Zachery Denzil Jenks

Zac was brilliant, endlessly curious, funny, thoughtful, and deeply loved. He had an idyllic childhood growing up in Alpine, Utah, where his curiosity and creativity were evident from an early age. He loved figuring out how things worked, inventing things, and asking questions. That curiosity followed him throughout his life.

Music was another gift that came naturally to Zac. He had a beautiful singing voice and was a talented pianist. During high school and college, he participated in band, Madrigal Choir, LD Singers, and was involved in theater, finding many ways to share his musical and creative talents with others.

After high school, and serving a mission in the Missouri Independence Mission, Zac made a life for himself in Logan, Utah. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in microbiology. Later, he went on to work as a computer engineer. His remarkable ability to learn allowed him to master numerous coding languages and solve complicated problems. He was always up to date on the newest gadgets, inventions, and technology, and loved getting his hands on something new, figuring out how it worked, and then sharing the cool things he discovered with others.

Over the past few weeks of Zac's decline, many came to visit. A common thread we heard was that he was always willing to research an answer, solve a problem, or "nerd out" over a good science conversation. Being completely engaged in his conversations with others was just another way Zac showed love.

Beyond his brilliant mind, Zac had a wonderful sense of humor and a generous spirit. He had a gift for seeing someone else's vision and was always supportive and encouraging of the people around him as they pursued their own dreams.

Family was at the heart of Zac's life. He loved his family deeply and made a point of staying connected, especially through regular phone calls with his parents and grandparents. Tom, his best friend and husband, was a very important part of Zac’s life. They did everything together. Zac also loved the two wonderful, and intelligent girls he helped raise, Nikole and Holly. He was an important part of their lives and helped shape the remarkable young women they have become.

Birthdays and holidays were a big deal for Zac. He went above and beyond to celebrate, whether it was buying way too many fireworks, outlandishly wrapping gifts, or making homemade salsa for each neighbor at Christmastime; he loved to celebrate. His favorite season was fall, and thus his favorite holiday, Halloween. He was known in his neighborhood for “having the best candy” for trick-or-treaters. One of our favorite things was receiving a birthday call, with Zac immediately singing "Happy Birthday" upon answering and then taking time to catch up with us afterward.

Zac loved fiercely and was gracious and accepting of others. Whether hosting a gathering, preparing a meal, or welcoming someone into his home, Zac wanted people to feel comfortable and cared for. He loved to cook and was happiest when he could make something for the people he loved. He rarely rested himself until he knew everyone else was taken care of.

Adventure was a huge part of Zac's life. He loved to travel, explore, and discover new places, always seeming to know where the best places were to eat, wander, or rock climb. He also had an eye for beauty and loved photographing sunsets, often sharing them with others on social media.

Zac leaves behind his husband, Tom Sweigart; his daughters, Nikole (Niki) and Holly Sweigart; his parents, Denzil and Shirlene Jenks; siblings Kayla (Shane) Thompson, Nate (Alexe) Jenks, Alan (Mackenzie) Jenks, Jaren (Christine) Devey, and Nicole (Derek) Smith; grandparents Delvin and Eleanor Jenks; dear friend Maureen Valentine; many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and countless friends, neighbors, and coworkers who loved him. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Lucas, Dutton, and Duke.

He was preceded in death by his brother James; grandparents Bill and Elaine Devey; uncles Brian and Tom; cousins Michelle and Steven; and his beloved dogs Rodney, Howard, and George; and his cat Sally.

We wish there could have been more dinners around the table, more birthday phone calls, more adventures, more sunsets, more laughter, and simply more time with Zac.

And yet, Zac lived a full life. His life was filled with people he loved, places he explored, music, laughter, learning, adventure, and countless moments of connection. He made the most of the life he had, leaving behind memories, stories, and pieces of himself in the lives of so many people who loved him.

We love you, Zac. You'll be in our hearts always.

The family would like to express their thanks to everyone at Logan Regional Hospital and IHC Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Zac during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Go Fund Me.

Services

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held in Alpine, Utah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mack Park in Smithfield, Utah, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. 70 Canyon Rd, Smithfield, UT.

Interment will be at Alpine City Cemetery.

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