He was born the youngest of three children, in Hunter, Utah on November 2, 1946 to Dennis E. and LaUna B. Cavanee. He met his high school sweetheart at Granger High School, Connie Orr, in 1963. They were married in 1966 and together raised three children, Jason, Josh and Angie.
Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.
He has seven grandchildren: Maqael Jean Cavanee, Kaleigh Jean Cavanee, Anthony Jack Scartezina, Kennedy Taylor Cavanee, Jackson Douglas Cavanee, Daytona Jean Cavanee and Dalton Joshua Cavanee. Maqael was the oldest of the grandchildren. She enjoyed spoiling Jack during his recent illness. She often visited and supplied him with his favorite shake and fries. Jack enjoyed playing and teasing all of his grandchildren. He is so proud of each and every one of them.
Jack retired fro
m Kennecott Copper and Utah Power and Light. In the last few years, he turned his hobby into his career and opened up his own Chrome and Powder Coating shop. Many people know him by Papa Jack's Chrome. He had a passion for life; in particular, he always loved cars. Race or antique he enjoyed working them to perfection. His kids and grandkids enjoyed watching him turn a diamond in the rough into a piece of detailed art. Jack and Connie loved to get in one of their cars and attend car shows, local or out-of-state. Many lifelong friendships were made through attending car shows and many of those close friends became family. Jack loved the outdoors. He and Connie enjoyed spending time at their cabin that they built in the Uinta Mountains. He loved to ride motorcycles, four wheelers and snowmobiles, and he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He shared this love with his kids and grandkids. Jack was the master of fixing and repairing all things - he was the "Jack" of all trades. He was famous for his whistling while he worked. He believed that a deal was a deal and a handshake sealed the deal.
Jack is survived by his wife, Connie Orr Cavanee; children: Jason (Sandy) Cavanee, Joshua (April) Cavanee and Angie (Dan) Scartezina and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. A special thanks from Papa Jack and his family to all the staff at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City; especially to Dr. Parry, Dr. Kurt, Michelle, Lane, Connie, Jeff, Mike, Byron, MaryAnn, Dana and so many more extraordinary care givers!
Jack has requested there be no mourning of his death, but a Celebration of his Life, which will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation at christopherreeve.org. Online condolences may be sent at metcalfmortuary.com.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune on June 29, 2011
