Paul Barton Fagergren

Our beloved Paul Barton Fagergren unexpectedly passed on April 23, 2025, from complications of his recent cancer treatment. Paul was born of goodly parents, William C. Fagergren and Shirley A. Grover, on December 1, 1947. He was the second of five children growing up in Holladay, Utah, where he attended Olympus High School. He was an Eagle Scout, an honor student, and an athlete. As a young football player, he found himself amongst some of his dearest, lifelong friends—the self-proclaimed “Green Barons.” He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Mission and also served his country in the Army Reserves. Paul graduated from the University of Utah, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering. His skilled and meticulous work was recognized and sought after throughout his career.

In August, 1971, Paul married his “red-headed sweetheart” Sandra Bringhurst in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. We know Sandra’s beloved “Bart” will stay by her side as they are physically separated during the remainder of her time here on Earth. Together they raised five children in the Sugarhouse area in the Stratford East Ward, where they loved and served alongside numerous cherished friends.

Paul loved the Lord and lived as an example of charity through his service in The Church as well as in his community. He always willingly accepted the callings extended to him, including that of bishop and a member of the Salt Lake Highland Stake Presidency. His testimony of and love for our Savior was demonstrated through every aspect of his life. In 2016, Paul and Sandra set out for a great adventure to the East Coast to fulfill their goal of senior missionary service. During this time, their full commitment to the Lord’s work seeded their great love for the people of the Boston Massachusetts Mission. Since then, that place has never left their hearts.

Paul enjoyed his retirement, filling his time babysitting grandchildren, acting as family handyman, and staying active. He was a disciplined walker and looked forward to his weekly golf game with his devoted brother Bill and their friends. Paul grew up fishing with his father and brothers, and he instilled that love in his kids and grandkids. Paul was an avid Yankees fan and loved filling his DVR with notable sporting events that he hoped to find time to watch. Depending on the season, Paul and his kids spent countless hours attending many University of Utah football and basketball games together. He rarely missed a game, meet, or practice for his kids' sports and was often found quietly cheering on the sidelines of his grandkids’ sporting events, music recitals, and occasional dance performances.

Among all of Paul’s earthly successes, his greatest accomplishment was his posterity. Paul and Sandra’s united love has blessed the lives of their grandchildren, children, and in-laws. His family shares an immeasurable amount of love for one another—and especially for their family patriarch, whom we miss more than words can express. We have found strength and enjoyment through Paul’s example and hard work as we have traversed the ups and downs of life. Some of his family’s greatest memories and traditions were made possible by him during Sunday dinners, holiday celebrations, and family vacations (big and small).

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, William and Shirley. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, four sons Brian (Kim), Brad (Ellen), Alan, David (Megan), and his daughter, Michele Earl (Jim); his 18 grandchildren Brooklyn Gittins (Taelor), Ben Earl, Becca Christensen (Porter), Victor, Calvin, Clayton Earl, Alice, Taylor Earl, Tanner Earl, Croy, Grant, Jeffrey, Matthew, Wyatt, Sadie Earl, Eliza, Andrew, and Mikayla; and his siblings Bill (Marilee), Jane Mensel (Fred), Mark (Kathryn), and Amy Lund (Jamie).

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 AM preceded by a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 3, at the Salt Lake Highland Stake Center, located at 2738 South Filmore Street Salt Lake City, UT 84106. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, May 2, at the Salt Lake Highland Stake Center, located at 2738 South Filmore Street Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.