Jack Andrew Von Werner

Jack Andrew Von Werner born on December 9, 1928 in Camden, New Jersey the only child of Alexander Gustaf Andrew and Lillian Von Werner, passed away peacefully at home with his daughter Diane and grand-daughter Marissa at his side on May 8, 2021.

Jack was devoted to his parents and family throughout his life. Growing up he loved the Big Band sounds and at the instruction of his father at thirteen he took up playing the trumpet because it’s an instrument that’s mobile and can be played anywhere at any time. Jack’s maternal uncle started the Haggas Brothers Band in which Jack regularly performed alongside his father.

 At the age of eighteen, Jack joined the Army, was stationed both in Alaska and eventually in San Francisco working the tugboats to assist in the navigation of the large military ships, in addition to gaining skills as a pipe fitter, marine engineer, and working under the direction of Captain G. Allan Hancock at the U.S.C. Hancock Institute of Marine Studies on The Velero IV vessel, where he worked with a crew doing marine biology.

Jack and his father worked on the shipping docks in Long Beach California, it was then at a formal dance venue he met the stunningly beautiful Helen for whom he was married for 56 years until her death in 2013, and their marriage created their daughter together, Diane. Jack transferred and moved the family to Bakersfield in 1960 to begin a forty-year career at Tosco (The Oil Shale Corporation) where he served as Superintendent in the oil and gas refinery business.

Jack was the quintessential patriotic, hardworking, quick witted/humorous, modest, honorable and genuine gentleman. The ocean captivated him and it was this passion that led him to purchase property in Cayucos in 1973 and build his beach house in 1982. He was skilled at carpentry and loved working with his hands.  Jack was an excellent bowler whom exclaimed his desire to bowl like his nephew Clifford Arthurs. He loved the thrill of NASCAR, delighting in the classic Lawrence Welk Show, and being transfixed by boxing.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Bob Nichols and Don Goodwin for their longstanding 60-year friendship, Diane’s friends Monica Rodriguez, Linda Polston, and Jill West for their unwavering support, Monsignor Craig Harrison’s enduring friendship and beneficence, along with the wonderful neighbors who’ve shown hospitality and good-will over the years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, and son-in-law Tim Torrigiani. Survivors include daughter Diane Torrigiani, stepson Michael Watkins, grand-daughter Marissa Kelso (Brenden), and nephew Clifford Arthurs (LaDonna).

Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday May 19, 2021 at Bakersfield National Cemetery for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to your choice of animal rescue or animal care facility.

Jack will forever be remembered for his strength of character, honor, and witty-clever remarks. May he rest in peace as he joins with the loved ones who preceded him in going before Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as he will never be forgotten and will remain forever in our hearts. Jack is now reunited with his loving wife Helen.