Jack Hadlock was… In no small terms, a complete embodiment of the Western spirit and the Cowboy way of life. Any who knew him would attest to that fact. Jack was born on October 26th, 1933 in Ogden, Utah to Lloyd Ray and Ethel Leona Hadlock. He spent the vast majority of his 78 years living on a small Ranch/Farm in Liberty, Utah. It was there Jack acquired his passion for the way of the Cowboy and developed his unmatched work ethic through the day to day tasks on the Farm.
Throughout his youth, Jack displayed not only a passion for the Cowboy way of life but also for the sport of Rodeo. He rarely spoke of his illustrious career as a Bareback rider, but a few things were clear. Jack possessed the heart of a Champion, unequaled toughness, and was as stubborn as a mule. 3 qualities necessary in the life of a Rodeo cowboy. A life that for Jack, culminated in him becoming the Rocky Mountain Rodeo Association Bareback riding champion in 1964.
Like many Rodeo Champions, Jack accumulated injuries over the years. Said injuries eventually caught up to him. He was forced to step away from competition, but his passion for the sport never ceased. Jack went on to continue contributing to the sport he loved through being a pickup man as well as a stock contractor. He was part owner of the Hadlock Brothers Rodeo Company with his brother William “Bill” Hadlock and their father Lloyd Hadlock. Eventually, Jack also went on to honorably serve as the Bareback event director of the RMRA.
Despite his work with other Rodeo stock and with cattle, from the day he was born until the moment that he died, Jack was a Horseman, through and through. His love for horses and for riding was perhaps the biggest influence on the life he elected to live. Jack married his wife Sharon in 1959 and was blessed with 3 daughters that immediately became the center of his universe. Jack’s daughters all followed in his footsteps, sharing in their fathers love for horses and rodeo. And it was then Jack found his calling within the community. Compelled by his 3 daughters’ interest in sharing his lifestyle, Jack became a 4-H and Junior Posse leader for youth all across Utah.
It was well known in the area he called home that if you wanted to learn horsemanship, you went to Jack Hadlock. There is a story shared about Jack that truly shows the reputation he had within his community. One day Jack was driving home along the North Ogden Divide and spotted a married couple panicking at the side of the road over the fact that they had just rolled their horse trailer with 4 horses trapped inside. Jack of course stopped to help and as soon as he got out of his truck, the woman shouted “It’s Jack Hadlock! Our horses will be fine! He will know what to do”. And sure enough, Jack saved the lives of all 4 horses that day.
There was nothing Jack wouldn’t do to help others. Stories like that of him coming to save the day are abundant among those who knew him best. But his favorite place to be of service was in the Arena, Jack’s passion and devotion to helping the kids he worked with through 4-H and posse was unmatched. His ability to coach horsemanship and riding technique lead to a great deal of success for those he taught, Jack was the type of leader that taught life lessons along the way as well, Whether it was from him coaching you through various shows and events, taking extreme trail rides up the Mountain with him, or even just being in the man’s presence, Jack Hadlock helped shape the lives of everyone he came in contact with. And he received the Utah 4-H Golden Clover award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in his community.
No lives were more shaped by Jack’s presence than those of his 3 daughters, Lisa, Heidi, and Jodi. Jack spent countless hours helping them achieve their goals and raising them to be future leaders in their own communities. Through every single 4-H show, Queening contest, Jr. Posse event, High School Rodeo, Amateur Rodeo, and Barrel Racing jackpot, Jack was there, supporting and encouraging them in every way he could. Jack also supplied bucking horses to the Spikers High School Rodeo club for his nephews, provided roping horses for his grandkids, and happily passed on what he knew about riding roughstock to anyone who sought after his help, family or not.
Overall, Jack Hadlock spent his entire time on this Earth furthering the future of Western Heritage and living the Cowboy way of life. He was a Champion, an advocate, a horseman, a leader, a teacher, and an Inspiration.