He was born March 11, 1945 in Deseret, Utah to Luella and Owen Western. John helped on his family farm in Deseret, Utah. He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States Mission. When returning from his mission he joined the army. During that time he learned to maintain and repair helicopters. He served in the Vietnam War as a door gunner and helped to rescue many. John returned from serving our country and went on to obtain a degree at Snow College. During that time he met his sweetheart, Kathleen Searle, and was married August 11, 1970. John graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1972 in Cedar City. While in Cedar City their first son, John, was born. John taught school at Bear River Junior High in Tremonton for 5 years. They were blessed with two more sons, Russell and Randy.
The family then moved to Spring City. John started contracting and built many homes for people in the area. Their daughter, Heidi, was born during this time. They lived in Spring City for many years. He taught one year at Snow College while another teacher was on leave. He decided he wanted to teach again. The family moved to Oak City, Utah for a year while he taught at Delta High School.
The family had visited Alaska in the past and decided to move to Alaska in 1990. In Alaska, he got a job working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John loved his job and had the opportunity to travel all over Alaska working on church buildings. He worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 20 years. After retirement John and Kathy worked in the Anchorage temple for three years.
John was an avid fisherman and hunter. Anyone who wanted to go fishing was offered an opportunity. He was a family man and a man of God. He dearly loved his wife, children, and 21 grandchildren.
John is survived by His Wife Kathleen Western, children John (Ruth), Russell (Heidi), Randy (Autumn), and Heidi (Brandon). John’s 21 Grandchildren. His Siblings Ray (Fayette), Doug (Sue), Tony (Ellen), Wally (Raelynn), Debra, Donna (Larry) and Bruce (Brenda). He was preceded in death by his parents, Luella and Owen Western.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (3730 West 6200 South). There will be a viewing before the funeral at 10:00 a.m. and also on Monday night, February 4th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Valley View Memorial Funeral Home (4335 West 4100 South). Interment will be immediately following the funeral services at the Valley View Memorial Park (4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah).
