Obituary of Jack Gumbin

Jack Gumbin Passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at the age of 89. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who had a passionate love of life. He was incredibly bright and funny until the end. Jack was born to parents Nathan and Blossom Gumbin in Chicago, IL, the eldest of two boys. He joined the Navy in 1943, at age 17. After WWII ended, he enrolled at the University of Arizona where he "completed every math class that was offered," then quit and started a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures. Some of his notable business ventures included Vendomatic, a market leader in vending machines in the southwest, which he later sold to Canteen Corporation; the development, along with Donald Diamond, of over 20 commercial properties, primarily in the southeastern United States; and the acquisition, along with Diamond, Donald Pitt and Dick Bloch of KVOA TV in Tucson. More important to Jack was his involvement in the community. Among other things, he was an active UMC board member for 10 years (3 years as chairman) and was subsequently made board emeritus. Jack was a lifelong supporter of the YMCA on a local and national level. He loved the University of Arizona and passionately supported the Arizona Cancer Center, the Sarver Heart Center, the Arizona Center for Integrated Medicine, the Diamond Children's hospital as well as academics and athletics. Most important of all to Jack was his family, whom he loved and cared for deeply. He married the love of his life, Louise, his copilot (both figuratively and literally), in 1956. They raised four children and adored their ten grandchildren. They had a wonderful partnership, full of many adventures and stories. He was there to hold her hand and reminisce until her own passing, last December. Jack always sought to provide the best possible life for his children and grandchildren, wanting to set them on the right paths. He was a kind and loving grandfather. Jack enjoyed bridge, sailing, and golf and was vibrant, curious, and energetic into his old age. Even in his 80's he was an Apple and Amazon fanatic. "Incidentally," he was also very positive, cracking a smile and declaring his undercooked salmon "terrific" - just the way he liked it. Throughout the 80's and 90's, he was often seen donning his favorite cowboy hat while walking to lunch at the MO club. These memories and many more will be cherished forever. He touched the lives of many. There will be a Celebration of Life in Tucson on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Avalon Chapel.