Richard Jackson

Richard M. Jackson, 74, a 30 year resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully with family by his side October 23, 2014, at Suncoast Hospice Care Center, Palm Harbor, Florida. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat Jackson, devoted son and daughter Rick Jackson (Lisa) and Lauren Bruge (Nick) and caring step-daughters and step-son, Kim McArdle (Richard), Jennifer Tagliarino and Barrett Tagliarino. Left to cherish his memory are grandchildren Nico and Zack Bruge, Adam Jackson, Arianne McArdle, Barrett and Erica Hoffman. His sister Edwina Hyland and nephews Paul, Phil, Mark, Chris, Steve, David and Scott Hyland also survive.
Dick was born April 30, 1940 in Louisville, Ky. to the late Martin and Esther Jackson. A 1958 graduate of Louisville DuPont Manuel High School, he attended Eastern Kentucky University and Lindsey Wilson College.
Dick was a 50 year member of Lewis-Parkland Masonic Lodge #638 in Louisville and a member of Tarpon Springs Masonic Lodge #112. He belonged to the Valley of Tampa Scottish Rite and was a Life Member of Egypt Shriners in Tampa, Florida, serving as Potentate in 2002. After serving 15 years, in July 2014 he was appointed an Emeritus member of the Board of Governors of Shriners Hospital for Children - Tampa. He was a member of Cabiri International Past Potentate's Association. He was Shriners International Imperial Housing Director in 2006 and designated Director for 2016. He also served on the Shriners International Imperial Marshal's staff for many years.
Dick was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1972 and was an Honorary Captain of the Belle of Louisville. He also had been a member of the Louisville Jaycees.
Dick retired in 1999 after a 25 year career with Abbott Laboratories. He was a lifelong Episcopalian and belonged to Christ Church Cathedral when in Louisville, where he sang in the boys choir as a young boy, was named Meritorious Acolyte as a teenager, was a member of the Young Churchmen and served as an usher as an adult. A loving, loyal and steadfast husband, father, grandfather and friend. Always remembered.
A service to honor Dick will be Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 1:00 pm. at Louisville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home East, 11601 Ballardsville Road, Louisville, Ky., with burial to follow at Louisville Memorial Garden East. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home and Thursday noon until service time. A memorial service will be held at Egypt Shriners in Tampa, Fla.on November 16, 2014 at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children - Tampa - 12502 USF Pine Dr. Tampa, FL 33612-9411Online condolences may be made at www.lmgfuneralhomeeast.com