John "Jack" Dillon Britt, Jr.
May 9, 1931 ~ September 14, 2014
Resided in:
Waynesville, NC
John "Jack" Dillon Britt Jr.
Waynesville – John "Jack" Dillon Britt Jr., 83, of Waynesville, died Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals.
A native of Wilmington, NC, he was the son of the late John Dillon Britt Sr. and Myrtle Costin Britt.
A US Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict, he was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jack was the driving force in establishing the National Ski Patrol in the Southeast. He was also a horse show judge, licensed through AHSA in seven categories.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ketner Britt; two daughters, Julie Shipman and her husband, Michael, of Leicester and Genell Henningsen and her husband, Pete, of Orlando, FL; two sons, Steve Britt and his wife, Teresa, of Asheville and David Britt and his wife, Tracy, of Asheville, as well as three grandchildren, Colby, Kyle and Alecia.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2014 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden, NC. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you consider a memorial contribution to Hospice, 540 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.
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Mary, my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Jack was such a character, with that wide smile, wide breadth of knowledge and opinions and that trademark handlebar mustache! I did not know that he got the ski patrol started in the southeast until reading the obituary, but I can certainly remember him urging me to improve my skiing abilities as he followed me down the slope. I am glad to have known him, and know that he was lucky to have had you by his side all these years. I extend my sympathy to the rest of the family as well, and hope you all will be well supported as you close this chapter.
Mary, my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Jack was such a character, with that wide smile, wide breadth of knowledge and opinions and that trademark handlebar mustache! I did not know that he got the ski patrol started in the southeast until reading the obituary, but I can certainly remember him urging me to improve my skiing abilities as he followed me down the slope. I am glad to have known him, and know that he was lucky to have had you by his side all these years. I extend my sympathy to the rest of the family as well, and hope you all will be well supported as you close this chapter.
What a great loss. I grew up snowboarding at Cataloochee and was chased down by Jack down the mountain more than once, but when I became a snowboard/ski instructor I got to see another side of him and really apprecaite all he did. He’ll be hitting the moguls up there for sure! His mustache will be missed!
What a great loss. I grew up snowboarding at Cataloochee and was chased down by Jack down the mountain more than once, but when I became a snowboard/ski instructor I got to see another side of him and really apprecaite all he did. He’ll be hitting the moguls up there for sure! His mustache will be missed!
Hi Mary, and all of Jack’s family. I am so sorry for
our loss of Jack. It occurs to me that while most of us try to live our
lives gently and quietly, allowing only chosen aspects
of ourselves to be seen and known, that there are a few, who I refer to as
icons, who put it all out there to be seen, showing us the true ups-and-downs
and tos-and-fros that make up the dichotomy that is life. I
consider Jack an Icon. Among my favorite memories will always be the trip he and
I took to Colorado a few years back that included all the comradery and
head-butting that was life with Jack. I’m smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are
with you all.
Ron Rocha and Family
Hi Mary, and all of Jack’s family. I am so sorry for
our loss of Jack. It occurs to me that while most of us try to live our
lives gently and quietly, allowing only chosen aspects
of ourselves to be seen and known, that there are a few, who I refer to as
icons, who put it all out there to be seen, showing us the true ups-and-downs
and tos-and-fros that make up the dichotomy that is life. I
consider Jack an Icon. Among my favorite memories will always be the trip he and
I took to Colorado a few years back that included all the comradery and
head-butting that was life with Jack. I’m smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are
with you all.
Ron Rocha and Family
Dear Mary, I am so sad to hear of Jack’s passing It seems like just the other day I saw Jack and got my customary peck on the cheek. He was a man who loved life and always made my life better with his quick smile and twinkle in his eye. I feel honored to have known him. He will be missed by many. Love to you and your family.
Dear Mary, I am so sad to hear of Jack’s passing It seems like just the other day I saw Jack and got my customary peck on the cheek. He was a man who loved life and always made my life better with his quick smile and twinkle in his eye. I feel honored to have known him. He will be missed by many. Love to you and your family.
I am so glad that I had the chance to see Jack this summer. He was a truly nice person who will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Cataloochee certainly will always remember him and all he did in the early days of the area.
I am so glad that I had the chance to see Jack this summer. He was a truly nice person who will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Cataloochee certainly will always remember him and all he did in the early days of the area.
Steve and David ~ so very sorry to hear this news, but reading your dad’s obit reminded me of the good times we used to have at your house as kids and over at the church getting into trouble… I’m glad for who your dad was and how his life shaped and blessed your own. May God’s peace be with you guys this weekend.
Steve and David ~ so very sorry to hear this news, but reading your dad’s obit reminded me of the good times we used to have at your house as kids and over at the church getting into trouble… I’m glad for who your dad was and how his life shaped and blessed your own. May God’s peace be with you guys this weekend.
Jack and Mary were an integral part of my adolescence. They gladly took me under their wings and taught me everything they could think to teach about competing horses in distance competitions. Even if I hadn’t seen him for months or years, Jack would smile his shiny bright smile under that magnificent mustache and drawl, ‘How’s yer love life?’ I will miss him sorely. Sending the whole family love, especially dear Mary. He was an incredible man with an exemplary life.
Jack and Mary were an integral part of my adolescence. They gladly took me under their wings and taught me everything they could think to teach about competing horses in distance competitions. Even if I hadn’t seen him for months or years, Jack would smile his shiny bright smile under that magnificent mustache and drawl, ‘How’s yer love life?’ I will miss him sorely. Sending the whole family love, especially dear Mary. He was an incredible man with an exemplary life.
Jack, my dear friend, Judy and I had great times with you and Mary
skiing and horsing around. We skied Snowshoe, Beach Mountain, Sugar
Mountain, Wolf Laurel, Appalachian Mountain and ski patrolled at
Cataloochee in the east; Santa Fe Ski Basin, Taos, Angel Fire, Red
River, Keystone, Crested Butte, Steamboat, Telluride, Purgatory, Wolf
Creek Pass and Winter Park in the west. We sit around talking while Mary
was judging trail rides from Florida to West Virginia. We have some
great memories together and the above is only a few that I want you to
share with our granddaughter that went to heaven 19 days ago. Don’t be
surprised if a beautiful 14 year old girl runs up to you, gives you a
big hug, takes your hand to show you around. She can talk with you about
skiing and horses. She can ski but you need to give her some pointers
on skiing. Horses may be a different story, horses follow her around
like a well trained dog and she enjoys just walking into the pasture,
jumping on a horse without saddle or bridle and take off ridding. I will
be looking for the two of you ridding in on the clouds with Christ on
the second coming. Mary, we will miss the ole salty, and will be keeping
you in our prayers; we love you and will be grieving along with you.
Your friends forever,
Elton & Judy Thompson
Douglasville, Georgia
Jack, my dear friend, Judy and I had great times with you and Mary
skiing and horsing around. We skied Snowshoe, Beach Mountain, Sugar
Mountain, Wolf Laurel, Appalachian Mountain and ski patrolled at
Cataloochee in the east; Santa Fe Ski Basin, Taos, Angel Fire, Red
River, Keystone, Crested Butte, Steamboat, Telluride, Purgatory, Wolf
Creek Pass and Winter Park in the west. We sit around talking while Mary
was judging trail rides from Florida to West Virginia. We have some
great memories together and the above is only a few that I want you to
share with our granddaughter that went to heaven 19 days ago. Don’t be
surprised if a beautiful 14 year old girl runs up to you, gives you a
big hug, takes your hand to show you around. She can talk with you about
skiing and horses. She can ski but you need to give her some pointers
on skiing. Horses may be a different story, horses follow her around
like a well trained dog and she enjoys just walking into the pasture,
jumping on a horse without saddle or bridle and take off ridding. I will
be looking for the two of you ridding in on the clouds with Christ on
the second coming. Mary, we will miss the ole salty, and will be keeping
you in our prayers; we love you and will be grieving along with you.
Your friends forever,
Elton & Judy Thompson
Douglasville, Georgia
Mary –
Words can’t express the sorrow but I hope they are of some comfort. You and Jack are loved and are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. The world is a better place because of Jack and I’ll sorely miss him.
Mary –
Words can’t express the sorrow but I hope they are of some comfort. You and Jack are loved and are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. The world is a better place because of Jack and I’ll sorely miss him.
Dear Mary, Ken and I are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
Ken and Betty Wolgram
Region 3 NATRC
Craig, Colorado
Dear Mary,
It’s so difficult to comprehend that Jack has left us. He was a valued friend. You and Jack were such warm and lovable hosts when I came to ski at Cataloochee. After meeting him as head of the ski patrol and learning the finer points of skiing, twice we drove to New Mexico and Colorado where he knew most of the smaller but really fine areas. What a good sense of humor he had. He made those long drives a joy. I will remember him fondly, always.
Love, Dick
Dear Mary,
It’s so difficult to comprehend that Jack has left us. He was a valued friend. You and Jack were such warm and lovable hosts when I came to ski at Cataloochee. After meeting him as head of the ski patrol and learning the finer points of skiing, twice we drove to New Mexico and Colorado where he knew most of the smaller but really fine areas. What a good sense of humor he had. He made those long drives a joy. I will remember him fondly, always.
Love, Dick
Mary,
Sorry to hear of your loss. May many great memories bring you comfort in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
Mary,
Sorry to hear of your loss. May many great memories bring you comfort in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
Mary I am so sorry for your loss. I remember seeing Jack on many ocassions when he visited the SSA office in Asheville when we worked together. I remember the good old days. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary I am so sorry for your loss. I remember seeing Jack on many ocassions when he visited the SSA office in Asheville when we worked together. I remember the good old days. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathies to the Britt family. I did not know Jack very well but he must have been one hell of a man to raise a son like Steve. God Bless!
My deepest sympathies to the Britt family. I did not know Jack very well but he must have been one hell of a man to raise a son like Steve. God Bless!
I am so sorry to have read of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Something that I have personally found to be of great comfort is what the Bible says at John 5:28, 29 as well as Revelation 21:4. These verses show us that soon God is going to bring about a resurrection of our loved ones as well as do away with all causes we have for suffering including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me and it is my sincere hope that these thoughts comfort your family as well. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to have read of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Something that I have personally found to be of great comfort is what the Bible says at John 5:28, 29 as well as Revelation 21:4. These verses show us that soon God is going to bring about a resurrection of our loved ones as well as do away with all causes we have for suffering including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me and it is my sincere hope that these thoughts comfort your family as well. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Mary, I was very saddened to hear of your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I remember Jack, not from skiing, but from many years of competitive trail riding where Jack singlehandedly established the proper protocols to use when checking a horse’s pulse and respiration! Both of you were also great fun in camp, providing all sorts of useful tips on how to survive a weekend in a horse trailer and riding long hours on the trail. I don’t think I would have survived those experiences without Jack’s (and your) help! My husband Jim and I will have many fond memories to keep in our hearts.
Dear Mary, I was very saddened to hear of your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I remember Jack, not from skiing, but from many years of competitive trail riding where Jack singlehandedly established the proper protocols to use when checking a horse’s pulse and respiration! Both of you were also great fun in camp, providing all sorts of useful tips on how to survive a weekend in a horse trailer and riding long hours on the trail. I don’t think I would have survived those experiences without Jack’s (and your) help! My husband Jim and I will have many fond memories to keep in our hearts.
Dear Mary,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Though I haven’t been active in NATRC for several years, I remember you and Jack well. I have many fond memories of rides where the two of you were shining stars guiding me through all the little nuances of competitive trail riding. I know that he will be sorely missed by very many people. I am praying for you and your family.
Dear Mary,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Though I haven’t been active in NATRC for several years, I remember you and Jack well. I have many fond memories of rides where the two of you were shining stars guiding me through all the little nuances of competitive trail riding. I know that he will be sorely missed by very many people. I am praying for you and your family.
Dear Mary, I am so saddened byJack’s passing. So many of the extended NATRC family will miss him and have fond memories of you both in so many places around the country. Jack was the best good will ambassador could have every had for Region 5. He will be so missed for so long by so many. I wish you and his family much peace of mind, strength to go on and many blessed fond memories. you are in my prayers. Beverly Calendar-Cox
Dear Mary, I am so saddened byJack’s passing. So many of the extended NATRC family will miss him and have fond memories of you both in so many places around the country. Jack was the best good will ambassador could have every had for Region 5. He will be so missed for so long by so many. I wish you and his family much peace of mind, strength to go on and many blessed fond memories. you are in my prayers. Beverly Calendar-Cox
Dear Mary, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. What a blessing to have been a friend to you and Jack all these years! You are both a part of my horseback riding and skiing memories 🙂 It was especially good to see you both at Plottfest earlier this summer. I am sending a hug – Shelly
Dear Mary, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. What a blessing to have been a friend to you and Jack all these years! You are both a part of my horseback riding and skiing memories 🙂 It was especially good to see you both at Plottfest earlier this summer. I am sending a hug – Shelly
Dear Mary and Steve, James and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. We were very blessed to have been a part of Jack’s life. Cataloochee will not be the same. We will be praying for God’s peace and grace during the coming days.
Dear Mary and Steve, James and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. We were very blessed to have been a part of Jack’s life. Cataloochee will not be the same. We will be praying for God’s peace and grace during the coming days.
Dee and I were saddened to hear of Jacks passing. We intended to come to the service up until just a few moments ago when we ran into unexpected transportation problems. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you though. Jacks presence at the mountain was already missed, sad to realize we will not see him again. Dee always looked forward to his ‘blond’ jokes and remembers them fondly!
Dear Mary Frances,
So sorry for your loss. Jack was a great guy. I was reading old papers at my house in Asheville when I saw the obituary. I can be reached at 803 622 0980
Miss you, Helen Sheridan (Payne)
Dear Mary Frances,
So sorry for your loss. Jack was a great guy. I was reading old papers at my house in Asheville when I saw the obituary. I can be reached at 803 622 0980
Miss you, Helen Sheridan (Payne)
Dear Mary,
I’m so sorry to have just learned of Jack’s passing. You were both some of my favorite people, and I’ve no doubt this has been exceedingly painful for you. You’re in my heart, and I hope you’re doing well.
-Michele