Thomas Arden Barnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away Saturday, August 29, 2020 after a long fight with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Alzheimer’s. He fought a valiant battle surviving several years longer than doctors predicted.
Tom was born June 8, 1940 to Elsie Mae and Arden R. Barnson in Salt Lake City, UT and grew up in Garfield, UT. Graduated from Cyprus High School in 1958. After graduation, he went to work for Sperry, now known as L-3 Communications. Tom married Judy L. Jones June 25, 1960 and together had three children, later divorced. May 17,1991, he married Faye S. Lafreniere who was by his side for the remainder of his life.
Tom earned respect for his hard work ethic, skill and integrity which led to a 51 year career as a project manager on DOD projects. He worked hard and played hard, instilling in his children the value of both. His children and grandchildren always knew that when they looked into the bleachers they would see grandpa proudly cheering.
He loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially when it involved the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying camping, fishing, waterskiing, snowmobiling and hunting. He loved sprint cars and was part of the infield crew at the State Fairgrounds. He was quite the sportsman as well, participating in many bowling leagues, fast and slow pitch softball teams, golfing regularly and his claim to fame, trap shooting which he started at 8 years old. He made a name for himself in the sport by winning multiple club and corporate championships all around the state over the next 68 years. Tom was also a member of a Classic Car Club and looked forward to taking “Teeny Vee” to car shows with Faye. Prior to his illness, Tom and Faye were fortunate to be able to travel frequently, fish often and build cherished memories.
Tom lived a big life and he will be greatly missed. We take comfort in knowing that now he has regained his memories and can breathe deeply as he remembers his life well lived.
Survived by his wife, Faye Barnson, Children Jodi (Alec) Wilkins, Scott (Feli) Barnson; Stepchildren Nina Newman-Harris; Chris Lafreniere; Sister Barbara (Dave) Kragthorpe, Grandchildren Sean (Kelsey) McPherson, Alexa McPherson, Bryan (Megan) Barnson, Brooke Barnson, Ashley (Tony) Robbins, Bridgette Newman, Zachary Newman; Great-Grandchildren Milo McPherson, Levi, Scarlett and Charlie Barnson, Lorenzo and Adler Robbins, Braelynn Newman. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Shelli Barnson, and infant sister Elsie Lorraine.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, SLC. The family will greet friends Friday, September 4th, from 6 - 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Social distancing and masks please.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Tom’s name to the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation because breathing is essential.
