Jack W. Dempsey, 71, passed away Jan. 7, in Lake Havasu City at the Polidori House with his family by his side, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on April 14, 1938, in Galien, Mich., and was the only child of H. Wilbur and M. Marie Dempsey, who preceded him in death.

His family moved from Michigan to Vista, Calif., in 1944, where he graduated from Vista High School in 1956, and later met his wife of 46 years, Sally Port. They were married in Davenport, Iowa, June 17, 1963. In July 1966, they were blessed with their only child, Eileen, who was the pride and joy of her father. They lived in Southern California for many years and moved to Lake Havasu City in 1983.

Jack served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a past member of the Elks Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Sons of Norway, in Vista, Calif.; an El Kahir Shriner and a Scottish Rite 32nd degree Mason, also in Cedar Rapids.

Jack was a cross-country truck driver for 25 years and owned and operated his own trucking company, Dempsey Trucking. After moving to Lake Havasu City, Jack worked as a maintenance supervisor for many years before retiring in 2007. Jack loved to fish, cook, travel, play cards, but most of all, and spend time with his family.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sally; daughter, Eileen; son-in-law, Rick Reed, all of Lake Havasu City; and numerous cousins in Philadelphia.

The family will be having private services in California at a later time.

At the Polidori House the following saying was on the wall above his bed — it touched our lives and reminded us of all the good times — Memories: The most important things in life are not things.

Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of other remembrances, the family suggests that contributions be made to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86405

Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.