Joseph Harold Pack
A Regular Sort-a-Dude
Joe Pack, the only child of Denver A. Pack and Sarah (Sally) A. Pack was born in Yakima, WA on July 21st 1950. He passed on June 5, 2021 at his home in Prosser, WA surrounded by family and friends.
Joe’s family moved to Eureka, CA before his first birthday and moved 4 more times throughout northern California before settling in Glendale, OR his freshman year of high school. Sports were a big part of his life. The diamond was his playing field in his beginning years as was the golf course into later years. As a catcher for Glendale High School’s baseball team, they were hard to beat with Joe catching and his friend Larry pitching. With only 11 players on the team, coach had to cancel practice on the days the catcher, pitcher and shortstop decided to go swimming in Cow Creek.
Joe moved to Puyallup, WA for his senior year of high school and met the people who would become his core group of lifelong friends. His desire to play in a band led to him learning how to play a bass guitar and along with classmates Bob & Al and adding Russ and Alan they formed “Five Bum Train”. Wacca Woo! He enlisted in the Air Force Reserves to become an airplane mechanic, was honorably discharged and attended Green River Community College in Auburn, WA for his AA degree. He met his future wife April in a class there and they married on June 19, 1976. Joe started playing softball on the GRCC team and continued to play recreational softball long into his late 50’s. Who Ball?... # 47’s Many family vacations evolved around softball tournaments and the opportunity for their kids to swim in a motel pool.
Playing in a band didn’t pay the rent so Joe started working in construction eventually becoming a journeymen plumber for Meridian Plumbing in Puyallup, WA and then working in sewer maintenance and driving a Vactor Truck for the City of Tacoma, WA. Living on the South Hill of Puyallup for 40 years they welcomed daughter Sara and 3 years later son Travis. Watching their activities always brought him joy. In 2013, a move to Prosser, WA and the retirement home they built next to daughter Sara, he was ready for April to retire with him.
Music and golf were the other true constants in Joe’s life. He played electric bass guitar, and later taught himself to play the acoustic guitar and sang for all who would listen. Many a memory was made around the campfire, Yee Haw! at the beach, or just sitting with family and friends as people requested a favorite song. And then there was that one about the Blow-up Doll. Beauty! Golfing meant time spent out in the open, walking, laughing with friends and chasing a little white ball. The final score wasn’t as important as getting there - most of the time. He played in all 39 “Wormburner” golf tournaments but he will miss this year’s 33rd Annual Golf vacation to Alta Lake in Pateros, WA. “Shanks” for the memories.
Joe had a nickname for everyone, a kind word, a smile or a joke for all, a sense of humor that would put you at ease and the ability to make you feel important and that you mattered in this world – whether you lived in a mansion or on the streets – He noticed YOU! A Don’t Lug It! backyard gathering will be held later this summer.
Joe leaves behind his wife of 45 years April Marion (Street) Pack, daughter Sara Jayne (Pack) Baudrau, Grandchildren Payton Belle and Beau Denver, Sister-In-Law Willo Street (Jon), Brother-In-Law Pat Street (Beckee), Niece Josy Wood (Clint) & son Tristan and Nephew JD Street.
Joe’s parents Denver and Sally, as well as Joe and April’s son, Travis James were waiting with open arms to meet him in heaven. WWW.Prosserfuneralhome.com