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Jack Fahey

Posted 2017-02-26 by Pat R
Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona)
Wednesday, February 22, 2017, p. A-11

Jack Fahey, a long time winter resident of Wickenburg passed away Feb. 12, 2017, after a short illness. He leaves behind the love of his life, Claudia Black, his wife of 39 years. Jack had a full and meaningful life, born May 30, 1935, in Lackawanna, N.Y., where he would make his way to Southern California in his early adulthood. His primary home has been on Bainbridge Island, Wash., since 1993.

Jack worked in the field of addictive disorders for over 40 years. He began his career as a producer of many films starring Fr. Martin and Dr. Joseph Pursch, both early pioneers in alcoholism education and treatment. His works include one of the first films on women and substance abuse.

In all, Jack was the producer and director of more than 25 groundbreaking videos including "Children of Denial" the first film dealing with children of alcoholics and solidifying the three dysfunctional family rules, Don't Talk, Don't Trust, Don't Feel; "Family Roles" which helped to disseminate the seminal work about the impact of roles for children, and "Sound of Silence" acknowledging the relationship between physical and sexual abuses and living with addiction. In his pioneering work, he produced some of the earliest television commercials for addiction treatment programs. His contributions to individuals and families impacted by addiction has been immeasurable. For those who knew Jack, they know he was passionate about his own recovery and "that acceptance was the answer to all of our affairs." He was known for his wit and creativity in his endeavors, be they personal or professional. He was fortunate to travel much of the world. His "go to" place was on a sailboat "Promises" in the British Virgin Islands. In his retirement, he enjoyed being a gym rat, started a company called Ageless Athlete.

He loved singing karaoke with a microphone in his hand and a cowboy hat on his head. Car shows, pickleball, photography were all beloved hobbies. Jack donated his time and support to animal safety and rescue efforts. He left this earth with incredible grace and dignity surrounded by his wife and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Margaret Fahey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two brothers Joe, Tom (Jeannette) Fahey; sister, Kathy Gamble (John Hendricks); mother- and father-in-law Lee and Tom Gilmore; sister-in-law Jana Kay (Jim Griger) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be made online at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com.

The family has requested no flowers but donations could be made to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, www.nacoa.org or the Humane Society of Wickenburg www.wickenburghumane.com.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held 11:30 a.m. March 12 at Rio Retreat inside the Remuda Ranch property, 1245 Jack Burden Rd.

As said by many, Jack's life was lived with courage and inspiration, and his voice will be missed.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.





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