Jackson Herbert Beyer

Jackson Herbert Beyer, 95, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2013, having been a resident of the Salt Lake Valley for nearly 70 years.

Jackson was born in Milwaukee, WI, on August 21, 1917, to parents Walter and Eleanor Beyer. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1939 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. On May 6, 1941, he married Elizabeth (Betts) Hass, and for a few years, they made their home in Columbus, OH.

Interestingly, his job at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus was related to the development of the atomic bomb, which resulted in a military deferment for the duration of World War II.

In 1946, Jackson moved his young family to Utah where he accepted a job with American Smelting and Refining Co. at the Garfield copper smelter, now known as Kennecott Utah Copper. He held numerous leadership positions at the smelter, and retired in 1980 as head of the analytical and quality control laboratories.

As a life-long Lutheran, Jackson had a strong love for and trust in the Lord. He was a member of Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church and, later, St John's Lutheran Church.

Jackson was an avid reader and sports enthusiast (GO PACKERS!), and he loved to travel, to picnic and to pitch a tent for camping. He meticulously planned annual vacations and took the entire family to all the most beautiful destinations in the west. Photography was also a favorite hobby of his, and he had numerous albums to show for it. Once they were empty-nesters, their love of travel took Jackson and Betts on several trips to Europe.

Jackson is quoted as saying, "My finest accomplishment in life was marrying a wonderful woman who raised 6 great children who grew up to be the pride and joy of my existence. I love them!!"

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Geraldine (16) in 1960 and also by Betts, his wife of 53 years, in 1994.

He is survived by his remaining children: Karen (Fred) Miller of Loveland, CO; Paul (Kristin) of Sandy, UT; Laurel (Larry) Yost of Jacksonville, FL; Glen (Barb) Beyer of Dallas, TX; and Joel (Kathy) Beyer of Salt Lake City, UT.

He is also survived by 7 grandchildren (Suzi, Terri, Jillyn, Kristen, Melissa, Meghan and Adam) and 8 great-grandchildren (Jacob, Zachary, Olivia, Benjamin, Davis, Bryce, Damian and Michael).

At Jackson's request, his body was cremated and no services are being held. For everyone who knew him, it won't be difficult to always keep his spirit in our hearts!