Obituary: Ainslie, John S. “Jack”
Age 90
Jack was a lifelong resident of Spokane, WA.
His parents were John N. and Ida Belle Ainslie.
Jack was a member of Spokane’s 1st Presbyterian Church as a youth where he made many lifelong friends.
He remained a member until the 1960s when he joined Manito Presbyterian Church.
Jack was a graduate from Lewis and Clark High School.
He attended Whitman College and finished his education with the University of Oregon Dental School in Portland, OR.
His mother and father had told him he was so good with his hands that he should find a career that he could use those skills in.
It was while in Portland that he met his first wife, Dorothy whom he married in 1944.
After completing his education and passing his board exams, Jack returned to Spokane and started his dental practice and family.
Jack loved dentistry and did some exceptional work.
He made lifelong friendships with many clients.
During the Korean War, Jack and his friend and fellow dentist, Walt Bayne volunteered in the United States Army.
Jack served as a Captain for two years at Fort Ord, California performing dentistry.
He returned to Spokane and practiced in the Medical Center Building until his retirement.
After the birth of Jack’s first grandchild he became known as “Papa Jack”.
In 1977 Jack and Maxine were married and were best friends.
They enjoyed playing golf both in Spokane where they were members of Manito C.C.
and Indio California where they would travel for winters.
Grandsons, Code and Sean credit Jack and Maxine for getting them involved with golf which guided them both to their current careers.
Jack and Maxine also enjoyed playing cards.
Bridge nights with his cousin Mary and friends, and Jack played Gin Rummy at the club house.
Maxine loved gardening and Jack would help out with the watering and bedding materials and shopping for plants (though I doubt any would have survived without Maxine’s due diligence and green thumb).
They loved feeding the birds and deer that inhabited their yard.
Jack was best described as “a kind and gentle man” by those that knew him.
The family is so grateful for all the care and assistance Jack received from all the staff and residents at the Spokane Veterans home where he resided since last December.
Jack was preceded in death by his second wife of 36 years Maxine Ainslie.
He is survived by his first wife, Dorothy Ainslie, and their children, Bruce Ainslie, Jean (Stevens) Brumbley, Kirk (Dodie) Ainslie; and Maxine’s children, Ron (Teri) Vanos, Linda Bassett, Cris (Ann) Vanos; grandchildren, Sara Brumbley, Jean (Roger) Aguirre, Robb (Amy) Ainsley, Erin Ainslie, Kristi Hernandez, Code (Kim) Vanos, Sean (Krista) Vanos, Daniel Vanos, Katie (Matt) Dorris; great-grandchildren, Megan and Simon Aguirre, Erica and Elliot Ainslie, Austin, Isabelle and Ethan Ainslie, Sicily and Cayle Hernandez, Morgan and Connor Vanos, Stella and Lola Vanos, Kyla and Cayden Dorris.
Jack is also survived by his cousin Mary A. Hoesly of Spokane.
There will be no memorial service.
Graveside service will be at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.
The family suggests that any memorials be sent to the Spokane Veterans Home at 222 E. 5th Avenue, Spokane, WA.
99202.
Please visit Jack’s on-line memorial page at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of remembrance.