John "Captain Jack" Findlater

Melbourne

Lt. Colonel John W. Findlater, Jr. (Ret.) United States Army, 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 14, 2012 after a brave battle with cancer. Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan the eldest son of the late John and Ann Findlater. After his graduation from Mercersburg Academy where he was captain of the boys' varsity swim team and All American swimmer, he went on to earn a BS degree in

Business Economics at the University of Tampa, Florida and MBA from Troy State University.
Jack retired in 1984 after more than 20 years of service as an Aviator in the U S Army. During his two tours in Vietnam and one in Germany, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and several other awards.

After his military career, Jack became Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller for several specialty hospitals. He and Lorrell enjoyed sailing and running Coyote Sailing School, where Jack was named 2005 Outstanding Instructor by the American Sailing Association.
Jack was a member of Manatee Cove Marina at PAFB, the East Coast Sailing Assoc., Eau Gallie Yacht Club, Combat Veterans' Motorcycle Assoc. Chapter 20-1, Patriot Guards and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Jack leaves his devoted wife and companion of 17 years, Lorrell; and a loving extended family including stepdaughter, Luon Leech (Shane); sister, Janet Findlater (Susan Kelly); brothers, Jim and Dave, and several grandchildren, sisters in law, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Jack's Life will be held 2PM on Saturday, October, 20, 2012 at Davis-Seawinds Funeral Home, Melbourne, FL. Jack's cremains will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to: Melanoma Research Center of Excellence at www.moffitt.org or the Wounded Warrior Project, http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ designating Patrick Air Force Base as recipient.

Condolences may be shared at www.davisseawinds.com