In Memory

John Jacob Hekking

John Jacob Hekking 

1944 - 2021 / In Loving Memory 

Salt Lake City, UT—John was born in Haarlem, Netherlands on January 30th, 1944 and passed away May 28th, 2021 at the age of 77. 

Son of Pieter Hekking and Akke Tau. John is survived by his his sons Ken (Lisa) and Doug (Jane), and his grandchildren Makenzie, Taylor, Brittin (Taya), Morgan, Matthew, Thomas, brothers Lou and Andy and his sister Betty. John was preceded in death by his wife Nancey and his sister Margaret. 

John immigrated to the United States at a young age as his parents sought a better life from the war ravaged Netherlands. He proudly served in a tank division in the U.S. Army and had the opportunity to play basketball with the Army throughout Europe. 

John and Nancey met on a blind date and married three days later in a marriage that lasted more than 54 years. They truly enjoyed each other's company and loved to experience new adventures including traveling together with family, fishing, golfing, and camping. After fighting a prolonged illness, John passed away less than three months after losing Nancey unexpectedly. Husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, John embraced his role as the life of the party and had an incredible way of making everyone feel welcome and as if they have been lifelong friends. He accepted people as they were and asked nothing in return other than their friendship and to embrace a fun and spirited interaction. John was always available to lend a helping hand and had a real expertise in fixing and installing anything under the roof or in your yard. 

He enthusiastically supported his sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandkids in anything and everything they did. He hesitantly accepted his title as grandpa because "he wasn't old enough to have grandkids", but that hesitancy quickly turned into the best grandpa a kid could have. John was elite in his mischievous ways and was more than happy to include his sons and grandchildren in any misadventure he could recruit them on. Although John was fun and spirited, there was no mistaking that he demanded respect, that you own your performance or decision without excuse, and for you committed to do your best. There were numerous life lessons with John where we learned to take accountability and responsibility for our actions that will resonate with all of us. John was quick to remind his boys that he had two hole in ones, two 300 games in bowling, and that he held "the Belt" in ping pong and pool. Always a game and always a competition. John will be missed but never forgotten. 

A Celebration of Life will be held for John and Nancey Hekking on August 7th, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at the home of Doug and Jane Hekking: 

42 Mountain Vistas Road 

Kaysville, UT 84037 

Call Jane w/any questions 

5:00 pm - Open House with a light dinner and drinks 

6:00 pm - Celebrating the Lives of John and Nancey

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jul. 28 to Aug. 1, 2021.