Rick Bojak Obituary (1951 - 2017)

On May 12, 2017 our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, age 66, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in West Jordan, Utah following a courageous battle with ALS. He endured this devastating disease with grace and dignity, always with the positive attitude that he would make the best of his situation. Never complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Richard Keith Bojak was born February 16, 1951 to Joseph and Virginia Rogers Bojak. He grew up in Chicago and graduated in 1969 from Mather High School. Many of us assume that those who spend countless hours studying to achieve higher levels of academic degrees will naturally seek out the highest paying professions. Rick believed there are treasures in life far more valuable than a big paycheck. He was an exceptional athlete who played middle linebacker and running back in college and was inducted into the Northwest Athletic Association Hall of Fame. After graduating from Weber State, with a bachelors degree in physical education, and a masters degree in psychology from the University of Utah, Rick went on to achieve his duel goal of becoming a respected educator and coach for 31 years. He worked for the company Bigger Faster Stronger as a clinician and motivational speaker. As an educator Rick was named 1995 Utah State Teacher of the year, an award that earned him a trip to the Oval Office and congratulations from President Clinton. He touched the lives of hundreds of students and fellow educators in the most positive ways. He was honored to serve as president of the Jordan School District Board of Education. His greatest joy was spending time with his precious family enjoying vacations, cruises, Disneyland and all sports. He loved his Chicago Bears, his Chicago hot dogs and his Chicago beefs. He waited his whole life to see the Cubs win the world series, and watching that game with him was priceless! We are going to miss this great man. Rick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet Clontz Bojak; daughter, Jennifer (Matt) Briggs; treasured grandchildren Brooklyn and Trey Briggs; brothers, Bill (Karen) Bojak, James Bojak; mother-in-law, Jeanine Sinsel; and many members of his extended family near and far. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Joe Wagner; and father-in-law, Verne Sinsel. Viewings will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South) and Saturday, May 20, 2017, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the West Jordan Mountain View Stake Center, 2901 West 9000 South, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment at West Jordan City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and to continue Rick's legacy of support and contribution to education, donations may be made to www.youcaring.com/studentsinthejordanschooldistrict-824896 Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095