Dwight Holmes (Jack) Findley

Published 4:24 pm Wednesday, May 7, 2025

February 4, 1937 – March 15, 2025

Dwight Holmes (AKA Jack) Findley passed away at the age of 88 in Medford, Oregon at Celia’s House on March 15, 2025, just a few blocks from the homes he grew up in and where he raised his family. His wife, daughter, and son-in-law were at his side.

Jack, his nickname, was the youngest child of Dr. Dwight and Marjorie Findley, born on February 4, 1937. He had two older sisters, Jeanene and Diane. He was their mischievous, fun-loving little brother who enjoyed laughing and pulling pranks on family and friends. His playfulness persisted his entire life, as did his many friendships.

After graduating from Medford High School in 1955, Jack studied for short periods at Willamette University, Southern Oregon College, and the University of Oregon, and worked summers at Lake of the Woods. He served in the army as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia before returning to Oregon to complete his studies, graduating from Portland State University.

In the summer of 1962, during his college years, he met Patricia Leek in Medford while visiting his parents. Pat became the love of his life, and the couple were married in Medford in December of 1963. Jack worked in mortgage banking in Portland, Medford, and Eugene. He and Pat then returned to Medford in 1969 for good, where Jack worked as a stockbroker and the couple raised three children. Together they created a welcoming home, hosting frequent overnight and last-minute dinner guests as well as four exchange students from Germany and Italy. 

Jack loved good company, food, and drink. He was famous for prank phone calls, downing a Thermos of black coffee on road trips, sharing an extra glass of bourbon with a friend, and eating multiple servings of ice cream or chocolate chip cookies. He also greatly enjoyed river rafting, fishing, camping, hiking, golfing, racquetball and tennis, his workshop, listening to Dave Brubeck, reading history, and watching films about the West and World War II.

One of his lifelong passions was downhill skiing. He was a volunteer ski patroller for well over twenty years at Mount Ashland. He regularly drove all sorts of skiers to the mountain in the family’s Volkswagen bus, which was often the first car in the parking lot and the last to leave. Many remember his wild rides on slippery, unplowed roads.

Above all, Jack loved people, particularly his family and friends. Jack had a knack for making people laugh and feel welcome. He spent nearly all his 88 years in the Rogue Valley and knew many people. As such, he was a treasure trove of southern Oregon lore, its triumphs, tribulations, comedies, and scandals, and he told his stories with such good humor that he always had everyone laughing. In short, he was a ton of fun.

Jack is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia; his sister-in-law Connie; his three children, Bret, Greg, and Margo; their spouses (Alexander, Jaymie and Travis, respectively); his grandchildren, Jack and Evangeline; and his nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is being planned. The family expresses their gratitude to Jack’s many caregivers. Charitable donations in his honor to Celia’s House, S.O. Friends of Hospice, Mount Ashland, or a suitable charity are welcomed.