Utah Westerners

Jack Tykel (1930-2013)

October 11, 2013 at 9:23 am kenttschanz Leave a comment

JACK B. TYKAL 1930-2013

I came into this world on 27 June 1930 in Chicago, IL, born to Henry F. and Mae G. (Thompson) Tykal, and I left it on 24 September 2013. I grew up in the Midwest, and attended college in Indiana, where I met an Ohio girl, Helen Gibson. She later became my wife of 59 years.

A 1952 college graduate, Uncle Sam put the arm on me for two years, of which thirteen months were spent in Korea. Army service ended, I married Helen and began a career as a banker. Seven years later, after deciding banking was not for me after all, I followed an earlier interest and became a Special Agent of the FBI. Several moves around the country saw me wind up in Salt Lake City, where I retired as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City office.

Believing that one does not retire to do nothing, but to do something different, I harkened back to a near-lifelong interest in western history, and the fur trade. Over the succeeding years I had two books published on western history/fur trade, and articles in historical journals. One of my most enjoyable associations were the years I spent as a member of the Utah Westerners. Another is Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, where I’ve served in a number of capacities over the years and have enjoyed friendships with my fellow members.
I leave behind my wife, Helen, four daughters: Karen Smith (Don), Elizabeth Barnhart (Jim), Susan Wood (Steve), and Barb Tykal, and eight wonderful grandkids. Leaving them is my only regret for I’ve had a great run at life and leave with no other complaints.

There will be a Memorial Service for me at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church (1580 Vine St.) at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5. Not being one for flowers, if you want to honor and remember me I suggest a donation to either The Nature Conservancy or Heifer Project, both favorites of mine.

“Death is a debt to Nature due That I have paid, and so must you.”
( gravestone, Deerfield, Mass.)

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