Steve S. Pack Obituary (2009) - Kansas City, Missouri

Steve S. Pack, 81, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away after a brief illness on January 15, 2009 surrounded by his family at the Kansas City Hospice House. Steve was born Sept. 8, 1927, to Rose and Joseph Pack, in Oklahoma City, where he grew up and graduated Classen High School. His father’s death, during Steve’s senior year, resulted in his foregoing college to help support his mother and two younger sisters. He moved to Kansas City to work for his half brother, but being the consummate entrepreneur, he soon started Hiway Auto Parts and later Underwriters Sales Corporation, an insurance salvage business and invested in real estate throughout his career. Steve was part of the group that acquired Empire Bank in the late 1970’s, and upon its sale to Mark Twain Bancshares, became Chairman of MT Kansas City and a board member. For many years he was an avid aerial darts and tennis player, and greatly enjoyed camaraderie, sportsmanship and friendly competition. In the early 1990’s Steve redirected his primary interest towards helping others and enjoyed more time pursuing his lifelong passion for travel and art. For many years, he was an active board member of reStart, which helps the homeless move toward independence and self-sufficiency, and the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, which fights the stigma and disease of addiction. The NCADD presented Steve its 2007 “Philanthropist of the Year Award”. Steve was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Keith Pack, and his half siblings Louis Pack, Freda Potashner and Paul Pack. He was the beloved husband of his dear Flossie, the love of his life for 57 years, devoted father to Jay and Dee, loving father-in-law to Ruthie, Joyce and Patty, and her husband Jim Norris. Steve was the cherished grandfather and proud Poppy to Lucy, Monica, Elizabeth, Gracie, Andrea, Jennifer and Leah, and adoring brother to Mae Bratt, of Kansas City and Charlotte Fisher and her husband, Stan, of Lincoln, CA and brother-in-law to Roz Ginsburg of Kansas City. Also surviving Steve are many nieces, nephews and cousins who looked up to him as a role model and mentor. Steve’s true joys were his love of family and many diverse friendships. A true gentleman with a contagious smile and laugh, Steve will be profoundly missed. His wisdom, kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. He was a man of quiet dignity, always the eternal optimist, and he rarely complained, even under the most challenging circumstances. Steve was a member of Beth Shalom Synagogue, Oakwood Country Club and a Hadassah Associate. Services will be held at the The Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Avenue, on Sunday January 18th at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to reStart, 918 E. 9th St., KC, MO 64106, Kansas City Hospice House 12000 Wornall Road, KC, MO 64145, National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 633 East 63rd St. Kansas City MO 64110-3301 or the charity of one’s choice.