John Hamilton Donner

John Hamilton Donner died in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 27, 2026, due to complications following surgery. He was born to Morton and Dorothy Donner on September 3, 1959, in New York City, NY.

Always generous, John donated his liver and kidneys saving 2 people’s lives.

JD is survived by his partner Jennifer Hall, brother Peter, sisters Dory Parsons and Nancy Arthur, as well as nephew Ben Parsons, and nieces Annemarie Parsons and Molly Arthur.

He graduated from University of Utah’s Eccles School of Business in 1984 with a B.A. in Finance and Financial Management Services. He then held a variety of construction and management positions at Tuff Shed for nearly 33 years. But his favorite job was chasing the “POWDA” in Little Cottonwood Canyon. He said, “Life would be so much easier if I wasn’t a Powderhound.”

John loved to have fun, sometimes doing grand adventures like skiing in Japan with Jennifer, scuba diving in Cozumel, or biking across the United States. He also loved skiing in the Backcountry of Alta and the groomers at Snowbird. He never turned down an opportunity to Bike with his buddies in Utah and Idaho. Sometimes he could barely walk but get him on skis or a bike and he was all grace. There are so many people who will miss his “I’m going to go make a friend" attitude and quirky sense of humor.

A celebration of his life will be held July 15, 2026.

In leu of flowers, please make all donations out to Donor Connect.