Salina rancher, philanthropist Jack Vanier dies
A prominent rancher, philanthropist and community figure in Salina died this week.
John K. "Jack" Vanier, 94, passed away Friday, according to Kansas State University and the Vanier family.
Born in Salina to John J. "J.J." and Lesta Vanier, Jack operated the CK Ranch in Brookville — once the largest producer of purebred Hereford cattle in the country. The family also held ranching interests in Wyoming, Colorado and Oklahoma.
Jack served with many organizations, including the American Hereford Association, the Kansas Livestock Association, the Boards of Directors of the National Cattlemen's Association and Archer Daniels Midland — "roles in which he provided wisdom and insight, but mostly what he would have described as common sense," the family said.
"To call Jack Vanier a founding father of a bygone rural Kansas culture would be three things at once," the family said in an obituary. "An understatement, a compliment and a chance for Jack to respond in his characteristic unassuming nature — accompanied by that brilliant smile — that he was just doing what came naturally.
"In his self-effacing, low-key way, it would also offer a golden opportunity for Jack to take issue with the "bygone" sentiment. Soft-spoken and successful. Kind and productive. Reliable and generous."
Jack and his wife Donna, who died in 2020, were well known for their support for Kansas State, both education and athletics.
"Jack was part of the very fabric of Kansas State University," Kansas State President Richard Linton said in a statement. "His vision, leadership, advocacy and philanthropy for both Kansas agriculture and our great university goes unmatched. The Vanier family has built an incredible legacy with remarkable impact for so many, and Jack's vision laid that foundation. He will be greatly missed by so many, and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time."
Several other Kansas State leaders spoke of Vanier's impact.
Amy Button Renz, president and chief executive officer of the K-State Alumni Association
"Jack Vanier was everything a K-Stater should be. He was generous, quick-witted and had a strong desire to help others. When I joined the staff at the Alumni Association, Jack was a member of the Board of Directors. It was an honor to learn from him, and I was blessed with his lifelong friendship. Jack and Donna were avid supporters of many areas at K-State, including the Wildcat Statue at the K-State Alumni Center. The statue has become a K-State icon and tradition, and it would not have been possible without their generosity. My thoughts and prayers are with John, Marty, Mary and the entire Vanier family."
Gene Taylor, director of K-State athletics:
"We are deeply saddened by the loss Jack Vanier, a true K-Stater who impacted so greatly our university, athletics program and the entire state of Kansas. Jack was an amazing and humble person who had a deep love for the Wildcats, and he and Donna's foresight, belief and incredible generosity will forever link the Vanier family name to K-State Athletics. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Marty, John and the entire Vanier family during this emotional time."
Greg Willems, president and chief executive officer of the KSU Foundation:
"Jack Vanier had a larger-than-life personality and was revered for his integrity and loyalty to his family and friends. His lifelong involvement and generosity supporting K-State has been truly remarkable. Jack's humble leadership and unwavering support was treasured by countless leaders at K-State, and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Vanier family on the passing of their patriarch and our magnificent friend."
Funeral information
A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Christ Cathedral in Salina. The family suggests memorial gifts to any of the following organizations: the Salina Community Foundation and the Meadowlark Hills Good Samaritan Fund in Manhattan. Memorials may be sent in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina rancher, philanthropist Jack Vanier dies
