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Jon Engen Obituary
1951 ~ 2012
Beloved brother, father, grandfather, and friend, Jon Steven Engen, age 61, passed away on October 29, 2012 as a result of an accidental fall.
Jon, younger son of legendary skier, Alf Engen, excelled in skisport and was a national gelande ski jumping champion in the late 1960s/early 70s. He also held numerous honors as a wine authority and served as a judge in wine competitions around the U.S. and abroad. His expertise on the subject gained him recognition as a "Master" in the field. Jon's skills as a chef were also legendary, and he enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He was co-owner of Panache Restaurant.
Jon was a kind and gentle man who had a great love for animals. He was especially gifted as a speaker and was a charter member of the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation.
Jon was preceded in death by parents Alf & Evelyn Engen and daughter Chelsea. He is survived by brother Alan (Barbara), sons Christian Holmer & Patryck Engen, three grandchildren, and cousins Scott & Carol.
The family will greet visitors at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, on Friday, November 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. A private gravesite service will be held at the Centerville Cemetery on November 3. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jon Engen
Robb Carter
November 19, 2012
I knew Jon and his family since early childhood. We were neighbors and grew up together. Jon taught me so very much how to ski,jump (he gave me his equipment when he outgrew it) how to dive and how to have fun.Jon was my mentor through high school. He was a very caring giving person.
We will miss you. Our prayers for the Engen family.
Sheral Schowe
November 14, 2012
I met Jon in 1978 when I moved to Salt Lake City from California. In search of wine knowledge, I quickly found this wonderful man who had already established a most ubiquitous wine presence in Utah. I attended his classes, over and over, never seeming to hear the same thing twice. He had an absolutely insatiable thirst for information which he eagerly shared with his family, friends, and thousands of wine and culinary students. There is hardly a professional in the wine business who has not been influenced, trained, or inspired by Jon. In 1991, I had the privilege and honor of purchasing Jon's wine education company which is now Wasatch Academy of Wine, "Utah's Wine School." Jon has always been my mentor, but what I cherish the most was the friendship. I will miss our almost daily conversations about everything wine, our traveling and eating our way around the state as Best of State judges, making brioche and bouillabaisse over the phone, and just about everything wonderful about life. Jon was upbeat and positive every single day, always hopeful, always brilliant, always full of plans for opening businesses and traveling. God bless you my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. I will miss you so much. Rest in peace.
Jay Leak
November 6, 2012
Jon was a handsome young man and our student body president in junior high. He was kind to all the students. It was nice knowing a skiing celebrity and an all-around good guy.
November 3, 2012
What a big help Jon was teaching us about the world of wine and food. We will always remember you with fondness.
Anne and Bill Moss
Kevin Potts
November 2, 2012
Thank you Jon, for teaching me the fine art of food and wine.
Carl Stuhff
November 2, 2012
Self-possessed of a hard-earned humility, Jon knew the value of family and the meaning and use of language. A polymath, he was fluent in french, german, italian, literature, biology, neuroscience, flyfishing, entemology, diving, as well as all the forms of skiing he learned from his best friend, his father.
Well read, well spoken, and capable of drawing on your learning and experience in ready conversation, you will be missed Jon Engen.
November 2, 2012
I had the privledge of knowing Jon since High School. He was so passionate about Wine. I learned a lot from him and will miss him terribly!
RIP Jon
Rod Cushing
Bradley Langston
November 1, 2012
My First ski race was "The Alf Engen Cup" at Brighton. 1956, I won my first 1st Place trophy beating another 6 yr old named Jon. That started a Life Long bond that was Outstanding! We have schussed Many Runs Together and had Alot of Fun. Jonnie'o Find Peace, My Friend!
Julie Willis
November 1, 2012
I am sending love to the Engen Family. You are in my prayers.
Tom Walker
November 1, 2012
The last time I saw Jon we were practicing for the last annual gelande contest at Alta together. He was always generous with advice and had as easy going a manner as anyone you'd ever meet. So sorry to hear of his fall.
Gus Magann
November 1, 2012
For those of us in the wine business, Jon's knowledge, helping and kindness to us will continue to be very much appreciated. He will be missed and saluted by all of us.
Darol Wagstaff
November 1, 2012
RIP Jon. When we skied and jumped together at Alta it was Heaven. Now you are in Heaven. Familiar territory. Bless you and your family always.
Paula Cotro-Manes Bowman
October 31, 2012
Jon was my swimming coach at the Cottonwood Club way back when. He was a beautiful person and I have fond memories of him and him and Sharon -- the fairy tales. I'm sorry for your loss, all our loss. He'll never be forgotten.
Mike Gorrell
October 31, 2012
So sorry, Alan, to hear of your brother's passing. I didn't know him, but if he was anything like you, he must have been a good guy. Take care.
Chris Zimmerman
October 31, 2012
John was a generous man with a wonderful mind. He help me establish fine Italian wines in Utah. And just a good guy to hang out with! I am grateful to have known him.
Linda Ptaschinski
October 31, 2012
I was so saddened to read about Jon's passing. He was a dear friend at Olympus High School, truly a friend to all. My prayers are with the family. God Speed, my friend.
Linda Kronstadt Ptaschinski
Ashley Huntington
October 31, 2012
This candle is for "Beautiful"
Ashley Huntington
October 31, 2012
We will never forget Jon. My 2 year old would light up when she heard his voice next door. She would run over to see him, and he would always say "Hi Beautiful".
Natalie Darger
October 31, 2012
I always liked Jon. He was a wealth of knowledge and would share it easily when asked. He was so capeable and talented. I have had many good conversations with Jon and learned a lot from him. He will be missed.
Susan Mathis Voorhees
October 31, 2012
I remember Jon with great affection. He was one of the kindest people I knew. We grew up together at Oakwood Elementary, Bonneville Jr. High, and then at Olympus. I know his family will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in your memories of this wonderful man.
Dave Engen
October 31, 2012
Jon was one of the greatest minds that I ever knew. His wine influence on the mountain states cannot be understated. He was a respected colleage, friend and ally.
He will be forever missed but also forever remembered. In Vino Veritas.
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