Joseph Erle Jack

Dr. Joseph Erle Jack, Jr passed away May 30, 2017 after a long and productive life. He was born on February 20, 1925 to Joseph E. Jack. and Edith Forsberg in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the brother of Julia Nixon and Jeanne Jensen. In 1948 he married Elaine Low in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, a marriage that lasted happily for 68 years.

He spent his childhood in Salt Lake City, and in the midst of World War II entered an accelerated medical school curriculum at the University of Utah, graduating at age 22. Inspired by his physician father, he subsequently specialized in surgery and maintained an active practice for 48 years, retiring in 1995. Dr. Jack was a loved and respected general surgeon. He was on the staff of Cottonwood Hospital when it opened in 1963 and later served as Medical Staff President, Chair of the Department of Surgery and member of the Cottonwood Hospital Board of Trustees. Additional community service included President of the Salt Lake County Medical Association, Honorary President of the Utah State Medical Association and President of the University of Utah College of Medicine Alumni Association. A life-long interest in Scouting resulted in his service as Vice President of the Great Salt Lake Council. He was also awarded a Silver Beaver.

Throughout his life he was a faithful member of the Latter-day Saint faith where he served in many leadership capacities, twice as bishop and from 1997 to 2000 as President of the Cardston Alberta Temple. In both church and professional settings, he consistently acknowledged and praised the strength, devotion, and fortitude of those who surrounded him, and in turn he was beloved and honored by them.

Spending time with his family was paramount to him. Favorite family outings involved golfing, skiing, and hiking.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and four sons: David (Gayle), Bill (Madeline), Eric (Karen) and Gordon (Jill), as well as 16 perfect grandchildren and four equally perfect great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday June 2 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. June 3 at the Holladay 18th Ward Chapel, 2625 East Milo Way, Holladay. The family will receive visitors at the chapel from 12:00-12:45 p.m. prior to the services.