MONTROSE ” Carl Jackson Naten, better known as “Jack” to family and friends, passed away in Montrose Aug. 22, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Jack, 71 years old, staged a valiant fight against cancer. He was constantly supported by not only family, but a wealth of friends and a very diligent nursing staff who came to care deeply for this kind man.
Carl, one of 10 children, was born April 30, 1937 in Ventura, Calif. to Jess and Gertie (Barnes) Naten. Since most of the children in his family had nicknames, he was immediately dubbed “Jack”. He grew up in Ojai, Calif. where he developed a love for animals, always bringing home a stray, including dogs and even a goat. His father taught him the love of hunting and fishing very early on. Jack attended Nordohff High School before joining the U. S. Navy where he served in the South Pacific. Jack’s main career was that of a long-haul trucker, driving the entire 48 continental states, as well as Canada. He owned his own tractor, but also drove for Mayflower and NCR. His career was legendary and he made friends and influenced people from coast to coast.
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The Natens moved to Montrose in 1978 where Jack worked for Schneider’s Ready Mix. He and Betty opened The Fun Center for Montrose teens in the building across from Montrose High School. It was there that Jack was surprised to learn there were many kids who didn’t know the thrill of hunting and fishing, so he was more than happy to teach them. Before taking them hunting, he taught them gun-safety, saying, “If you are going to handle a gun, you have to handle it safely.”
Jack was described as always lovable, a big tease, kind of ornery and quite a character. He was tough as nails, but was never ashamed to shed a tear. During his last weeks, he stressed, “We have to be positive.”
He was a steward of the land, truly appreciating nature and wildlife. He loved his home on the Dave Wood Road where he could enjoy sunrises over a cup of coffee, watch deer all day long, and view the spectacular sunsets at night. He was a true sportsman, using what he hunted as food. Neighbors loved him and appreciated his help and friendship.
Jack had a heart bigger than the outdoors. He never met a stranger and his home was always open to friends and family”the kind of guy who would literally give you the shirt off his back.
He had a passion for fishing, whether it was in his boat cruising Blue Mesa or fishing through the ice with his nephew, Norman Parsons. One highlight for him was a deep-sea fishing trip to Alaska. He enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his ATV.
Jack was a member of the Montrose Elks Lodge, the American Rifle Association and Ducks, Unlimited.
He is survived by sons, Scott Naten and Roy (Nancy) Warner of Las Cruces, N.M.; daughter Cindy (Chris) Arbogast of Phoenix, Ariz.; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; one brother, Walter Naten of Montrose; sisters Naomi (Glen) Parsons, El Cajon, Calif., Verna Corning, Ridgway, Colo. and Marsha Naten, Reno, Nev.; his special “adopted” daughter, Gaye Lynn (Doug) Cox and their sons, Tim (Amber) Cox and Tyler Cox, all of Montrose. He had numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Jack and had the pleasure of sharing special times with him.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his brothers Jesse, Richard, Marvin and Butch and his sister, Maxine.
A visitation for family and friends was held on the evening of Aug. 27 at Crippin Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. at Crippin Chapel, followed by a graveside service with military rites at Grand View Cemetery. To honor Jack’s love of children and fishing, donations can be made in memory of Carl Naten to Catch a Fish program, c/o San Juan Health Care Foundation, Montrose Memorial Hospital, 800 S 3rd Street, Montrose, CO, 81401. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, 802 Main, Montrose, Colo.
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