Jack Harrison Rickards

Salt Lake City, UT – “The world lost a wonderful man today,” were the words spoken by a close friend of Jack H. Rickards. Jack was born to Israel G. and LaPrele R. Rickards. He was the second of two sons. As a young man living in SLC, he learned to ski. He enjoyed skiing throughout his life. Jack served in the United States Army during WWII as a medic. Jack loved Jazz and his favorite singer Ella Fitzgerald. He became a hair stylist and opened his own 35 yearlong business, Jack’s Salon of Beauty. He later worked for Macy’s Dept. Store at South Towne. Jack married Norma Brooks Rickards in 1953 and they spent 63 years together. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS temple. He enjoyed skiing, duck and pheasant hunting with his sons, in fact, he taught his sons how to ski, which took immense patience. Jack became an avid golfer and enjoyed thousands of hours golfing with Norma, his son Brad and many friends including his golfing buddies Ralphie and Karen. 

Jack was a kind, gentle and compassionate man. He always saw the good in people. He spent many an evening in his backyard with many friends and family barbequing. Jack and Norma enjoyed creating lasting memories with Barbara and Gene (deceased) Chapman. There are too many friends that Jack enjoyed spending time with that they cannot all be named. Jack was a proud dad who always encouraged his sons in their endeavors. He taught them to “never give up.”  He was a devoted and loving grandpa. He loved and cherished his granddaughters Alli and Amanda Jo. Jack spent many of his retirement hours caring for them when they were young. He was the best dad and grandpa anyone could wish for. Jack was a devoted husband who provided never-ending care for his sweetheart, Norma.  He was a loving father-in-law.  A special thought to Linda Roberds whom Jack considered the daughter he never had for her love and affection. Throughout his working years and after, he was the person that people came to for advice and an understanding shoulder to lean on.  Another favorite pastime was growing rose bushes.  Jack was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Jack spent his last remaining year at the Veterans Administration William E. Christoffersen Nursing Home, Memory care. To the staff of the VA memory care facility, the family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the kind and compassionate care you provided Jack. Jack leaves behind his sons Jack B. (Margaret) and Bradley G. (Karla) Rickards, granddaughters Alexandra E. and Amanda Jo Rickards.  He was preceded in death by his wife Norma who died December 31, 2016, brother Jerry and his parents.

A graveside service will be held on Monday May 14, 2018 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, UT at 2:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org. Funeral Services provided by Russon Mortuary. Guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com