John Leonard Trentman

“Big John” died peacefully Sunday Morning, March 19th, 2023 at his home in Sandy, Utah. John was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 6th, 1946 to Richard B. Trentman and Lorene “Dorsey” Trentman. Growing up in Ft. Worth Texas; John attended St. Andrews Catholic School and Our Lady of Victory before graduating from Paschal high school in 1965, where he met his high school sweetheart Harriett. John married Harriett Garvie on October 14th, 1966. John and Harriett moved to Salt Lake City in 1970 where they raised their five children and John worked with the family Weight Watchers franchises where he shared in the expansion of Weight Watchers and its operations through the 1990s.

He grew up with an enthusiastic interest in motorbikes, muscle cars, and music. John later turned this interest into his vocation as the owner of Mr. T’s Paint & Body in the 1980s. He had an endless passion for cars and motorcycles, having restored several vintage models over the years.

John twice again married, sharing his life with Cecilia “Cathy” Trentman and Jennette Defa. John & Cathy raised their blended family of seven children together in the Willow Creek area of Sandy. Here John developed many lasting friendships while he enjoyed playing in local golf leagues and tournaments.

Having a blessed life, John collected Harley Davidsons, 60’s muscle cars, and airplanes. The latter of which he used to give back and benefit his community as Command Pilot John Trentman – a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight West, where John was able to take his decades-old love of flying and transport, in need individuals, to essential medical facilities.

John is survived by his older brother Ric Trentman; his five children; Kelli Denise Trentman-Zane & her three children (Kiera, Kalyn & Caden); Tammy Lynn Trentman & her two kids (Chance & Taylor), his twins- Deedra Rae Wells & her husband Sean, John L. Trentman, Jr. & his wife Jenni, and his youngest- David Bryan Trentman and son (Roman).

A celebration of John’s life will be on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking at the north entrance of the building. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at 12:30 PM at St. Vincent de Paul, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City.
John was larger than life and will not be soon forgotten.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Angel Flight West in John’s name by clicking the DONATE button above.