Vale Jack Herft: A Joyous Spirit Who Enlivened Our Lives – By Lawrence Machado
Vale our dear friend Jack Herft. We heard the shocking news of his passing away on Holy Thursday, and it’s still taking time to understand that our wonderful mate is no more with us. Jack had been suffering from medical issues for a few years, but kept brave and strong through it all.
After being out of touch for many years since we left the Sun Weekend Group in Sri Lanka, we fortunately touched base again a few years ago after our life journeys brought us together in Australia.
Jack Of All Trades
Jack was an amazing person who did well in whatever he set his mind to. He was simply a Jack of All Trades, from being a good journalist, to working in retail, to being a sailor, then more jobs before blossoming into a highly-respected magistrate in Perth, WA.
We first met at a mutual friend’s teenage birthday party in Wellawatte in the Seventies but then lost touch until he bounced into the Sun newspapers as a handsome long-haired recruit in the Eighties. After losing touch for decades, we were reunited in a Sun Weekend Group some years ago and picked up our friendship again effortlessly.
He kept my wife Roshan and me informed of his progress for the past few months through our daily chats and messages, which included clips of his favourite songs, hymns, and pictures of his lovely garden.
Jack, you will be greatly missed not only for your close friendship, your storytelling, jokes, music, great cooking, gardening and more, but also for your natural warmth and love for life.
‘He Made Us Laugh’
Reading your son Jared’s message on FB about your passing away was truly heartbreaking. “Yesterday, my Dad, Jack Herft, peacefully passed away.
We’re all heartbroken and grieving, but we can’t help but share stories and memories of times he made us laugh. His sense of humour and love for his family and grandchildren live on.”
You were always the same, fun-loving Jack to us, despite your giant strides in the legal scene in Perth and across WA.
When you were recovering from your operation on your vocal cords, you joked that you sounded like a porn star when we spoke. When you were in and out of the hospital for checks and surgery, you drew strength from your faith and prayers for your recovery. You always found comfort in Biblical verses and songs, gently sharing your journey with us, because you did not want any fuss.
Simple Things In Life
Your easy humour, soft voice and the ability to find joy in the simple things in life, like the gorgeous flowers from your garden, will always remain with us.
Like a true Christian, you have fought the good fight and are now in Heaven, where you belong, reunited with your beloved family members.
Our deepest sympathies to your family, and may God comfort you during this most difficult time.
Till we meet again, Jack.
