In Memoriam: Cedric Lack, 84

CEDRIC DAVID LACK
Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, (Retired)

Born April 7, 1931 in Northampton, England and was the only child of his father, John Reginald Lack (1893-1973) and his mother, Mary Johnson (1896-1989). Departed this life on June 14, 2015.
Cedric was a military devotee for his entire adult life. First volunteering for the British Army at age 18 and thereafter in 1952 emigrating to the U.S. and beginning a lengthy career first in the U.S. Air Force, then in the U.S. Army becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1954. He served in numerous hot spots around the globe including North Africa, West Germany, South Korea and Vietnam (combat-field artillery). He also served in multiple important locations within the U.S. including highly sensitive assignments in military intelligence.
Cedric retired to Rose Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia in the mid 1980’s. Living out his life there as a gentleman at large, he became easily recognizable because of his distinguishing facial features, silver hair and full beard as well as his cheerful demeanor. Never married and therefore being foot-loose, he was often seen on the go within the community and on walk abouts in the general area. He was a man of keen intellect, regularly fascinating friends with his command of the English language, his wit, charm and extensive knowledge on an array of topics: military history, world history, weather patterns, geography, the history of various religions, etc. He was a man of strong Christian convictions and unabashedly spoke of his faith and his affiliation with the Anglican Church. The Bible was his favorite book and he frequently purchased various copies to add to his extensive collection. On a given day he might be spotted at a bookstore, a library (especially a library), a restaurant, various types of stores and shops, a mall or other public places. He became a curiosity to many who observed him only from afar. He was a very private man and those who came to know him quickly became aware of that fact. He could be disarmingly friendly with his charisma and British charm, and he attracted scores of friends and acquaintances along the way. At the local McDonalds Restaurant where he was a fixture he was a bon vivant celebrity that people sought out for a word or a game of Chess with him. As the time passed, he enjoyed the loyalty of numerous close friends and many admiring acquaintances. He was a truly unique individual who will be greatly missed.
Cedric is survived by his first cousin and friend Davinia Coleman , her son Julian Coleman, Davinia’s daughter Sarah Coleman Olsen, Sarah’s husband Graham Olsen and their son Sebastian, age 11 all of whom are citizens of England and all of whom recently visited Cedric in the U.S.

Relatives and friends may call at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr., Alexandria, VA on Friday July 10th, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at All Saints Sharon Chapel Episcopal Church, 3421 Franconia Road. Alexandria, VA on Saturday July 11th at 11:00 AM.

Internment at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 10300 Pridesville Rd., Amelia Court House, Amelia County, VA will be on Monday July 13th at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, in his memory, may be made to the Children’s Playground Fund, All Saints Sharon Chapel, 3521 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310 or to the Building Fund, Lighthouse Baptist Church, 5901 Wilton Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. - See more at: http://www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com/obituary/Cedric-David-Lack/Alexand...