|
In Loving Memory
September 13th 1941 - July 28th 2008
Our Beloved Owner and Co-Founder, Frank Zook passed away and will be
sorely missed by all he touched and came in
contact with during his lifetime.
If you have any thing you would like to post about,
or
for Frank please
email a brief note to nw.info@northwestoutdoor.com
and we will do our best to post any respectful comments.
(Hit Ctrl F5 to
refresh comments)
On behalf of the entire staff of
Northwest Outdoor Equipment, Inc.
we would like to say Thank You, to all of our well wishers and
those who have sent us notes about Frank.
Thank you to all who attended Frank's memorial service.
And to Eastmoreland Golf Course for their great service.
We look forward to hearing from you very soon!
July 29th, 2008
Frank was a pioneer for John Deere Golf and his passion for our
business was only exceeded by his contagious zest for life. Over the
next few weeks, John Deere Golf will explore some tasteful ways to
memorialize Frank's life, both personally and professionally, as well as
recognize his many years as an important member of our team. We
would welcome contributions of stories or content from any of you.
Please join us in keeping Frank's family
and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rob Jeske
North American Sales Manager
JOHN DEERE GOLF
July 29th, 2008
It was twenty-two years ago next month that I think I met Frank for the
first time. Golf and Turf was the reason. You see we were all
younger then. Frank took my admiration, respect, and friendship at
that first meeting. I think his laugh was the first thing that engulfed
me.... genuine an quick! I think that what amazed me most is that he was
so many things to so many people but bottom line he was considered a
friend of all and to all..
I think
I admired Frank for another reason. You see, I think he
and I looked a little alike. Full head of hair, moustache,
glasses, and a bit of a paunch. We both had a large wardrobe of golf
shirts and sweaters! We both love the game of golf and neither of
us were real good at it anymore.
My two
closest dealer friends have passed -- John Buck of J.W. Turf in
Chicagoland and now Frank. I expect they have already made a
t-time in heaven. I don't want to get there too quickly but would
like to be a part of their foursome...that would make three of us who
couldn't play as well as we used to.
However,
from my perspective, the greatest thing about Frank is the love he had
for Phyllis. When I go I hope people remember me for how much I was
in love with my wife. That remembrance alone would be enough for me.....
Jim
Porter
Territory
Manager,
Sales
Support
Center (Previously Golf &
Turf Territory Manager)
John
Deere Company
July 29th, 2008
I have worked for Frank since March of 1982, and have spent as much or
more time with Frank, than any of my own family. Frank has been as much a
Father to me as my own Father. I can't say I have ever met anyone who was
as passionate about Golf and the industry as him. Frank lived and breathed
golf and golf course equipment everyday I knew him. Frank sincerely cared
about his customers, their patronage and the needs that they had. Frank
understood the wants and needs of golf courses and superintendents, having
been in the business his whole life in every aspect of it. If a customer
needed an advocate for golf course equipment needs, he was your man. And
he had a way of getting his point across and not giving up with his
tenacious persistence.
My heart felt prayer goes out to Phyllis, Ryan, Kelli and the rest of his
family in this time of sorrow and bewilderment about the extremely fast
disease that took Frank.
Respectfully,
Wally McDermed
NW Outdoor Equipment, Inc.
July 29th, 2008
I have know Frank for the past 10 years, served with him on many boards
and committees, and most of all respected him as a very fair and
professional competitor. When I think of Frank, the one thing that comes
to my mind is that he was the "Ultimate Gentleman" and a joy to
be around. He was a very big and important part of this industry and
will be sorely missed by all.
All of us at Western Equipment will
keep Frank and his family in our prayers.
Dick Bergeron
General Manager
Western Equipment Distributors
July 29th, 2008
Good people:
An indelible memory for me is meeting Frank by
chance not long ago at the checkout stand of a grocery store on Macadam.
Though we used to be regular and cordial partners at hotly contested
Eastmoreland golf matches and tournaments all over the state, we hadn't
seen each other for a while. Frank didn't even hesitate. He rushed over,
gave me a bear hug, and said, "Tim, we've missed you. How've you
been."
He was a warm man with no airs. And a friend of
mine.
Tim Leigh
July 29th, 2008
I have only had the pleasure of knowing Frank for a short period of time
and am very appreciative of the relationship he allowed me to develop with
him.
He called upon me to help train his staff
and customers on decoder systems.
Frank made sure he attended the complete
meeting and stuck to it like a bulldog. It was obvious that this is the
way he managed his business, developed his relationships, and aggressively
pursued business growth.
I was hoping to get to know Frank better
and it is disappointing to have lost him!
I hereby extend my most sincere condolences
to Frank's family and the NW Outdoor Equipment team.
Vince Nolletti
Vice President
Paige Electric Co. LP
July 29th, 2008
We just heard the news – and are greatly saddened by the loss of a man
who so often and quietly simply did the right thing. Frank was a peer and
friend and what set him apart was his ability to be just this to so many
people in almost any situation, no matter their title, occupation or
social standing… giving people respect, a subtle smile with a sparkle
behind glasses was just normal and easy and because of this many people
were immediately at comfort in his presence. I always looked forward to
travelling with Frank (“windshield time”) because he enjoyed sharing
stories about his family and talking about his career in the turfgrass
industry, and of course “popping” into the casino for an hour was
usually a rewarding experience as well. Frank loved to “take care” and
we will miss him greatly.
Scott Mason
TYCROP
July 29th, 2008
Frank was an inspiration and a mentor to a young salesman way back in
the 80’s. He said what he meant and meant what he said every time and
all the time. Sometimes at the most inappropriate times Ha Ha! But we
loved him for it. He was one of the people I looked forward to seeing at
all the Deere functions. I will miss him. We all will miss him. Hang in
there Stan!
Sincerely,
Len
Ochs
July 30th, 2008
My sincere condolences to his wife Phyllis and the entire staff at NW
Outdoor Equipment on the loss of Frank Zook.
I have the fondest memories of Frank, as he was one
of the first distributors that I got to know when I joined the John Deere
golf & turf group way back in 1987. Through all of the challenges and
adversity in those first few years of this business he seemed to maintain
his prospective, wit and sense of humor. I always enjoyed talking to Frank
and spending time with a person who understood the business and had the
fortitude and integrity to stick with something he believed in.
I have been away from golf & turf now for
several years, but I have a very clear picture of Frank in my mind that I
will cherish forever. Good bye my friend, see you on the other side!
Nolan Meggers
Manufacturing Engineering
John Deere Horicon Works
July 30th, 2008
When I worked with Golf and Turf, planning events, I always looked forward
to seeing Frank. Not only did he have kind words and a smile for me,
he was willing to help me if I needed it.
I will remember Frank by his kindness and
friendly smile. He touched many lives and isn't wonderful that he
will be remembered in such a positive way.
I wish I could attend the service and meet
his family, but will not be able to. Know that the family and Frank
will be in my thoughts and prayers.
MARIE SEALEY
Specification
Analyst
JOHN DEERE TURF CARE
July
30th, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Phyllis and everyone at Northwest Outdoor.
Frank was a very special person, and we were all blessed to know him!
I loved the 5+ years I was in the JDC Golf & Turf Leasing
Group, and it was working with people like Frank that made it such a
great experience.
My
thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mae (TeKippe) Franklin
July 30th, 2008
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to our Northwest neighbors, Phyllis,
and all of Franks family on your loss. Our hearts are truly heavy for you
all.
In the past few years, just about every time I would
call Frank he would just start talking thinking I was Jennifer. Of course,
once Frank got started there was no stopping him so I would wait patiently
for my opportunity to say this is actually Sherri. Without fail he would
say "oh, it's the other woman" then proceed to say Jennifer and
I were the only two women besides Phyllis that use to call him at work. I
would say I was crushed because Jennifer was "the woman" and
that made me "the other woman".....he would just laugh and say
he was happy any other woman was calling him.
I can honestly say I will miss being the other
woman.......
Sincerely,
Sherri Hill
Cascade Turf
Sherri Hill-Operations Manager
Cascade Turf
July 30th, 2008
Frank and Phyllis and Evie and I did many trips together including Japan,
The Rhine and Australia. As we we decided to get into golf, I new Frank knew
more than I did and he became my advisor. Most of his advise was about what
we were doing wrong. While I didn't like advise, I knew he was better at
than me so I listened, and it worked. I got the credit, while Frank should
have. In the meantime, Evie and Phyllis kept us in the right and
friendly perspective. Frank is one of people I miss most being retired.
Evie and I offer our condolences to Phylliss,
Franks business partners, and family.
Mark & Evie Rostvold
July 31st, 2008
Frank, I'm going to miss you buddy! It won't be the same walking into the
office and not having you there. I met Frank 10 years ago as the mechanic
at Awbrey Glen G.C in Bend. Frank always treated me with just as much
respect when he walked into my shop, as he did the Superintendant he had
come to visit. In his eyes, everyone was equal and just as important. He
was full of great stories and never afraid to feed us a good lunch. I had
the privilege of going to work for him and Stan in August of 2004 until
present. He taught me many things about the industry and more importantly
became just a great friend. By far, one of the best bosses I have ever
worked for. He was always fair and a man of great integrity. I always
appreciated him seeing the need to take care of the people that
worked for him, and it showed everyday in his actions. He was always
so excited to bring Phyllis over here to Bend when he would come over. His
great love for her was always so apparent in the way he treated her and
talked to her. Frank, I will truely miss talking to you on the phone and
seeing you when I come in. For now, it's not goodbye.....it's see you
later! Rest in peace Frank. I appreciate everything you have done for me.
You're a good man, husband and father and will be greatly missed!
Aaron
(Aaron Byers)
July 31st, 2008
It is really hard to say goodbye to Frank. Northwest Outdoor feels a
void that cannot be filled. Frank was an advocate for employee
benefits and genuinely cared about each one of us. I will so miss
hearing of his life experiences that he shared so well. It's been 19
years I've worked for Frank. I remember after I'd been here
about a year Frank was telling people that I had worked here 5 years!
I just fit like an old shoe and it seemed we had known each other that
long! Frank will always have a place in my heart.
Linda Green
July 31st, 2008
Frank,
We go back a long happy time. I don't
know how you got there before me, but save me a chair.
Harry Yates
July 31st, 2008
I want to wish those of you that were close to Frank my deepest sympathy and
to Franks family you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the privilege
of working with Frank for 10 years and learned so much from him about the
Golf and Turf business. It was a pleasure to work with such a passionate guy
about the business. I have since moved on but never forgot what I learned.
Thanks !
T.J Lockhart
Stark Street Lawn and Garden
John Deere Master Service Technician.
August
1st, 2008
Frank will be missed by many. The Northwest Turf Industry has lost a
advocate that will in all likely hood will never be seen again. His
ability to mentor and work with all those around him is unsurpassed.
Put very simply, If you make a sale you can earn a commission. If
you make a friend you can earn a fortune and Frank was a good friend to
all.
Phyllis,
Laurel and I offer our condolences
Chuck and Laurel
Greif
Chuck Greif
Director Global Specialty and Pre-owned
Vehicles Sales
E-Z-GO a Textron Company
August 1st, 2008
As a fellow John Deere dealer of Frank's... I will never
forget him... his wisdom and especially his humor and generous nature. I was
a longtime Golf & Turf dealer (along with Frank) having only recently
exited the business this last March. Having attended many meetings with
Frank I consider myself lucky to have known such a man. A true goodhearted
spirit with a mind more youthful than a lot of people I know half his age.
Frank was always a welcome sight at John Deere
meetings because I always knew, that around him, I was always around a
friend. He embraced me and others almost as a member of the family, whether
he knew you that well, or not.
Frank loved life and his friends, more than
anything... I loved to see him fight for what was right for everyone at JD
meetings... like a young man always pursuing right... no matter what.
God Bless You Uncle Frank
Nick Crane
Nucrane Machinery
Las Vegas, NV
August 1st, 2008
I first met Frank and his longtime business partner Stan Bailey thirty years
ago when they were both employed by the Jacobsen distributor in Portland OR.
I had the unique pleasure and privilege of starting them with Deere in 1979.
Many of the most memorable moments in my career include Frank and Stan and
the early days of their successful business. I can’t remember a day
that Frank’s passion and enthusiasm for golf, the golf industry, and his
customers ever waned.
Sadness is knowing that none of us will be able to
stop in and see Frank any more. God, we will miss those visits!
Sadness is knowing we aren’t going to get any more
calls from him. Always a pleasure, regardless of the circumstance.
Sadness is knowing we won’t see his broad smile and
enjoy his engaging conversation at any more trade shows and meetings.
He was respected and admired by everyone.
Sadness is missing his humor and laughter and
absolute passion for life.
Sadness is knowing going forward we won’t have the
benefit of his advise and council to the golf industry and our
organizations.
Sadness is missing his insatiable concern for
others…friends, associates, customers, everyone he met.
Sadness is knowing how much Phyllis, Ryan, Kelli, and
everyone close to Frank on a day-to-day basis are grieving at this untimely
loss. He never failed to tell us how much he loved his wife and
family.
If there is any happiness, it is knowing that
Frank did not suffer for an extended period of time.
If there is any happiness, it is knowing that where
he is now, the golf is great, the courses are better than anything we can
imagine, and Frank is right in the middle of it all.
If there is any happiness, it is all of the
wonderful memories he has left us all.
Garry Carpenter
Training Manager, John Deere Golf
John Deere Turf Care
August 4th, 2008
I moved to the Pacific Northwest fifteen years ago from San Jose,
California. Wow...was I ever overwhelmed by my move to the
Battleground, Washington area. The only game in town was
Safeway and a whole lot of farmland. I had a lot of time on my
hands as I searched for my new employer. I was visiting my prior
employer, Turf and Industrial Equipment in Santa Clara, California in
January of 1994 ( a John Deere dealer by the way) and my favorite
Territory Manager, Garry Carpenter, happened to be there too. (John
Banks, you are my favorite TM, really!!) Garry asked me how I was
doing and if I had found employment. I told him that I wasn't
looking hard enough. He looked at me and said, "You moved to
Oregon, right?" I replied with a long drawn out "Yes.....I
did." He gave me a list of four dealers in the Oregon area that
were hiring. Guess who was on that list? Frank asked me to me
the trio at Elmer's on 82nd avenue for an interview. The rest is
history. I too was taken by his kind, generous and compassionate
personality, his drive for success, and his commitment to all of us at
Northwest Outdoor Equipment. He was fair, honest, meticulous and
always did his research. I cannot express enough how we will all
miss him. He will be in our hearts forever. He was
such an awesome mentor. Phyllis, Ryan, Kelli and
family--you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurrie Norton
August 6th, 2008
Shortly after entering the golf industry in 1996 I had the privilege of
meeting and working with Frank Zook. It was under he and John Buck's
wing that I learned about the Golf & Turf industry from a John Deere
dealers perspective. If I ever needed assistance with anything in the
Northwest, Frank always stepped up to the plate and led the way. I
appreciate all that Frank did for me then and I will always remember Frank
for his stories, easy smile and many laughs along the way.
Phyllis and family as well at the NW Outdoor
team, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Stratton
Welcome, We appreciate you Visiting
Northwest Outdoor Equipment
Inc. is the sole Distributor of John Deere Golf & Turf
Products in the State of Oregon.
We are committed to serving all Golf
& Turf needs you may have.
Since 1979, we have been building a strong name for
ourselves. Our Sales Staff are
some of the best in
the Pacific Northwest and are ready to assist you in any way they
can.
We carry a large line of John Deere Grounds Care Products and Home Owner
Equipment.
We are committed to serving Oregon and S.W. Washington
and have a pick up and delivery
service (Please call for details).
Our company has a large Service Department on site and a large inventory of parts, making for accurate and rapid repair of your
machine. Our Parts Department is fast and friendly and we ship all
over. If you own a vintage John Deere tractor we may be able to find
the part you need.
Once again, welcome, we look forward to speaking with you soon.
Feel free to browse around, and
let us know if you have any questions.
TRY OUR NEW BACK LAPPING
COMPOUND!
Click
here for more details!
The ProPass 180 by TY-CROP
CLICK HERE to find out more!
See our Expanded Tine Options for
AERCORE™ Aerators, Click Here!
For
PDF format
Contact Information
Telephone:
503-657-3175
800-973-3373
FAX:
503-657-5716
Postal address
11951 S.E. Highway 212
Clackamas, Or. USA 97015
Store Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Saturday
March - July 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
August - September 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Saturday
October - February - CLOSED
Sunday
CLOSED
Electronic mail
General Information: information@northwestoutdoor.com
Parts:
parts@northwestoutdoor.com
Sales:
sales@northwestoutdoor.com
Customer Support: service@northwestoutdoor.com
|
