Also known as "Tractor Jack" to his many friends and acquaintances, Jack D. Bertschy peacefully passed away at home at the age of 72 on Sept. 20, 2005, surrounded by family.

Jack was born on Feb. 26, 1933, in Bentonville, Ark., the second son to Elsie and Carson Bertschy. He grew up in Bentonville and spent most of his youth on his "Ma & Pa's" farm. He went to school in Bentonville, Ark. In 1953 Jack heeded Uncle Sam's call to the Army and stayed until 1955. After leaving the army he spent several years driving long-haul trucks across the country with his friend Don Adams. Deciding life on the road wasn't for him, he settled in Peshastin, Wash., in 1963 where he went to work for Peshastin Fruit Growers.

In 1965 he married Ruth Rudolph Whaley, moved to Seattle and had a son, Donald Carson. They have lived here ever since. Jack went to work for Puget Sound Salvage and Equipment Company in 1965, where he worked until 1983. When he left Puget Sound Salvage Jack discovered his true calling and love - restoring antique tractors. "Tractor Jack" was born! You could always find him in his shop, dressed in farmer's overalls, working on tractors. If it had a motor Tractor Jack could fix it. The children's section of Woodland Park Zoo has a tractor that was restored and adapted for the zoo by Tractor Jack that has been, and will be, enjoyed by children for many years to come.

Jack loved to spend time with Carson, when he was little, fishing and they spent many hours fishing for Rock Cod. Jack also had a love for vegetable gardening and every summer had wonderful vegetables to share.