Jack "John" R. Barnard, Jr.

TAYLORSVILLE – Jack R. “John” Barnard, Jr. passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family.

John was born to Jack R. and Dorothy “Dot” Ames Barnard on May 6, 1948, in Salt Lake City. He had a happy childhood growing up in Kearns with his parents, younger brother, and sister, and many pets. He played sports, traveled the area on bikes and mopeds, and had endless adventures – even surprising his parents by giving himself small tattoos at around 10 years old. He must have been a gifted tattoo artist since they were still in perfect form throughout his life!

John graduated from Cyprus High School in 1966, where he loved playing football. In middle school, he met his lifelong sweetheart, Dawn Hallman, and they married in 1969. Together, they had two children, Amie and Zach, who were the center of John’s life. Their activities, sports, and nonstop, funny shenanigans always ranked first among his priorities. He and Dawn enjoyed many times with the kids on road trips, vacations, and hosting friends and family for parties at their home.

John worked for Kennecott Utah Copper for 37 years as a millwright, where he made dear friends and was known for his strong work ethic. After retiring from Kennecott, John worked at The Home Depot, where he enjoyed a community of caring coworkers and customers and was always happy to share his knowledge of plumbing and home improvement tips in his kind and helpful way.

In 2008 and again in 2013, John became a grandfather – a role he was born to play. John, known by his grandsons as “Papa John,” showered the boys with love and affection. Always ready to greet them with a sweet treat, toy, funny joke, loving hug, or whatever else their hearts desired. John tried his best to be at as many of their school activities and performances, recitals, and sports games as he could. Going on trips with them to hike and fish in the Utah mountains are special memories. No matter where they were or what they were doing, John made his grandsons feel like the most important people in the world. His impact on and the example he set for them will stay with them forever.

John was active and fit most of his life, running marathons, hiking, and fishing. He loved being with his family, spending time outside gardening, doing home improvement projects, and just being out and about, checking on family and friends. John had a soft spot for animals; over the years, he and Dawn welcomed many rescued dogs and cats into their home. He loved reading and especially enjoyed books about the western United States, Native American history, and science fiction

In 2017, John was proud to be baptized Catholic after a year of rigorous study, celebrating the achievement with his family. His kindness, gentle nature, and desire to help the underdogs of the world were great examples of his faith.

He lived the last 10 years with Parkinson’s Disease, which slowly robbed him of the physical ability to do many of the things he enjoyed. However, John persevered through it, rarely complaining and keeping his sense of humor until the very end of his life. While he is missed tremendously, his family rejoices in knowing he is strong and healed now.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dawn, Taylorsville; daughter Amie Barnard, Taylorsville; son Zach (Miranda) Barnard, Sandy; beloved grandsons Anthony and Robby Barnard, Sandy; sister Debbra (Gordon) Hartmann, Ogden; brother-in-law James Hallman, Kearns; and many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Jerry and Gloria Hallman; brother, Scott Barnard; brother-in-law, Richard Hallman; and nephew, Matthew Barnard.

Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, UT, on Thursday, April 16, at 11:30 am. All are welcome at a reception at the St. Thomas More Reception Hall at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

"A good man leaves tracks worth following.” - Unknown