Jack Ray Bontemps passed away on Feb. 27, 2024. Beloved and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he contributed to the Orinda community in countless ways.
Longtime Orinda resident and community benefactor, Jack Ray Bontemps, passed away on Feb. 27 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85.
Jack was born on May 25, 1938, in Seattle, WA, to Ray J. Bontemps and Ruth L. Bontemps (née Grant). During his youth, he lived throughout the Northwest, attending the University of Washington and obtaining a bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering.
He was recruited by Standard Oil of California (Chevron) in 1961 and moved his young family to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he spent his career in a variety of executive positions in manufacturing, facilities planning, recruitment, IT and supply logistics.
An active community member, Jack volunteered with many local organizations, serving on the board of the Mount Diablo Silverado Council of the Boy Scouts of America, as a member of the Dad’s Club for local Scout Troops 204 and 237 and as a leader of Orinda’s Cub Scout Pack 52.
He served as president of the Orinda Parks and Recreation Foundation and was instrumental in helping establish the 12-acre Orinda Oaks Park and the 110-acre Orinda Open Space Preserve. As President of the Rotary Club of Orinda, Jack led the effort to bring much-needed lights to the Wilder Playfields, enabling local teams a greater opportunity to play recreational sports.
He also participated on the Advisory Board for the Lawrence Hall of Science and was elected to serve from 2006-2010 on the Board of Directors for the Orinda Union School District.
Jack loved jazz and was an accomplished saxophone player, establishing his own bands in high school and college, where he played for school dances and fraternity socials. He was an avid tennis player as well as an outdoorsman who loved spending his spare time hiking the Sierras or enjoying the north coast and the beautiful home he built at The Sea Ranch.
Family and friends loved his quick wit, his positive outlook, his debonair style and, above all, his willingness to lend a hand when needed. He was a man of great faith and integrity, and he loved his family fiercely.
He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 43 years, Barbara; three sons of whom he was immensely proud: Doug Bontemps (Stephanie) of Lafayette, Todd Bontemps of Pleasanton; Jackson Evan Bontemps (Anna) of Oakland; and by his treasured grandchildren: Andrew Bontemps (Alena) of Denver, CO, Greg Bontemps (Claudia) of Emeryville, Sondrine Bontemps of New York, NY and Austin Bontemps of Minneapolis, MN.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 11. For information email jackbontempscelebration@gmail.com. Gifts in Memoriam can be made to The Rotary Club of Orinda Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 44, Orinda, CA, 94563 or Alzheimer’s Association of Northern CA.