John Robert “Jack” Queen Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, business leader, community volunteer, sailor, and adventurer, passed away on June 7, at the age of 87. The family invites friends to a Celebration of Life, Friday, June 26th, at 11:00 am at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe.
Born on February 28, 1939, in Zanesville, Ohio, Jack moved to California as a child and grew up in Palos Verdes. He attended Saint Mary’s College of California, where he distinguished himself as captain of the rugby team and forged lifelong friendships. During his college years, he deepened a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Patricia Farrington Earl – Patty – the woman who would become his wife, partner, and greatest companion for 63 years.
After graduation, Jack joined his father in the family auto air conditioning business before fulfilling his commitment as a navigator on an anti-submarine airplane in the Naval Reserve. He later embarked on a distinguished career with Merrill Lynch that would span more than three decades. Beginning in Long Beach, he rose through the firm’s leadership ranks, serving as Assistant Manager of the Long Beach office, Manager of the Pasadena office, Manager of the Los Angeles office, and ultimately District Director of Merrill Lynch’s Rancho California District, overseeing offices throughout Southern and Central California.
Jack was a natural leader and lived his life fully and enthusiastically. His influence extended far beyond the financial world. He was part of a syndicate of Long Beach sailors that bought a new style, undersized boat out of New Zealand and dominated West Coast yacht racing for two years, culminating in winning the closest Transpac victory on record in 1973. Jack was among the founders of what became the Long Beach Grand Prix and was deeply involved in civic, charitable, and cultural organizations throughout his life. In Arcadia, he devoted countless hours to Scouting, earning the Silver Beaver Award and serving in numerous leadership roles. After retiring to Rancho Santa Fe, he continued a life of service through leadership positions with the Rancho Santa Fe Association, the Art Jury, preservation efforts, and the San Diego Symphony.
While his professional and civic accomplishments were significant, Jack’s greatest pride was always his family. Together, Jack and Patty built a life centered on love, adventure, and shared experiences. Their homes in Arcadia, Portola Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, and elsewhere became gathering places for family and friends. Family bicycle tours across Europe, African safaris, sailing adventures, holiday celebrations, and the beloved annual “Camp Queen” became treasured traditions that created lifelong memories for children and grandchildren alike.
When reflecting on his life, Jack often returned to a simpler truth. Of all the ventures he pursued, all the risks he took, and all the successes he enjoyed, he believed his greatest achievement was winning the hand of Patricia Farrington Earl. Patty was the love of his life, his partner in every sense of the word, and the person with whom he shared more than six decades of love, laughter, friendship, and adventure.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Queen; his son John Queen (Marie); Christopher Queen (Jodi); daughter Katie Errett (Patrick); eight grandchildren: Ashley, Madeline, Elizabeth, Jack, Matthew, Julia, Sophia, and Jedediah; and his sisters Barbara and Linda, who will miss him every day.
In lieu of flowers, Jack would want you to check your oil and tires before driving to the celebration. Donations to St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California would also be welcomed.