Jack Fahey, a long time resident of Bainbridge Island passed away February 12, 2017 after a short illness. He left this earth with incredible grace and dignity at his winter home in Wickenburg , Arizona surrounded by his wife and loving friends.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Claudia Black, his wife of 39 years. Jack had a full and meaningful life, born May 30, 1935 in Lackawanna , New York, where he would make his way to Southern California in his early adulthood. His primary home has been on Bainbridge Island, Washington since 1993.

Jack worked in the field of addictive disorders for over 40 years. He began his career as a producer of many films starring Father Martin and Dr. Joseph Pursch, both early pioneers in alcoholism education and treatment. His works include one of the first films on women and substance abuse. In all, Jack was the producer and director of more than 25 ground breaking videos including “Children of Denial,” the first film dealing with children of alcoholics and solidifying the three dysfunctional family rules, Don’t Talk, Don’t Trust, Don’t Feel; “Family Roles” which helped to disseminate the seminal work about the impact of roles for children; and “Sound of Silence,” acknowledging the relationship between physical and sexual abuses and living with addiction. In his pioneering work, he produced some of the earliest television commercials for addiction treatment programs. His contributions to individuals and families impacted by addiction has been immeasurable.

For those who knew Jack, they knew he was passionate about his own recovery and “that acceptance was the answer to all of our affairs. “ He was known for his wit and creativity in his endeavors, be they personal or professional. He was fortunate to travel much of the world – his “go to” place was on a sailboat “Promises” in the British Virgin Islands. In his retirement, he enjoyed being a gym rat, started a company called Ageless Athlete; he marched in the 4th of July Parade in Winslow many times, on a Harley, in the Westie brigade, the Sr. Softball team, and carried the flag with Island Fitness. He enjoyed singing karaoke, a microphone in his hand, and a cowboy hat on his head. Car shows, pickle ball, photography were all beloved hobbies. Yet it was being in the Grand Forest with his dogs that he loved the most.

Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Margaret Fahey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two brothers, Joe , Tom (Jeannette) Fahey, and sister, Kathy Gamble (John Hendricks) , his mother and father in-law, Lee and Tom Gilmore ,and his sister-In law Jana Kay (Jim Giger) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be made online at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com . The family has requested no flowers but donations could be made to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, www.nacoa.org or Paws of Bainbridge or the Kitsap Humane Society .

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held 11:30 A.M March 12, 2017,at Rio Retreat inside the Remuda Ranch property, 1245 Jack Burden Road.

As said by many, Jack lived his life with courage and inspiration and his voice will be missed.