John F. (Jack) Bolton died at his home in Norfolk, England, on April 30, 2009. He was born on Sept. 3, 1934, to longtime Mercer Island residents, John and Florence Bolton. He and his sister, Merigold, grew up on Mercer Island and graduated from Bellevue High School, where he excelled at track and field and was the student body president during his senior year. His college years were at Principia College in Elsah, Ill., where he was awarded the “Inspirational Track Award.” After graduation from Principia, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and became a lieutenant JG, serving in the Navy for several years.

Mr. Bolton taught English and drama and coached track at Mercer Island High School for a year before moving to Ireland with his young family. He lived there for 20 years before moving to England, where he spent the past 20 years. He was a career advertising copywriter.

Mr. Bolton is survived by his wife, Beth, of Norfolk; five children, David, Jennifer and Peter Bolton, of Seattle, and Emily and Jonathan Bolton, of England; sister, Merigold Bolton Paul, of Camano Island; and two nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela, and his parents.

Mr. Bolton will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful and generous person, with great wit and intelligence. He was a humanitarian and a wise counselor to many, and he will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.