Deerpath residence into a townhouse also in Deerfield, and eventually Dorothy moved to Redlands, CA to be closer to her family. She passed away of cancer on 15 April 1980 in California. She is entombed next to her beloved Ed in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Hillside, Illinois.
ROBERT EDWARD FRANCIS MORLEY
Bob Morley with Helen and Marshall Jackson in 1993 |
Bob received his ‘Uncle Sam Wants you for World War II’ letter, and quickly decided he would rather serve in the Navy, so he enlisted 3 September 1943. Boot camp was in Farragut, Idaho. He attended radio school in Indianapolis, Indiana for five months, and became a Radioman First Class. Little did he know that the typing skills his Mom encouraged him to learn would assist him when he became a Navy radioman. He was stationed in San Diego for six months and then was put aboard the PA17 attach transport, and saw duty in Guam. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946, and then went to work for Bowman Dairy, where he worked until he joined Culligan.
Bob married Joy Ann Hester on 15 May 1954. Jerry Smith was soloist and sang ‘Because’ and ‘I Love Thee Dear’ at their ceremony. The children of this marriage are Lisa, Michael and Beth.
Bob and Joy met while they were working with Culligan Water Softeners and after spending a great deal of time on inter-office telephone calls (albeit discreetly) they decided to marry. Bob eventually opened his own franchise of Servisoft Water Conditioning in Redlands, CA on 28 June 1979. They had also lived in St. Petersburg, FL, Glenview, Ill., Nashville, Tennessee, and San Jose, CA before settling in Redlands. Bob, ‘tis said, is a natural born salesman, and although I haven’t figured out what that means, Bob has made a career in sales. Joy has devoted much time in the happy pursuit of music via the Sweet Adelines organization, as well as working with the family business. Bob, always the supportive husband, accompanies Joy on her Sweet Adeline competitions, cheering her group on. Golf also happens to be another love of his life, and he plays as often as possible. Bob passed away 16 June 2004 just two weeks before his 79th birthday. He had been suffering from lung problems, kidney and liver failure. He is buried in Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, CA.
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Previous: Chapter 2: Robert and Jane Redpath Greenock's Children
Next: Chapter 4: Other Family Members
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