John Mcnair

John Hastings McNair, 97, of Fargo, ND died Sunday, January 10, 2010, at Bethany Homes, Fargo, ND. Jack was born January 3, 1913, to Arthur and Lucille (Wheelock) McNair. He attended Fargo public school through Central High School in midyear 1932. He later attended Dakota Business College and took various banking courses through the American Institute of Banking. Jack married Helen Servants of Marmarth, ND on November 8, 1941. They had one son, John Timothy McNair. She died in June of 1967. Jack married Ann Odney on September 9, 1973. She died in October of 1996. Jack served in the US Army Signal Corps for three and a half years. He did radio repair and radio aircraft warning in China in World War II. Jack has been a member of the American Legion since 1944. Jack worked at various jobs throughout his life. He worked for Red Owl Grocery for three years. He worked at Dixon Laundry for three years. He worked for First National Bank in Fargo, which he always described as “the oldest, tallest, biggest and best bank in North Dakota for 39 years. Jack was a lifelong member of Gethsemane Cathedral, where he was in their choir from 1920 until 1999. He also served on the Vestry and as treasurer. Jack had many hobbies including singing in the church choir. He has been a member of SPEBSQSA, the Barbershop Harmony Society, since 1955. He was in a quartet with his brother Warner, the Far-Mor Chords, for 20 years and served as the Land O’ Lakes distinct treasurer for four years. He also enjoyed flying kites. Jack also did a variety of volunteer work. He managed the independent midway at the Red River Valley Fair since 1952, taking the job over from his father, Arthur. He managed concessions at every Big Iron Farm Machinery show. He volunteered in hospitals in Fargo, ND and Harlington, TX. He was general chairman of the National High School Rodeo in 1979. Jack is survived by his sister, Lois, Chico, CA; his son, Dr. Tim (Fran) McNair, Tacoma, WA; grandsons, Andrew, Seattle, WA, and Eric, Baltimore MD; six step-sons, Eric (Gwen) Odney, St. Paul, MN, Rob (Nancy) Odney, Fargo, ND, Jim (Joan) Odney, Minneapolis, MN, Matt Odney, Minneapolis, MN, Nels (Colleen) Odney, Moorhead, MN, and Andy (Carly) Odney, Butte, MT, and 15 grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Emily and Mary; his brother, Warner and his wives. Memorial Service: 10AM, Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo, ND. Inurnment: Gethsemane Columbarium, Fargo, ND.