Jack was honored to have so many friends and family across the country and even a handful across the pond. He mentioned many times how funerals always seemed to be when everyone was busy doing chores. He didn’t want to burden anyone.
No services will be held and interment will take place at the ranch west of Jordan. Laid to rest under a particular cottonwood tree overlooking the horse pasture Jack dearly loved.
At 2 pm Friday September 8th, if you feel so inclined to honor Jack Linford, step out into the fresh air, take a moment of reflection and tip your hat for one of the great ones who will be deeply missed.
What do you do when your mountain…your rock…moves?
The horizon changes, the backdrop to life shifts, but the lessons remain.
Jack Linford cast a long shadow in life. Some from sheer size, but mainly from the lessons passed to family and friends. Son, brother, husband, father – UP – neighbor …friend, Jack was many things to many people, and respected for it.
The consummate stockman, with an eye for livestock. His cow herd was second to none and he was a judge of horse flesh to be unrivaled. His pride in his stock was earned and not taken for granted. Jack’s calves topped sales repeatedly and his horses stretched out for the win on the track.
Jack felt immense pride in his daughter Denise, and he was her rock and best friend. Her education achievements, her hard-working abilities – in the office or on the ranch – made Jack proud. Watching Denise and Jason instill those same attributes in Dash and Myka made Jack smile.
By his side for more than 50 years, Wendy worked with, traveled with, and loved Jack and he knew it. The last few years have been difficult, but the only change desired would be better health. The work and love wouldn’t be traded for the world.
For me it is hard to think of Jack without a corduroy Steamboat cap brought back to him by Wendy. A silverbelly hat, a down filled coat, a huge grin, and a bigger laugh. Jack could be gruff when the situation or you needed it, but he was a gentle giant. A mountain in our lives.
Jack, Dad, Up, Jackson, Linford…whatever you called him he was consistently one of the greatest men you could ever have the privilege of knowing.
The horizon will be forever different, but the memory and lessons will never fade. Jack you are already missed and will always be. The mountain may have moved, but its shadow stretches forever.
Rod & Gail Weeding says
Rod and I send our most heartfelt condolences to all of Jack’s family.
Howard Shawver says
I am sorry to hear about Jack. He was a great man who will be missed by many. Condolences to Mrs. Linford and Denise and family.
Steven and Lavonne MacDonald says
Our deepest sympathies to all of Jack’s family. He will be missed. May all the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. May God Bless and Comfort you.
Dennis Hoovestal says
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing . He was a great guy and always a voice of reason. I have many fond memories of both Jack and his brother Bob.
Karen Barnes says
To all of Jack’s family – my deepest sympathy in your loss. Jack was always so nice to be around at any time. Will always remember him helping at volleyball games – enjoyed visisting with him whenever we ran in to each other. May all the good memories be a comfort to you at this difficult time. God Bless all.
craig miller says
Sorry to hear this, I enjoyed Jack a lot. One of the good guys.
Claudia Stanton says
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Condolences to his family.
Mary Ann Murray says
Sending deepest condolences during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories help you through today and beyond. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Hugs.
Carol Williams says
So very sorry to hear about Jack. It was always a pleasure to be around him. Jim and I knew him first at the roping club at Cohagen (good times) and always respected his sportsmanship. Remember the good times.
Jackie Armstrong says
I am so sorry for your loss Wendy, I always enjoyed your help on the lines in the Garfield gym for volleyball. RIP Jack Hug to you Wendy
Clark Janet says
Sorry for your loss, it is difficult but memories remain.
Sally Fitch Ness says
So very sorry for you loss. Prayers
Jo Dee Watson says
What a nice tribute to Jack. My deepest sympathies to Wendy and Denise and her family. May your hearts be filled with precious memories.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Wendy, Denise and family,
Our prayers are with you and your family as you cope with a heartbreaking loss. May your be bless3d with peace and comfort as you move forward.
Parker M says
Jack was a heck of a guy. He had a lions roar that we all heard at least once! I have a lot of childhood memories with jack and Wendy in them. He will be missed! I may have to run one more calf through the fence just for jack!
Mitzi beecher says
So sorry for your loss prayers to the whole family.
Rod and Julie Paschke says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Candy Huseby says
Thoughts and prayers with you at this time.
Jack McNamee says
So sorry Wendy and Denise. Jack’s obituary is perfect. He did cast a long shadow and he’ll be missed by all of us who were privileged to call him a friend.
Cindy Stanton says
Wendy, Denise and families,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was always a nice guy. I pray for your peace and comfort during this sad time.
Virgil and Carol says
Sorry for your loss!
Stanley Markuson says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Jack. Always enjoyed visiting with Jack and doing business with him. He was a all-around good guy. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Karen Engle Mouat says
So sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. I was a classmate in Hysham. I always thought of Jack as a gentle caring person with a big heart. He truly was a “Gentle Giant”. Thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Connie Blonigen says
My sincere condolences to Jack’s family and friends. May your wonderful memories of Jack bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Jerry and Lori Murnion says
You are all in our thoughts and Prayers, Jack was a great man
John and Lillian Loomis says
Oh no Wendy! I am so sorry for your loss! Hold on to those wonderful memories that you have !! Sending love and prayers !
Frank & Lawanda Mouat says
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a great classmate and always kind! Praying for all the family for strength and comfort!
Kari and Mike Young says
My prayers to Wendy, Denise, Jason, Dash and Myka. Denise you are a beautiful person inside and out and I send the “right words” to all your family. Give our love to Dash and Myka, Up loved all of you very much. Such great stories and memories.
Bonita A Frisby says
My deepest sympathies to each and everyone of you. I met Jack, Wendy. Denise, Jason, Dash & Myka many years ago. I had the privilege to help train several of their race horses over the years. When I first met Jack I thought he was gruff and harsh. But after being around him he was one of the most Gentllest Giants you could ever meet. He had a Big Heart and he loved with every inch of it.
Jack was very competitive with his horses. He raised alot of nice racehorses and was always looking for the best breeding combination to get the best.
Jack RIP you will be missed by many people. I will never forget you and your kind, gentle heart.
Wendy, Denise, Jason, Dash & Myka if there is anything at all I can do for you please let me know. I Love all of you! Jack is more than proud of all of you. You all were his world.
Nancy says
I am so sorry to hear about Jack. He was an amazing guy. I didn’t see him often, but when I did, he was so easy to chat with, and he was cordial and friendly.
Wendy, Denise, Jason, Dash, and Myka, I am thinking of all of you during this difficult time. There are really no
words…..
Susie Ferguson Redding says
September 7, 1970…….Jack Linford lost one of his really good friends. September 8, 2023 his friend’s family 52 years and one day later bid their final goodbyes to Jack. In all that time, (and followed by his wonderful wife Wendy) Jack never forgot his special friends, the Fergusons, over on Sarpy Creek. They might not see each other very often, but when they did, they were glad and remembered lots of fun, great old times…….Jack and Wendy made numerous trips through the years to Treasure County for milestone occasions, celebrations, and events for Betty and Jerry and let them know they never forgot them or their son……then of course there got to be the Volleyball games in Hysham with Mom’s pie afterwards!!! Jack was the true definition of a good friend to the whole family plus just an all around great fella…….Condolences and blessings to the entire family……..
I really want to be there tomorrow, but I’m having a spell with my back and I’m not sure I’ll make it that far in the car. Know that I will be there in spirit at 2 p.m. tippin’ my hat to a swell guy……….
T Ferguson says
Have fun in hell Jack!……..I’m kidding.