I met Jeff at the University of Utah when we both lived in Van Cott Hall. I cheered him on at many, many basketball games and enjoyed his company socially. I was very fond of Jeff, but I lost touch with him when I left the U.  A conversation today with a friend about college days made me think of him, so I checked social media and was shocked to see his obituary.  I am so saddened to learn that he suffered with cancer. May he now rest in peace with no more suffering.

Jeff was one of the best friends I have had in my life.  Truly a gentle giant.  Jeff was a very good golfer and we played dozen and dozen of rounds together.  We also enjoyed dozen and dozen of trips to Wendover NV to do a little gambling.  Jeff worked with me as an assistant and I can say he never let me down, even when he wasn’t feeling well.  I know he really missed not playing golf the last few years and I’m truly grateful his suffering is over.  I miss you buddy and hope you are somewhere playing golf and hooking up with some of your old buddies.
Jon Unger

Whenever Jeff came into a room, he was a presence.  When he was around, people not only noticed him but were drawn to him.  At Western Airlines, he taught me the ropes to becomes a supervisor.  At the driving orange, Jeff helped my golf swing and then, in his "Ockel way" said, "Now let's see if you can remember anything." He will be missed. God's speed to you Jeff. Your friend, Gordon Flitton

When I started working at Western Airlines I was coming from a different city, a different state and very little comfort in Utah culture. Naturally I gravitated toward Jeff who I considered a leader and someone who mattered. I think that I understood that Jeff was an athlete at his core and athletes, especially at his level, have gone through harder things and pushed themselves beyond the average often all for the sake of scoring the point and then achieving the respect that's due. I'm not sure if Jeff wanted to be an official leader of things but I always put him in that box. Thank you Jeff. In the many years where we haven't seen each other, I've still thought about you.

I first met Jeff while attending the University of Utah while he was playing on the junior varsity basketball team. 
We became friends then and I was surprised when I joined Western Airlines that Jeff was working there also.
 Our friendship continued until he left.  
He was a smart, funny, and often opinionated guy. 
I kept occasional track of him through our mutual friend Carolee. 
I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
Gerri McDonald

OBITUARY

Jeffrey Todd Ockel

May 9, 1947 – June 28, 2024

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