Jay Kenneth Latimer

Jay Kenneth Latimer, our wonderful father and friend, passed away on January 14, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born August 16, 1917 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Kenneth and Lola Bess Latimer. He graduated from Granite High School, and went on to receive a degree from the University of Utah in Business Administration.

He met his sweetheart at a Valentine’s Dance where their romance soon blossomed and they were sealed in the St. George Temple on November 20, 1940. Their early years were filled with hard work and love as they began their family of 5 children.

Kenneth was 25 when he joined the Army Signal Corps. The love of his sweet wife was too great for her to stay behind and so she followed him in the army wherever he was stationed in the United States. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Upon his return from the army, he joked that his reputation as a full tithe payer as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, preceded him as he walked into church, still in his uniform, and was called to serve as the Ward Clerk; a calling that lasted through 18 bishops. At age 90 he was featured in The Church News because of his length of service in this calling. And, at the young age of 92, he was called to serve as the High Priest Group Leader. He also enjoyed 39 years working at the BLM.

Campouts were a family favorite and each child has fond memories of hiking, fishing and hunting with Dad. The solution to many problems over the years was to, “Keep calm and call Dad.”

Kenneth was a master gardener and loved working in his yard. He entered the Utah State Fair many times and won numerous blue ribbons for his Asian Pears, his lemons and his German Thyme.

His children remember going with him as his home teaching companions as he wouldn’t think of missing a visit if his regular companion wasn’t available. To say Dad was kind to everyone is a great understatement. He lived his entire life with so much compassion and service to others and we will never forget his positive attitude in everything he did.

He is survived by his children: Stephen K. Latimer (Iylene), Kathleen Latimer, Debra E. Brock (Robert), Mark J. Latimer, Elizabeth L. Lignell (Tom), 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Brother, Gerald Finnerty. Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Opal Latimer.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 between 6 and 8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC. Funeral services will be held at the Winder 12th Ward at 4350 S. 11th E., SLC, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 where friends and family may call 1 hour prior to the service.