John “Jack” Deakin
We are saddened by the loss of a long-time friend, supporter, and advocate of the Marshall University H.E.L.P. Center, Mr. John “Jack” Deakin, who passed away Thursday, September 4th in Huntington, WV. Below we have collected remembrances from those who knew Jack and appreciated his unwavering commitment and generosity for others. He will be missed, and we’d like for this page to serve as a reminder of how one man can touch and inspire so many lives. If you would like to contribute a remembrance, please email us.
“Jack loved the H.E.L.P. Program and H.E.L.P. loved him. He was the parent of a H.E.L.P. student and one of our active board members for many years. I remember Jack as being a ‘gentle giant,’ with a powerful booming voice, but his words would melt your heart. During the many years that I had the privilege of working with Jack on different projects, he always brought new visions and ideas to our discussions. His commitment to H.E.L.P. was unwavering. In 1998 the H.E.L.P. Program dedicated an award in his honor. He was the first to receive the John H. Deakin Award, and this has been presented to others who have been supporters and friends of H.E.L.P., just as Jack was. He will be missed.”
Debbie Painter
Director, H.E.L.P.
“Jack Deakin was one of the early members of the Board of Advisors for the H.E.L.P. Program. I asked him to become a member of the Board in 1988, and he enthusiastically agreed. Whenever we had a significant problem, Jack was quickly in the office of the President, fighting for us. At that time one of our most difficult problems was with professors who were unaware of the needs and legal rights of H.E.L.P. students, and consequently they refused to allow accommodations for our students. I always pictured Jack Deakin as carrying the banner into battle much like lead soldiers did in the Revolutionary War. He always fought with determination, love, and grace. Jack Deakin will always be a man for whom I have the greatest respect and gratitude. Today our H.E.L.P. students should remember Jack Deakin when they take an exam with accommodations with few if any problems from professors.”
Dr. Barbara P. Guyer
Founder & Director Emerita, H.E.L.P. Program
“Robert Lewis Stevenson once said, ‘Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.’ Jack Deakin began planting seeds at H.E.L.P. when his son Jim entered M.U. and H.E.L.P. in 1986. Through the years Jack was an involved parent, generous contributor, active member of the board of advisors, superb fundraiser for Myers Hall, developed strategic plans for H.E.L.P., initiated our database, advised us regarding budget, and with his family, always supported the annual golf scramble.
I also had the privilege of working with Jack and developing a mentoring program for H.E.L.P. students. He was always glad to speak with students and parents who were considering H.E.L.P. or already involved with H.E.L.P.
H.E.L.P. was certainly blessed to benefit from Jack’s passion, intelligence, persistence, and generosity in regards to H.E.L.P. I will always hold Jack, Jim, and the Deakin family close to my heart. Thank you for the numerous years of seeds planted to allow H.E.L.P. to grow, prosper, and flourish.
Lynne Weston, Ed.S.
Former Director of H.E.L.P. 2005-2012
“I was lucky enough to have known and worked with Jack Deakin on a number of projects while with the Marshall University H.E.L.P. Program. Jack had a devoted and dedicated commitment to the students of H.E.L.P. and would work tirelessly on their behalf, and that of the program. He was always ready to volunteer and tackle the toughest of projects, never failing to deliver less than first-rate work and presentation on any task he undertook! If I ever had a question or idea about anything, from Mission Statement to the Scramble 4 H.E.L.P., I knew I could count on Jack to guide me in the right direction. Jack played a large part in making H.E.L.P. the excellent program it is today, and I know myself, as well as the entire staff of H.E.L.P., will miss his energy, loyalty, fairness, and personality!”
J. Russell Cook, Jr.
“While I never served on a committee or worked directly with Jack, I always admired his dedication to the H.E.L.P. Program. While he served on the Board of Directors of H.E.L.P., you would always see him bustling around the building doing different things. Since his retirement from the board, his knowledge and insight have been missed. Now, we will rely on the memories of all of his caring and diligence to the program to move forward and continue to work to make H.E.L.P. the very best that it can be, as Jack would have wanted.”
Sara Barker
“I had the privilege of knowing Jack Deakin for many years. I met Jack in the 1980’s through the H.E.L.P. Program. He was a wonderful person who saw the vision of the H.E.L.P. Program and joined with others to make the vision a reality. Thanks to Jack and the many sponsors he recruited, hundreds of young people with disabilities have been supported and encouraged to succeed. As the fundamental idea of the H.E.L.P. Program suggests: ‘Focus on your strengths not your weaknesses, and you can accomplish your goals.’ Jack Deakin was a tremendous help in making a vision a reality.”
Vivian Atkinson
“Jack Deakin initially got involved in the H.E.L.P. Program because of his son, Jim. But his dedication to the program and his determination to help us be better and better lasted long after Jim graduated. Jack was instrumental in helping us develop our first data base! He was tireless in his support. He would drop in with a ready smile and positive words for everyone. We are a better program today because Jack Deakin supported us.”
Nancy McCormick