Edwin Van Dyke Tack

In Memoriam of Edwin Van Dyke Tack Edwin "Van" Tack was born August 11, 1928 in Baltimore, Maryland. His father, Edwin, passed away when he was young and his strong, single mother, Helen, took over and headed the family business, Tack Plumbing. Van spent much of his teen years in pool halls in Towson and became a skilled pool player. In his 20s, he was recruited by the Air Force and was in charge of atomic bomb surveillance. Evelyn, the love of his life, was engaged on a blind date and later married in 1955. They were together 58 blessed years. Upon discharge from the military, he took advantage of the GI bill to attend the University of Maryland where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Science. He and Evelyn raised 3 children, Linda, Eddie and Annie in Decatur, Illinois. A remarkable and successful salesman, he began as a pot and pans peddler and went on to work for Black and Decker power tools during their heyday in the 60s and 70s. At the height of his career, he was the Senior Salesman at the Sligo Steel Corporation. After being laid off in his 50s, he rose to the occasion-- as he always did-- and decided to go to work for a small family business in Decatur. After just a short period of time, Van increased the sales so much, that the size of the factory needed to be doubled. He was known for his witty humor, and never ending jokes. A devout Methodist, Mr. Tack took his kids to church every Sunday, attended Bible study, and said prayers at dinner and before bed nightlyhis entire life. He gave back to his community by serving as the President of AMBUCS and was a 32nd Degree Master Mason. Van was a confessed chocoholic and planned his sales territory stops around his favorite ice cream sundae parlors. He enjoyed Lawrence Welk, Walter Matthau, bluegrass music, the nightly network news, and biographies of political icons. He loved watching his grandchildren grow up, travelling internationally and domestically, going to movies with his son and watching him swim competitively. He is survived by his sister Jane, wife, 3 children, and his furry best friend, Molly. Van's spirit can be described best as a kind, ever forgiving, tender hearted, devoted father and husbandwho did everything and anything for his family. He was blessed to have a devoted wife who stood by him lovingly and nursed him until he took his last breath on this earth. May his journey be bright. His place in heaven is assured. Van always said, "Christians need not fear death, because they know where they are going." A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 17, at 2:00, St. John United Methodist Church, 3214 Grand Prix, Sebring, Florida. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. John United Methodist Church. Cremation Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, FL 863-385-0125 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com