Jack Wayne Kern, Malibu resident since the 1970s, died of a brain aneurysm on Feb. 22. Jack received his doctorate in Pharmacy in 1974 from the University of California, San Francisco and taught clinical pharmacy for 37 years at the University of Southern California until his retirement in 2012.
He married Becky in 1973 and had two children, Stephanie Kern and Sarah Kern Possick. He moved to Malibu in 1979 and built two homes. The second home was built after the first one burned in the Bell Canyon fire in 1980.
“He loved his home and family and cherished his time hiking and riding his horses in Latigo Canyon,” his family wrote. “He was a dedicated father and teacher and volunteered as a class parent for both Sarah and Stephanie throughout their years at Webster Elementary School.
“His legacy as an outstanding teacher will live on through his many students that he taught at USC. His philosophy of learning will be remembered by many. Jack enjoyed living and truly believed that you needed to live every moment to the fullest which he did, he was happiest when he was imparting his love to his granddaughter, Penny. He thought there was no greater joy.”
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Whitaker Kern, his daughters Stephanie Kern, Sarah Kern Possick and son-in-law Benjamin Possick of Malibu, his granddaughter, Penelope Possick, two brothers, James Kern of Rocklin, Calif., Steven Kern of Spokane, Wash., and a sister, Debbie Kern Roycroft of Greenbrae, Calif. He is also survived by one aunt, Alice Truelson, and four uncles, Eugene Kern, Richard Kern, Tom Kern and David Kern as well as cousins Roger Kern of Playa del Rey, Calif. and Marialice Kern of Moraga, Calif.
“He will be missed by all he touched,” his family said.Â
A memorial service in Jack’s honor will be held at the University of Southern California Town & Gown Hall this Saturday, March 2 at 1:30 pm. All are invited to come together to remember Jack.