Sheldon Austin “Jack” Brereton, 80, died in his home on July 15, 2019. His many friends and family are profoundly saddened by the loss. Despite our sadness, Jack’s bright presence and eventful life continue to be a source of inspiration to those who knew him, whether as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, colleague or fishing buddy.
Jack was born to Verl Ashton Brereton and Grace Darlene Hirst in Provo, Utah where he was raised along with seven sisters and three brothers. Jack described his childhood as idyllic and shared many fond memories of a life filled with hard work and rough-and-tumble play amidst a caring rural community. Jack was an athletic young man and a lifelong outdoorsman. Jack started a family young and went to work in the sheet metal industry, rising to high responsibility positions and overseeing difficult projects. He has shared many memories of jobsite trials and tribulations from his time at Jelco, taking particular pride in his work on the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado. Jack founded Vent-Line, Inc., which went on to become a major player in the regional HVAC world. He built his business and his reputation on his handshake.
Jack enjoyed a long retirement full of family visits, construction projects and outdoor recreation. Jack’s spirit for adventure made him an excellent outdoorsman and he was a notorious fisherman–equally comfortable on a trout stream in Montana or a tundra lake in Alaska. Although he made a few enemies at the poker table, his sense of humor and eagerness to share a laugh, a whiskey drink and a helping hand earned him many friends. His lifelong generosity earned him just as many admirers.
He is survived by his wife, Gisela; his children Cindy (Ross) Broberg, Scott Brereton, Denise Brereton; his step-daughters Heide Nelson and Sabrina Butler; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 11:00-11:45 a.m. followed by services at noon at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah.
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