Don Ray Remington

Don Ray Remington passed away on May 27th at age 93, surrounded by his family. Perennially funny, Don joked for years that he planned to die at 93, because that is when his driver’s license would expire. A month shy of his 94th birthday, he got out in the nick of time.

Born to Fuller and Edith Remington on June 24th, 1931, Don grew up as the fifth of seven siblings. With his family scattered by the Great Depression (and later World War II), he spent his childhood moving between the high desert of Vernal, a family hay farm, and military barracks in Ogden, before finally settling with his family in Salt Lake City during high school.

Don served an LDS mission in New Zealand that lasted nearly three years. He treasured that time as one of the most special of his life, regaling his kids and grandkids with tales of foreign foods, long bike rides, and Maori ceremonies.

When he returned, he married Marilyn Lowry on August 15th, 1955. Marilyn, who had lived down the street, fell in love with his sense of humor. She said he made her laugh like no one else she’d ever known. Married for 67 years until Marilyn died in 2023, they had three daughters, Kim, Lyn, and Jill. At one year old, Lyn died of childhood leukemia while Don held her. He spoke of Lyn often, missing her for the rest of his life.

Don was a wonderfully attentive father and grandfather, especially for his time. He was a confidante, jokester, trusted advice-giver, beloved family babysitter, go-to dog-walker, and die-hard Utah Utes fan. He completed seven marathons and was the founder—and sole member—of the Way-To-Go Running Committee, which celebrated the Remington family for their running achievements, formal and not.

As a Grandfather, he teased his grandkids by telling them each they were his favorite. With them, he rode snowmobiles, raced toy sailboats, decorated Fourth of July floats at the Brighton parade, dressed up at Halloween, and snuck out for late-night desserts on vacation. Even in his final days, he never stopped trying to make everyone laugh.

Don is survived by his daughters, Kim (Wayne Bassham) and Jill (Perrin Love), his grandkids, Travis, Tyler, Bobby, Sienna, Elizabeth, Catherine, great-grandkids, Isaac, Oliver, Zander, and Berlyn. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, and his daughter Lyn.

Friends and family are invited to join us for “One Last Lap” around Sugarhouse Park in Don’s honor. Saturday, June 21 at 8 am. Meet and park at the Sugarhouse Garden Center on 2100 South. A Celebration of Life will follow later that morning at the Ken Garff University Club at Rice Eccles Stadium from 11-12:30 pm. Tribute at 11:30 am. Casual red and white dress and Ute gear are encouraged. Park in the west stadium parking lot (parking is free, do not park in the marked club stalls) and enter under the U marquee at the South end zone.

Instead of flowers, please contribute to the University of Utah athletic department in Don’s memory.