Jack Golden* - Eastpointe

Jack Golden was born in Orlando, Florida. His grandparents raised Jack and his younger sister in Maryville, Tennessee. As a young man Jack demonstrated his sales skills through his involvement in fundraising efforts with the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs that he represented in his hometown. He enrolled in Vanderbilt University but rather than complete his studies dropped out of school, he joined the Air Force in Memphis Tennessee, rising to the rank of Captain, flying numerous bombing missions from England during World War II.

Jack was an avid golfer and met his wife Myra at a golf outing in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They met on July 1 and were married three weeks later becoming a great sales team, Myra was a staunch supporter in all of Jack's endeavors; "Jack handled the sales and I handled the manufacturing" stated Myra. During this time he began to interface with recreation department personnel.

Jack worked for Mexico Forge as a sales representative for the State of Michigan. He was an enthusiastic and exemplary employee, noted by his customers for his fairness. As a result of this successful endeavor, Jack and Myra established their own company: Jack Golden and Associates, Inc.

Joe Seavy, then President of MRPA encouraged Jack as a vender to become more involved in MRPA.

As a result Jack met and shared his expertise and resources with recreation professionals throughout the State of Michigan. He was truly committed to the purpose, objectives and continued development of MRPA.

He served on the MRPA Board representing vendors. As a board member he committed his time and business resources in support of legislation for recreation and parks throughout the State. He was among the first vendors to become a charter member of MRPA and a primary supporter of scholarship funding activities. Jack provided a venue for many innovative social functions at the MRPA conferences, which offered opportunities for conference attendees to meet and interact. Through the years Jack supported the MRPA golf outings, GERMS and was a member of NERPA for many years.

Throughout his career, Jack received numerous awards for the volume of his sales, the positive manner in which he dealt with his customers, the guaranteed quality of his products and services, his invaluable support for the recreation and park profession in Michigan, in MRPA. The most appropriate way to recognize him and his company's efforts was the presentation of the Grand Award, presented posthumously to the Golden family at the MRPA State Conference in 2001.

Jack Golden is remembered for his passion in working with and for Recreation and Park Personnel, his efforts in supporting MRPA, his personal interest in helping young professionals and students and of course his lifetime team member Myra.