Jack Linford

Jack was honored to have so many friends and family across the country and even a handful across the pond. He mentioned many times how funerals always seemed to be when everyone was busy doing chores. He didn't want to burden anyone.
No services will be held and interment will take place at the ranch west of Jordan. Laid to rest under a particular cottonwood tree overlooking the horse pasture Jack dearly loved.
At 2 pm Friday September 8th, if you feel so inclined to honor Jack Linford, step out into the fresh air, take a moment of reflection and tip your hat for one of the great ones who will be deeply missed.
What do you do when your mountain your rock moves?
The horizon changes, the backdrop to life shifts, but the lessons remain.
Jack Linford cast a long shadow in life. Some from sheer size, but mainly from the lessons passed to family and friends. Son, brother, husband, father – UP – neighbor friend, Jack was many things to many people, and respected for it.
The consummate stockman, with an eye for livestock. His cow herd was second to none and he was a judge of horse flesh to be unrivaled. His pride in his stock was earned and not taken for granted. Jack's calves topped sales repeatedly and his horses stretched out for the win on the track.
Jack felt immense pride in his daughter Denise, and he was her rock and best friend. Her education achievements, her hard-working abilities – in the office or on the ranch – made Jack proud. Watching Denise and Jason instill those same attributes in Dash and Myka made Jack smile.
By his side for more than 50 years, Wendy worked with, traveled with, and loved Jack and he knew it. The last few years have been difficult, but the only change desired would be better health. The work and love wouldn't be traded for the world.
For me it is hard to think of Jack without a corduroy Steamboat cap brought back to him by Wendy. A silverbelly hat, a down filled coat, a huge grin, and a bigger laugh. Jack could be gruff when the situation or you needed it, but he was a gentle giant. A mountain in our lives.
Jack, Dad, Up, Jackson, Linford whatever you called him he was consistently one of the greatest men you could ever have the privilege of knowing.
The horizon will be forever different, but the memory and lessons will never fade. Jack you are already missed and will always be. The mountain may have moved, but its shadow stretches forever.