Turkey Trot founder passes

All of us at Foodshare were saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Bannan who died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 3^rd.   Jack was 89 and was the founder of the Farmington Valley Turkey Trot, one of the largest holiday drives during Foodshare's annual "Turkey and Thirty" campaign.   

Jack (seated) surrounded by Turkey Trot volunteers.

In the twenty year history of the “Turkey Trot,” the effort has collected more than 40,000 turkeys to help families in the region have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  Jack conceived of, and created this campaign after hearing about a shortage of turkeys for Thanksgiving distribution in 1993.  Jack was a World War II veteran who had been a POW during the war.  He always told us that he had known real hunger during that time and he did not want any American to go hungry or be unable to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving.  After the war, Jack taught school in Simsbury for many years and was known to generations of parents and children.  Jack will be missed by many in Simsbury and across the region, but his family has already made the commitment to carry on with the “Turkey Trot” in his honor and memory.

Calling hours will be at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Monday, July 8^th from 4-8pm.