Patay

John Hafen Knaphus "Jack" 1930 ~ 2008 Friend to All "Jack accepted, loved, and humored all" John Hafen Knaphus passed away peacefully and valiantly during the early hours of May 6th, surrounded by the comfort of his family. Jack died from complications of Diabetes, after patiently enduring its many effects. He never complained. Staying positive, sensitive, and cheerful were among Jack's many gifts to all of us. He was a man of both great honor and great humor. His character was built with a perfect blend of humility, integrity, hard work, humor, service, tender moments, teaching, more humor, solid advice, wisdom and a genuine love for all. One of Jack's great metaphors of life was, "Keep the shiny side-out", combining his positive outlook on life with his chosen career in the ceramic tile business. Jack was well respected, and enjoyed his associations in the construction industry. He mentored his sons and grandsons in the tile and stone industry that he loved so much. Jack was born August 13, 1930 to Torleif S. and Emelia Christensen Knaphus. When only 16 months old, Jack's mother died and his loving sisters nurtured him until his father married Rebecca Marie Jacobsen, whom Jack welcomed and loved. While growing up in the Sugarhouse area, Jack developed friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime. He attended Garfield, Irving Jr., and South High Schools. Jack married Joyce Roberts Sept. 26, 1949. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and had been married for nearly 57 years before Joyce's passing in Sept of 2006. After Jack served stateside in the army during the Korean War, Jack and Joyce returned to Salt Lake and raised their young family in the Mt. Air Acres area, before spending 32 years in the Millcreek/Holladay area. Jack and his beloved wife Joyce created a large beautiful family. They all cherish the loving memories of Jack and Joyce's special love and warmth, as well as their fine examples. Jack's highest priority was his family. Jack touched lives. He was down-to-earth, outgoing, accepting and genuine. He was a dear companion to his sweet wife Joyce, a loving father to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and special friends. He loved and respected his care givers, co-workers, and employees and virtually everyone he encountered. Jack always learned and used your name. Dad served the Lord by showing respect to everyone he met and by serving others through his many LDS Church responsibilities. Jack's accepting congenial nature served him well, as he served others. Jack is survived by his six married children, John (Peggy), Carie (Bruce) Reid, Bruce (Laurie), Chris (Leslie), Mark (Julie), Peggy (Kevin) Duke, 27 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Marie James, Becky Beddoes, and Rowena (Don) Aina, brothers, Norman (Charlotte), Elling (Joan), Steven (Barbara) and Martin (Jan) Knaphus, brother-in-law, Dale Roberts, sister-in-law, Judy (Judd) Myers. He is preceded in death by his wife, two great-grandchildren, his parents, three brothers (Kimball, Harold, T.M.), three sisters (Olive, Grace, Irene), and many friends and relatives. We would like to thank all of the many healthcare professionals, friends, family members and neighbors who loved and cared for him in recent years.