John Kallbacka

John Rae Kallbacka, 69, of Evanston WY, passed away on December 13th, 2020.

John was born 3rd of 5 children on March 22nd, 1951 to Arther and Faye (Golden) Kallbacka in Provo, Utah. After graduating from Provo High School, he went on to study and work at a number of trades including Instrumentation and Controls Technician, which he ultimately made his career.

He enjoyed two full careers as an I and C Tech. The first 18 years were at Hercules Aerospace, Baccus West Works  (as the plant was known when he started there) in Magna UT.  At the time of his death he was in the process of retiring from an 18 year long career with Pacificorp, Naughton Power Plant in Kemmerer WY.  John was a dedicated employee and took much pride in his work as an I and C Tech. He was also proud to have carried a Utah Master Electrician License, Certified HVAC Technician and Certified Welder credentials.

In the spring of 1976 he met Julie Deanne Poulsen and by September the two were married.  John and Julie went on to have 3 children together, John Jason, and twins Nicole Deanne and Jacob Grant.  In September 2020 John and Julie celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary.

John was a force of nature, incredibly determined, with a mind of his own that led him to always do things his own way. He was dedicated to provide the best he possibly could for his family. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world.  He often demonstrated this by frequently giving little gifts or sharing some of his vast knowledge with his loved ones. He was unendingly proud of  Jason, Jacob, Nicole and his wife Julie and always tried his best to support them in every way he could. Anyone who knew John knew that he was the most loving father, husband and grandfather a family could ask for.

John was also passionate about hunting, fishing, guns, live music, reading, and could often be found at a concert, in a bookstore, or outdoors, often with his kids. His favorite pastime was spending time with his 5 beautiful granddaughters, Kelsey, Kassie, (Jason's) Kinley, Creedence and Westlyn (Jacob's)

John had a compassionate heart. He loved animals and they loved him. He never hesitated to bring home injured animals for Julie to tend to until they were well enough to be released or placed in appropriate homes.  He never complained about the over abundance of pets at home and always felt there was room for "just one more."

His propensity for rescue wasn't limited to animals. He and Julie opened their hearts and homes to take in and care for a number of their childrens' friends throughout the years. He practiced the Golden Rule which made it easy for him to love others and make friends easily.

John had an incredible sense of humor. He had a gift of making others smile and laugh with his abundant jokes and silly pranks. He believed that laughter truly was the best medicine and he applied it often.

John is survived by his wife, Julie, his sons Jason and Jacob (Courtney Dean), his daughter Nicole (Chris Bristow), his granddaughters and a plethora of people he loved and cared about. He is deeply loved and is greatly missed.