Jack Melvin Cargeeg

On Wednesday April 3, 2019, Jack Melvin Cargeeg, loving husband and father of three children passed away at the age of 87.

Jack was born August 1, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Faye Fitzgerald and Jackson
Cargeeg. He grew up in North Salt Lake and lived in Davis County the majority of his life. He graduated from Davis High School in 1950.

On March 21, 1958 Jack married Darlene Oliekan. They raised three children, their daughter Robyn, and two sons Robert and Jon.

He served in the US Navy from 1952 until 1987; serving in the Korean Conflict and stationed in Japan. He received many accolades including Master Rifleman.

He owned The Wally's Burger Bar in Bountiful, Utah from 1956 to 1970. Jack also worked for Syro Steel from 1965 to 1994.

Jack was known to be a talented craftsman in woodworking. He spent almost every day in his personal woodworking shop in his home basement creating wood crafts for local craft stores, making beautiful pieces of furniture from scratch, or working on mini replicas of train cars with intricate detail. Because he was so gifted in this area, he would receive requests for any type of wood creation or guidance for a project from his kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends. These requested projects were happily accepted and always completed with eagerness, love and perfection.

His other passion was gardening. Jack was a Master Gardener with the Utah State University Botanical Gardens; everyone knew him to have an immaculate backyard with a well-tended garden. This was considered a hobby and not a chore for him. He enjoyed mowing the lawn on his riding mower, even letting the neighbor kids next door hop on for a ride. Planting the flowers Darlene picked out was an annual delighted task. Harvesting grapes off of the vine to make fresh grape juice was one of the delicious activities of his garden he looked forward to most. He made a career out of his gardening skill by working at J&L Garden Center from 1996 to 2017. Everyone enjoyed visiting Jack at work in his green polo and sun hat while he provided his expertise on all trees and plants. He would mention to his grandkids that he missed his gardening and taking care of the yard during the winter months showing his admiration for this hobby.

He also had a high interest in trading stocks on a daily basis and reading western novels. Making homemade delicious bread and cookies were a normal task for him, and a treat for his family and friends.

Even though he was a man of few words, when he would have conversations, he would always provide the best advice and light up the conversation with his smile and laughter. He was known for his kind compassionate spirit and generosity.

Jack and Darlene made the perfect couple. They were married for 62 years. They traveled the world together including a memorable trip to Europe and they recently made many road trips to meet with close family to venture on train rides around Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Jack's passion, hard work, and unconditional love inspired all three of his children to
become successful in all areas of their lives and to become the best parents because of his influence. They all treasure their memories growing up with Jack as their father and appreciate everything he did for them.

His grandkids loved him and know him to be the perfect grandpa. They cherish all of their wonderful memories growing up at his house and riding around in his one of a kind blue van.

His parents Faye Fitzgerald and Jackson Cargeeg precede Jack in death

He is survived by his loving wife Darlene Cargeeg, his three children, Robyn, Robert, and Jon, his grandchildren Kelsi, Kyler, Karli, Cortney, Chantel, and great grandchildren Braylee, Eliza, Damon, Markus, and Noah.

A service with Military Honor Guard will be held at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary and
Cemetery at 1:00 pm Monday April 8, 2019.