William "Bill Jack" Jackson Westbrook

William “Bill Jack” Westbrook, 67, passed away peacefully September 5, 2018. Texan, musician, singer, football player, Mason, salesman, educator, husband, father, and a friend to all. Many of us are better people for having known him, and our lives enriched.

Bill was born in Texas to a family of proud Texans. Although his parents moved around the country for his father’s employment, Bill spent significant formative years growing up, living with his Texas grandparents every summer and during holidays. Bill’s family moved to Salt Lake City from Denver when he was in junior high school. He graduated from Olympus High School, where he was active in drama, choir, science club, and varsity football. He graduated from Westminster College, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology.

During his school years, Bill worked at Toy Village, then for J.C. Penney – One of his many stories was the excitement he felt when he met James Cash Penney in person, but he told Mr. Penney “no” when he tried to recruit him into the Penney’s Management Trainee program. After Bill graduated college, he worked at his family’s business until his father’s death: Redwood Motors, sales of International Harvester light duty vehicles, RV equipment, and used vehicle sales. He then worked for Napa Auto Parts as a sales representative to corporate fleet accounts. Bill’s final career before retiring was as a substitute teacher for Granite School District, particularly in Special Education and Detention Special Education.

Bill Jack had a rich family heritage in Freemasonry, and became a Mason as soon as he was old enough. He joined several “Masonic family” organizations. Bill served the Masonic fraternity well for many years. A friend reminded us that he was once introduced as one of the most introduced men in the room, because of his active involvement and many leadership positions. Bill Jack served 3 times as Worshipful Master for 2 lodges, and as Secretary for many years, for 2 lodges; he was a 33o Scottish Rite Mason. He served several years as a Grand Lodge Officer; he joined El Kalah Shrine during a 100th “Shrinetennial” celebration; he held leadership positions in the Utah Grand York Rite bodies. Bill Jack is a Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star; Past Associate Grand Guardian of Utah, Job’s Daughters International; Past President Royal Scots of Utah, Past President Anointed High Priests of Utah, Past Prior Utah Priory KYCH, Past Puissant Sovereign Red Cross of Constantine, Past Governor York Rite Sovereign College. He earned Masonic honors: the Order of the Purple Cross of York – York Rite Sovereign College; the Francis W. Douglas Youth Award – Grand Lodge of Utah; and the Cryptic Mason Youth Award – Grand York Rite of Utah.

Bill coached Little League and Bonnet Ball, and worked in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Bill’s family did not escape being “nudged” to participate. He insisted the family become involved with the Masonic family – and the Ulster Project. We have many wonderful connections with friends in Omagh, and throughout Northern Ireland. Bill enjoyed traveling and collecting, especially John Wayne memorabilia and movies, and doing word puzzles and Sudoku.

Bill Jack is remembered fondly as a kind, gentle man and helpful spirit. He is famous for his stories, spreading smiles and encouragement; always gracious and fun to work with. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Tricia; daughter eVette Raen; son James Westbrook (Stephanie Glaittli).

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 East 3300 South, SLC. All are welcome and invited to visit with the family after the service at a luncheon in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, charities are: Bill Jack Westbrook Memorial Scholarship – Job’s Daughters International/Utah Grand Guardian Council; Salt Lake Shriner’s “Un-Limb-ited” Teen Amputee Camp; Rite Care of Utah – Scottish Rite Children’s Learning Center; Knights Templar Eye Foundation; Family Promise Salt Lake.

On line tributes: @ www.holbrookmortuary.com