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1007 W South Jordan Parkway
South Jordan, Utah
Rick Bojak Obituary
On May 12, 2017 our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, age 66, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in West Jordan, Utah following a courageous battle with ALS. He endured this devastating disease with grace and dignity, always with the positive attitude that he would make the best of his situation. Never complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Richard Keith Bojak was born February 16, 1951 to Joseph and Virginia Rogers Bojak. He grew up in Chicago and graduated in 1969 from Mather High School.
Many of us assume that those who spend countless hours studying to achieve higher levels of academic degrees will naturally seek out the highest paying professions. Rick believed there are treasures in life far more valuable than a big paycheck. He was an exceptional athlete who played middle linebacker and running back in college and was inducted into the Northwest Athletic Association Hall of Fame. After graduating from Weber State, with a bachelors degree in physical education, and a masters degree in psychology from the University of Utah, Rick went on to achieve his duel goal of becoming a respected educator and coach for 31 years. He worked for the company Bigger Faster Stronger as a clinician and motivational speaker. As an educator Rick was named 1995 Utah State Teacher of the year, an award that earned him a trip to the Oval Office and congratulations from President Clinton. He touched the lives of hundreds of students and fellow educators in the most positive ways. He was honored to serve as president of the Jordan School District Board of Education.
His greatest joy was spending time with his precious family enjoying vacations, cruises, Disneyland and all sports. He loved his Chicago Bears, his Chicago hot dogs and his Chicago beefs. He waited his whole life to see the Cubs win the world series, and watching that game with him was priceless! We are going to miss this great man.
Rick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet Clontz Bojak; daughter, Jennifer (Matt) Briggs; treasured grandchildren Brooklyn and Trey Briggs; brothers, Bill (Karen) Bojak, James Bojak; mother-in-law, Jeanine Sinsel; and many members of his extended family near and far. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Joe Wagner; and father-in-law, Verne Sinsel.
Viewings will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South) and Saturday, May 20, 2017, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the West Jordan Mountain View Stake Center, 2901 West 9000 South, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment at West Jordan City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and to continue Rick's legacy of support and contribution to education, donations may be made to www.youcaring.com/studentsinthejordanschooldistrict-824896
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Bojak
Sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - South Jordan.
Stanley FINN
May 14, 2018
Memories of competing against Coach Bojak on the football field will always be a highlight in my career. Rest in peace, Coach. Stanley Finn
Barry Solomon
June 9, 2017
Rick, I just learned of your passing. This is such a sad day for me. Very few high school seniors are inspired by their
peers - you inspired me.
You were always on the right side of everything, and a friend to everyone
you met.
You will be very much missed, and forever
loved by many.
Mather reunion. Great guy, good friend, lived down the block from me on Artesian, I would sometimes stop by and we would walk together,peace Ricky.
Connie Larson Crovetti
June 1, 2017
Pete Katsan
May 25, 2017
Coach Bojak will be missed! I will always remember watching in awe, as he bench pressed over 400 lbs., as a freshman at old Jordan High in the pit, in 1981. His work ethic on multiple levels, serves as a great example for all those he came in contact with over his very short 66 years. I guess Billy Joel was right when he sang "Only the good die young".
Condolences to his family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Bruce Stone
May 24, 2017
There are people who touch so many people's lives but are unaware of how may people they have touched. I am sure that Rick was one of those people.
I was a high school classmate of Rick's and although I was not a close friend of his, I remember his humble and kind nature. He was a wonderful example of how to live a life.
I was with him the night that he left for Washington to begin his college career. It seems like yesterday.
I am truly saddened by his passing and want to convey my condolences to his family.
Bruce Stone
Jason Butikofer
May 20, 2017
On behalf of SUU Athletics I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences. During my tenure as Director of Athletics I have heard a multitude of great stories about Coach Bojak; a testament to the significant impact he had on many members of the SUU Family, an impact that continues to live on through the many great men he coached. Unfortunately an overseas trip precludes me from being there today to honor Coach Bojak, but everyone associated will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jason Butikofer
Southern Utah University
Director of Athletics
Janet Dansie
May 19, 2017
Mr. B. Was an amazing, generous man! I really enjoyed getting to know him each week that he did PE when Brooklyn was in my 4th grade class! His love of life and children was infectious! His presence will be greatly missed...but Heaven just got a hero!
Darrell van Amen
May 19, 2017
There are few days that I do not reflect on the positive impact Coach has had on my life. I will always remember his positive attitude and his devotion to his players and students.
Deepest Sympathies
Ellen Chandler
May 19, 2017
Dear Janet and Jennifer,
Forty years ago, Rick and "Danger" brought a miracle into my life. My daughter is a beautiful woman now. I'm so thankful that our paths crossed. I've kept you in my prayers every day. I hope all the memories you shared help to fill the empty place in your heart. May God put his arms around you and bring you some comfort.
Love, Ellen
Eric Hagen
May 18, 2017
I feel lucky to have had Rick in my life. My earliest and best childhood memories are the times my family spent Rick, Janet, Jennifer and Barkley.
Thank you Rick for being so awesome to my family. Thanks for being there for me when I was lost. Thanks for believing in me and never judging. Thanks for the blankets. Thanks for being a best friend to my dad. Thanks for sharing Janet with my mom. Thanks for the GOLD Dot. Thanks for the example you set in living each day to its fullest. Thanks for being so strong.
I looked up to you in life and continue to look up to you now !!!
Janet and Jennifer I am so sorry for your loss. I miss seeing you both and will always love you and think of you as my second family.
Randy & Gayla Brinkerhoff
May 18, 2017
We are sad to see the passing of a great man. We will always cherish the times we had together on the school board. His concern for the students, patrons and employees was legendary. In the spirit of his perfect optimism, we will not say good bye. We know we will see you again, dear friend. Untill then we will honor your memory as best we can and pray that your wife and family are comforted at this time.
Joyce Bullock
May 17, 2017
Once you met Rick, you had a friend for life. Our family has lost a wonderful friend. Our prayers and good thoughts are with you Janet and Jennifer. We knew we would someday lose Rick, but it still too soon.
Larry and Joyce Bullock
Rod, Wendy and Tommy Salvato, and Emily
Wes Wilcken
May 17, 2017
Rick was far more than a great coach. I did my student teaching with him at West Jordan and coached against him for several years. I learned so much from him. His teams were so hard to beat. Thank you Rick for everything you did for me. You will be greatly missed. There's no doubt in my mind, the world is a better place because of you. With great love, respect and admiration. Rest In Peace coach. My heart goes out to the family. Coach wilcken, Hunter Football.
May 17, 2017
Rick was far more than a great coach. I did my student teaching with him at West Jordan and coached against him for several years. I learned so much from him. His teams were so hard to beat. Thank you Rick for everything you did for me. You will be greatly missed. There's no doubt in my mind, the world is a better place because of you. With great love, respect and admiration. Rest In Peace coach. My heart goes out to the family. Coach wilcken, Hunter Football.
Ben Schriever
May 17, 2017
Janet I'm sorry for your loss of your husband
Ben Schriever Bingham class of 95'
Corrie Moore-Barrett
May 17, 2017
I was a student of Coach Bojak in a sports psychology class at West Jordan High School in 1994. At the beginning of every class we would stand and read an inspirational quote written on the board. Each day Coach would erase a word and eventually an entire phrase from the board. By the end of the semester, the entire class was reciting this inspirational quote by heart. I have never forgotten it:
"Today is the beginning of a new day. I have been given this day to use as I will. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not a loss. Good, not evil. Success, not failure. In order that I shall never regret the price that I paid for it. Because my future is just a whole string of NOWS!"
I am now an elementary school principal and actually repeat this quote to myself each morning on my 35 minute drive into work each day. I have repeated it before faculty meetings as well. It grounds me and reminds me of the important work educators do every day...thank you Coach, your legacy lives on!
Greg Reid
May 17, 2017
A coach's worth is not found in their win-loss record or on their resume but the impact made on the game and in their players' lives.
We are better men because of you.
You are great.
Mike Fraser
May 17, 2017
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Coach Bojack. Rick was an outstanding high school football coach and even a better teacher and family man. His influence on the young people of this state is inmeasurable. I had the opportunity to compete against Coach Bojack when he was the Head Football Coach at Jordan High and West Jordan High and I was coaching at Granger High and Hunter High. We had some great battles. His teams were always very well prepared. He was a man of great courage. I feel blessed to have known him. May the good Lord comfort Janet and the Bojack family. Rest in peace Coach. As always, Coach Mike Fraser
Shaun Mower
May 17, 2017
Coach Bojack was a great example and mentor. He was always positive and taught his students and athletes to always strive for the best. He will be missed. Thanks Coach!
stanley finn
May 17, 2017
To the Boak family. My condolences on Rick's passing. I'd known Rick for over 35 years as a coach and his BFS program. When he was at Jordan High, we butted heads many times on the football field but once the game was over, we had nothing but kind words for each other. He brought the Jordan program back to prominence and helped West Jordan and Riverton through their formative years. I will miss his smile and firm hand shake. He is in my prayers. Coach Stanley Finn Judge Memorial Catholic High
Jerry Thompson
May 17, 2017
Rick meant so much to so many. It's impossible to put into words what he meant to me, the impact he had on me will last a lifetime. He will always be remembered.
My condolences and sympathy go out to the Bojak family.
Jerry Thompson
Greg Dorius
May 17, 2017
Rick was an amazing person who positively affected so many lives throughout his incredible life. So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy.
Greg Dorius
Jack Stein
May 17, 2017
My deepest condolences and well wishes to the Bojak family. We all have lost a friend, and tremendous human being. His legacy will live on with all who were lucky enough to have known Rick.
Flynn Andrizzi
May 17, 2017
Rick was a wonderful coach, teacher and mentor. He taught me some of life's greatest lessons. He will be missed.
John Taylor
May 17, 2017
I enjoyed working with Rick for many years and especially while he served on the Board of Education. His strong will and positive attitude is a great example to all. God bless his family.
Kim Baker
May 17, 2017
Rick was a champion for teachers and administrators. He will always be one of my very best mentors and supporters.
Marc Ostrof
May 17, 2017
Rick & I were good friends when we attended Mather High School in Chicago. He had incredible natural strength, lightening speed, a positive attitude and self confidence...a powerful athlete. Anyone who was around him felt good. In my book success is measured by the positive effects one has on others...under that metric...Rick was the most successful man I have ever known.
Marc J Ostrof
Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh
May 17, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was an amazing colleague and a great support to teachers.
Greg Hagen
May 17, 2017
I had the great fortune of having Rick as a neighbor, teacher, coach, and very close family friend. Some of my best childhood memories are of the many times my family got together with the Bojacks. He has always been one of the greatest positive influences of my life. Thank you Janet and Jennifer for sharing him with us.
Gold Dot Pride!
Greg Hagen
May 17, 2017
I was very fortunate to have Rick as a neighbor, teacher, coach and very close family friend. Some of my best childhood memories are when my family got together with the Bojacks. He has always been one of the greatest influences in my life. Thank you to Janet and Jennifer for sharing this great man with all of us.
Gold Dot Pride!
April S
May 17, 2017
He was one of the best, and fun, teachers I had in high school. My friends and I all thought very highly of him. He will be missed!
Jeff Birch
May 16, 2017
If asked to name 10 people who changed their lives for the better, Coach would make it on those lists for thousands of people who knew him. He handled everything God threw at him with the courage of the warrior he is. G.O.L.D DOT pride forever.
Kimberly Wilkinson
May 16, 2017
This is heart breaking to me, he was the best teacher I ever had. He has inspired me through my whole life.
Veronica Root
May 16, 2017
Words fail me and could never encompass all of the lessons learned from this man who has been an example of good in my life as long as I can remember. Heaven has another great one.
Stephanie Nay
May 16, 2017
You will never be forgotten!! You were one of the BEST teachers I ever had! It's hard for me to believe you are gone. You will definitely be missed
Love Stephanie Nay
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