John “Jack” Stephen Fontaine

December 26, 1943 – February 12, 2025

John “Jack” Stephen Fontaine, age 81, of Seattle, Washington, died peacefully February 12, 2025. He was born December 26, 1943, to the late Victor Paul Fontaine and Lucille (Frechette) Fontaine in Norwich, Connecticut. Jack is preceded in death by his brothers, Victor and Ken; his half sister, Loretta; his step sister, Nancy

Jack grew up in Norwich and was in the 1961 graduating class of Stonington High School. He graduated from The University of Dayton in 1967 and received a Masters in Social Work at Tulane University in 1974. 

His early career was working with runaway teenagers at the Greenhouse in New Orleans and it was there that he met Anne in 1978.  They married in 1980.

They followed their respective careers to positions in Austin, Baltimore and Seattle.   It was in Seattle that they began The Fontaine Group which taught and facilitated team development and leadership skill building.  They had clients in the US, Canada, England and Japan.

Jack’s passions were his work, his mens group, bicycling, sports-baseball and football, sailing, volunteering as a driver for senior citizens to get to doctor appointments, and especially Anne, friends and family. 

Jack is survived by Anne, his wife of 45 years; his half sister, Kathy; step brother, Chas; and beloved dog, Ben.

He is remembered by those who knew and loved him:

• “He was the best of us”;
• “He was passionate about his profession, a life long learner who enjoyed traveling the world and sharing his wisdom. He was an engaging, loving and occasionally goofy friend”;
• “I cherish his ready smile, twinkling eyes and that boisterous laugh. He was someone that you would always want to be around. I cherish that I had the opportunity to walk in his light and experience his zest for life”;
• “He was kind and cared about people”;
• “He was a trivia expert.   We often called him Cliff (from Cheers) because he knew so many facts”;
• “His big laugh, kind eyes and smile and how he made people around him feel comfortable and at ease”;
• “He was unique in that you could talk to him about anything and he would be right with you”;
• “For 50 years he has been a constant in my life and I am enriched by it. His intelligence, integrity, ethics and humor defined him. My treasure are the last words we spoke to each other. I love you Jack. I love you Don.”;
• “I love and appreciate him for his humor and warmth, his passion for learning and music, his compassion and care for others and his willingness to be vulnerable, authentic and thoughtful in all the settings I knew him-as a teacher, a colleague and friend. He brightened and expanded my life, and I miss him deeply”;
• “He practiced what he preached about leadership.  He was always crystal clear about decisions and expectations, was good at listening to others’ ideas”;
• “One of my favorite learnings from him came about when we were discussing an employee on my team that was struggling.   As we talked, I still hear his advice…You can change the environment but you can’t change the person”;
• “He was a big, joyful presence.  I’ll miss the twinkle in his eyes and his big laugh”;
• “I will remember the good times, the places we saw together and the laughs we had.  My pal, Jack”;
• “I always looked to him as a steady voice of reason and clarity”;
• “I remember his contagious laugh-that strong, vibrant belly laugh that was genuine and gave all of us a sign that we were enjoying our time together often accompanied by Jose”;
• “When I think of Mr. Jack, I always think of our trips together-Hawaii, St. Kitts, Arizona, Connecticut.   He made them all more fun and memorable.   He was always up for an adventure.  I’ll never forget that Montana rafting trip-I fell out of the boat, everyone else was in shock but he just yanked me out of the water like it was nothing.  Classic Mr. Jack”;
• “He was the love of my life and we shared a wonderful life together.   He was loved by many and was a beautiful man.  And, now he is at peace.”

In lieu of a funeral, there will be a gathering of friends and family this summer to remember and celebrate Jack’s happy and inspirational life.  “All You Need is Love.”

Memorials in Jack’s memory may be made to Seattle Theatre Group, AileyCamp, 911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101