Herbert R. Trujillo

Heriberto Rodolfo Trujillo passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of March 13th, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in La Madera, New Mexico, on January 12, 1934, to José Amarante Trujillo and Cleone Valdez. Herb was the oldest of six brothers, whom he loved very much. Growing up in a small community, he was surrounded by both immediate and extended family who inspired a lifelong passion and importance of family. He learned hard work at a young age as he helped on the family ranch tending to various duties. At the age of 16, he graduated from high school and was prominently known for his athletic prowess in many sports, specifically excelling at baseball.

After graduating, Herb enlisted in the Navy where he served on the tanker ship USS Caloosahatchee for three years, traveling throughout the Mediterranean. Herb specifically served in the communications room where he developed a lifelong affinity for electronics and technology. After his service, he moved in with his Aunt in Midvale, Utah and got a job at Kennecott. During this time, he was introduced to his sweetheart, Jackie, by his cousin. They shared many common interests which lead to Herb proposing, however, he said she proposed to him. They were married in Salt Lake City on June 11, 1960, settling in Murray where they raised their three children.

Herb worked as an Aeronautical Engineer at Hill Air Force Base on the guidance system of the F-16 fighter jets. While at Hill, he won the HAFB Golf Course Amateur Championship, setting a course record. Later Herb started his own electronics company servicing the technology equipment of Harman Management (KFC). In 1983, he moved along with his wife and daughter to Cupertino, California, which became home for the next 36 years. Herb loved the Bay Area weather, the San Francisco Giants and gorgeous golf courses. The move to California was due to Jackie’s position with Harman’s which he supported throughout her 55-year career. He loved the entire Harman Management family, especially Pete Harman, who made a significant impact on his life.

When Herb generated a passion, he worked to become proficient. He was constantly learning new things, reading incessantly, and worked to increase his vocabulary daily. This passion continued throughout his life, right up until his final days. He was a near scratch golfer and had the privilege to play some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, Augusta National, Pebble Beach, Spyglass, to name a few. Herb had many hobbies including numismatics (coin collecting), genealogy, photography, and became quite the stockbroker on the side. He was very generous to those in need, helping family, neighbors, students, and many charitable organizations and universities.

He was the odd man out in a home of Latter-day Saints, but his children knew through his example and his traits of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness, that he had a firm knowledge of Jesus Christ and His mission as our Savior and Redeemer. Whatever differences of opinion that existed, we know that we will be together again as a family. We love you dad!

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jacklyn (Bills) Trujillo; his sons Jay (Yvonne) and Carl (Tracey) and daughter Vikki Pass (Joseph); his grandchildren, Nicholas (Zannah), Danielle Dallof (Kalburt), Bryce Pass (Marissa), Jayde, Veronica Smith (Clark), Bailey Pass (Yvette), Jayson, Benjamin (Pam), Bransen Pass (Queenie) and Gabriel; 6 great grandchildren; his brothers Leonard, Tito (Patsy), Teófilo (Bernadette), and his sister-in-law Micaela . He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Philip, Ernest, sister-in-law Elsa, and daughter-in-law Tracy.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Riverview Ward located at 619 West 5750 South, Murray, Utah, with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 am.

Interment at Murray City Cemetery.

We would like to give a special thanks to all the healthcare workers who offered comfort and care to our husband and father.