Jack C. Alder

1921 ~ 2012
Jack C. Alder, our dearly loved father, grandfather, brother and friend, died peacefully at his home August 11, 2012. He was alert and in charge until the end when his body, exhausted by a full life, finally gave up. He gracefully gave his family instructions, said his goodbyes and left us too quickly. Jack was a pilot and a builder, and throughout his life he provided guidance to many and spent his abundant energy building a strong family and assisting his community.
Jack was born to Ferd and Leah Alder on August 31, 1921 in Manti, Utah. His father taught school and the family kept chickens, livestock and a garden to help meet their needs. Jack and his two sisters learned early the benefits of frugality and hard work. Jack attended local Snow College for one year before joining the National Guard at the beginning of World War II. During his training he qualified for the Army Air Corp. where his proficiency as a pilot resulted in his appointment as a flight instructor for B-17s.
At the end of the War Jack enrolled at the University of Utah in civil engineering. While attending the University, he renewed his acquaintance with Katherine Rasmussen from Ephraim, Utah, and soon they were in love. Jack and Kay were married June 18, 1946 in Bountiful, Utah, and spent their first summer living in a small trailer while Jack worked as a surveyor at the new Grand Teton National Park. They loved their experience and continued to vacation there throughout their lives.
After graduation Jack began employment as an engineer with Ellis Barker, a local contractor. After a short time he and two friends started their own construction company. MAC Construction Company was short lived, and morphed into Alder-Child Construction. Jack literally started his business from scratch, with a little capital borrowed from his mother's insurance after his father's death. They started building their own homes to create jobs and eventually grew a successful company; building many schools, bridges, and public projects throughout Utah. The state-wide expanse of their work provided Jack the excuse and opportunity to return to flying, and he bought his own plane. Flying was one of Jack's loves and provided his family and friends with many great adventures for the rest of his life. In 1966, Jack began Alder Construction. He had formed a successful team of superintendents and engineers and Alder Construction grew to become a prominent builder of projects throughout the intermountain area. Jack was a strong advocate for Utah's construction industry and served as president of the Utah Associated General Contractors (1974) and in 1977 received the Eric Ryberg Award, AGC's highest award recognizing a lifetime of service to the industry.
Jack joined the Murray Rotary Club early in his career and the club and its members became an important part of his and Kay's life. Jack was club president among other offices, and attended many international conventions with club members. Jack had a strong affinity for the values of Rotary and was an active and enthusiastic supporter of its community and international service projects. Jack and Kay's Rotary friendships continued to be of special value to them throughout their lives.
Jack was raised as a member of the LDS Church and as he grew up he was infused with an understanding of the value of community and the importance of integrity and moderation in his life. When he built his new home in Salt Lake City, Alder-Child Construction built the Monument Park Ninth Ward building and shortly after Jack was asked to serve as its first scoutmaster. He and Kay continued to be part of the Ninth Ward for the rest of their lives. Jack and Kay greatly valued these associations and had great love for the members of the Ward, forming many life-long friendships that included study groups that continue to meet to this day. The loving service received from the Ward by the family throughout their lives was deeply appreciated by Jack, although he chose to debate points of doctrine. Jack always enjoyed a good discussion on any subject, especially politics, history and religion. He was an inquisitive and active reader and never stopped learning and exploring new ideas. He loved a chance to discuss a new book or idea with his many friends.
Jack's generosity and his wisdom and business acumen were valued by many. Jack appreciated that he had benefited from a strong community and had been provided many opportunities and he believed in giving back and helping others. Jack was often the person who quietly helped someone he knew, including many who worked with him, with a loan, a gift or an opportunity to improve their life. Jack was a supporter of Agi Plenk in the creation of the Children's Center and the construction of a building for their use. He helped Camp Kostopolis provide bunk houses and facilities. He was a founding member in 1983 of the Salt Lake Community College Foundation providing scholarships to students needing financial help, serving as president in 1996, and as a trustee until his death. SLCC awarded Jack an honorary doctorate for his support. Throughout his life, Jack donated generously with his time and money to these and many other charities he supported, including the University of Utah.
Jack and Kay raised four children: Steve (Sue Ann Johnson), Bruce (Coralie Ashton), Ted, and Susan (Greg Robinson). He was a firm but loving father and was adored by ten grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren. Jack is survived by his loving sister Barbara O'Bagy who always lifted his spirits and who has provided much needed comfort especially since Kay's passing. All of his family loved and cherished the joy and excitement of spending time with Jack. There was no end to the adventures: whether exploring Lake Powell, boating at Bear Lake, camping at Jackson Hole or in the Uinta Mountains, working at his ranch in Peoa, or traveling around the world. The lessons of life were taught with love and patience. He always had a project and was continually engaged in improving something. He truly believed that "rest was rust" and never slowed down until he just ran out of strength. Jack and Kay loved to entertain and always provided a great party. Jack loved to sing around a campfire and tell jokes. We were lucky to share his generous spirit and sense of humor for so long. We will all miss that quick smile and the sparkle in his eyes.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Wasatch Lawn on September 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Jack's ashes will be scattered by the family at a private service at his ranch in Peoa. In lieu of flowers, Jack would urge friends to provide contributions to the Salt Lake Community College or The Children's Center. Online comments can be shared at: www.legacy.com