It has been said that, “Jack was the John Wayne of the oilfield.” I think all of us here today that knew him would agree with that statement. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank all of you for joining us in celebrating the life of a man who worked hard and loved deeply, and it is evident by the crowd here today that he was loved deeply in return. John (Jack) Findlay was born on September 2, 1948 in Meeker, CO, the second of two children of Ernest Findlay and Ethel Lorraine Kincher. Jack and his brother Don grew up and attended school in Meeker, CO. He spent much of his childhood at his grandmother’s, hunting and fishing, and doing day work for local farmers and ranchers. Some of his fondest memories were of his days with his grandmother, and you knew by the way he spoke of her that she was very special to him. Childhood memories included much in the way of shenanigans, most of the time involving Jack’s cousins, the Eliasens. Many of those stories probably need not be recounted aloud, and if you must know, just ask an Eliasen. Jack went on to attend college for 2 years in Grand Junction, CO, where he met and married the love of his life, Roxanna, on September 8, 1970. They would have celebrated 50 years this coming September. They spent their early married years living and working in the Rifle and Meeker, CO area. Jack and Roxanna welcomed their two children, Callay and Luke, into their lives, and as a family embarked on an adventurous journey of a life in the oilfield. Respect is the only word that can be used to describe Jack’s work in the oil and gas industry. He was renowned in the field of drilling and was always pushing the limits on drilling a well faster, better and in a cost effective manner. Although he was always proud of a job well done, credit was always given to the crews and men who were working with him, and he never took the glory for himself. The fact is, Jack made everyone feel good about working for him, and this was truly his gift in life. Jack and Roxanna made their home base in the Little Snake River Valley in the mid 1980’s, where their children went to school, grew up, got married and had families of their own. Two grandchildren, Gabriele and Isabella, were welcomed into the family and were blessed to know Jack as their Papa. Even though Jack and Roxanna moved around a lot, spending much time working in the Roosevelt and Duchesne, UT area, the Little Snake River Valley was always home for them and they returned in 2009 to be close to family and create a place to enjoy retirement.
In his more leisurely days, Jack enjoyed hunting, cooking and working on engineering better productivity from his hay fields on his farm in Dixon, WY. He most loved spending time with his wife, his family and his pets. Jack passed away in the evening hours of Thursday May 7 in Craig, CO. He is survived by his wife, Roxanna, his daughter Callay, her husband Darrell and their two children Gabriele and Isabella, his son, Luke, and his wife, Zel. The family is deeply grateful for all of the love and support that has been bestowed upon them by all of Jack’s many friends and family during this difficult time. We are overwhelmed and full of love for all who came today to celebrate the life of a man who was a “giant” to us all. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Community Center or the Rebekah's Lodge #21 in care of Grant Mortuary.
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