Jack Cardinal was born in 1929 in Pueblo, Colo.. He married Gladys in 1955 and the couple had three children. Jack had a full life and was able to retire after 40 years managing parts departments for Ford dealerships. He and Glady were able to travel, play golf and garden. She remembers that he had a great sense of humor, very quick wit, and always had a comeback for everyone.

Jack succumbed to a heart attack at age 76. His family was approached by OneLegacy about tissue donation. “Jack and I had already decided that if there were anything of our remains that could be of use to others, we would do it,” said Gladys. “It has been a very positive experience for my whole family.”

Since then, the Cardinal family has been involved with decorating the Donate Life Rose Parade float and attending both the Rose Parade and the Donate Life Run/Walk every April at Cal State Fullerton.

“This has been very satisfying and heart-warming to see all the people who have been impacted by organ and tissue donation,” added Gladys. “I feel that Jack is still making an impact on the world. I hope that everyone reading this will get as much information as they can regarding Donate Life and remember you are never too old to help someone have a better life.

“I celebrate Jack’s life every day and am happy that he was able to help someone, as that is what he did his whole life.”