Jack Lee Bytheway

Jack Lee Bytheway Our Hero  On February 27, 2004, our devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend completed his earthly mission with honor. Jack endured without complaint the burdens of Parkinson's disease for 16 years.  Jack was a talented, generous, and compassionate man - a champion of the underdog who possessed unwavering ideals, an unmatched sense of humor, and a Pepsodent smile. Jack was born on January 19, 1926, in Salt Lake City to Wilford Kendrick and Eunice Agnes Bytheway. He graduated from Salt Lake's South High School in 1944. Jack served his country in World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, where he survived kamikaze attacks near Iwo Jima in February 1945. He joined the LDS Church at age 24. Jack graduated from the University of Utah in 1951, and later that year married Diane Mae Jarman in the Salt Lake Temple. He enjoyed the rare opportunity of going on an LDS mission after he was married. Jack left his newlywed bride of six months to serve in the New England States Mission for two years, from 1952-1954.  As a young man, Jack worked in Mosquito Abatement while attending the University of Utah, and later enjoyed a full career as a draftsman and geologist including employment at El Paso Natural Gas and Anaconda. He retired from the State of Utah as a Geologist in 1987. Jack is survived by his wife Diane; his sons David L. (Linda) Bytheway, Kendrick L. (Kris) Bytheway, and John G. (Kim) Bytheway, all of Salt Lake City; his daughters Jeri (John) Benson, Sally (Mike) Brinton, of Salt Lake City; and Becky (Perry) Christensen of Mapleton, UT; 25 grandchildren and one great grandchild; two brothers (Ray of Salt Lake City and Ben of Seattle, Washington); and two sisters (Donna Larsen of Salt Lake City and Phyllis Malone of Ogden, UT); and others who revered him as a grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant grandson, Thomas John Bytheway. Jack's greatest love was teaching the gospel. He taught with clarity, conviction and a strict adherence to correct doctrine. His Sunday School and Priesthood lessons remain legendary to the many youth and High Priests who enjoyed them. Jack also served in Bishoprics, High Councils, and filled three Stake Missions.  Though born to humble circumstances, Jack's spirit gravitated to things of quality and beauty. Over the years, he instilled in his children a deep appreciation for a variety of good music. A scientist by occupation - an artist by avocation, he educated his family to the wonders and beauties of the earth and sky. His steadfast adherence to correct principles continues to strengthen and shape his posterity. The family is grateful to the Care Source Home Health and Hospice staff for their thoughtful kindness and care. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, March 1, 2004, at the Parley's Stake Center, 1870 East Parley's Canyon Blvd. Friends may call Sunday evening, February 29, 2004, from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 Highland Drive, and at the Stake Center from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn, 3401 Highland Drive.