Rodney Lynn Young

Rod passed early Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, due to complications of a heart attack 5 weeks before his 72nd birthday.

He is the third of 6 children born to Grant and Venice Young on July 28, 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Fraser, on May 30, 1975. He is the father of 5 children and is Papa to 19 grandchildren.

Rod’s life was built around sports, playing football, baseball, softball, and basketball. The physical activity of playing ball was his happy place. During his young adult years, he started to umpire and referee these sports. He ran thousands of miles over the decades and stood behind home plate for years. And yes, he officiated from his recliner during televised sporting events!

He graduated from South High School and attended the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College. During his working career, he spent his time working in several different customer service positions. During his retirement years, he volunteered at Murray City Senior Center. He served on the advisory board and called bingo. He had many friends and was always the extra hand who helped set up and take down any event. He worked part-time at SLCC and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Museum. Talking about sports with strangers brought him immense joy.

He was a lifelong and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Savior, and he loved serving. In 1973, he served a church mission. Once he decided to serve, his desire was to serve stateside as to not have to learn a new language. He was, nevertheless, called to serve in the remote tropical islands of the South Pacific, where he learned both Tahitian and French in Tahiti. One of his happy places is the memory of warm sand and sunshine on the beach. 

He continued his church service by accepting many different callings, including Bishop of the Westwood Heights 1st ward, stake high council, and many leadership and teaching positions. He especially loved serving in the Primary with the children.

He made salsa to die for. It was often requested and shared with many for decades. Salsa and chips were the best after church treat! A chocolate shake was his favorite treat. So next time you have a milkshake, remember him.

He loved music from classical to country western, soft rock to Gospel. His interest in the history of World War ll brought him much enjoyment. He was fiercely patriotic. Grateful for the blessings and responsibilities of being an American. He loved our country with deep emotion. He was an avid fan of the University of Utah, thus his email of “rodtheutefan.” Anything “red” brightened his day!

He was a good and cherished friend. He had the gift of “gab.” He could engage in easy conversation with friends and strangers alike. His warm and charismatic personality was enjoyed by those with whom he came in contact. His high energy and childlike silliness were a magnet for the kids. He loved roughhousing with the children and was affectionately called the “tickle monster” by nieces and nephews. He was not a calming influence!

While living in Taylorsville, he and Jean were blessed with and raised 5 amazing children, Tyler, Emily, Bryson, Kevin, and Marci. He was proud of their many accomplishments. He enjoyed their activities, especially watching their sporting events.

During the last several years, he struggled with the decline of his physical and emotional health. He suffered several strokes and physical ailments. Life has a way of refining everyone through difficult times.

He is survived by his wife Jean, his children, Tyler and Jenny, Emily and Amani, Bryson and Erin, Kevin and Ashley, Marci and Carter. His sister, Jan, and Kendall Busk, and his brothers, Brian and Diane Young, Corrie and Cindy Young. Sisters-in law, Joan Young, Trena Young. 19 grandchildren, Wendell Young; Madox, Larsen, Nylah, Khalyn, Judd, Oaklan Lemusu; Deacon, Morgan, Calvin, Simon, Avey Young; Kate, Nora, Bennett, Adelyn Young; Brooklynn, Braxton, and Bonnie Crosland. All those precious nieces and nephews.

He rejoins his loving siblings, Don and Roger, and parents who passed before him.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Memorial Redwood Estates Mortuary located on 6500 S Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.

Funeral services will be on Monday, June 30, 2025, with a viewing from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. The services will follow at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Westwood Heights building 3976 W Dimrall Drive, Taylorsville, Utah.

Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, Utah.