Spencer Jay Bitton

Jay was born March 19, 1925, in Ogden to Spencer John & Bertha Bitton. He enjoyed a very independent childhood with multiple four-legged best friends (dogs & horses) to help him overcome the challenges of growing up during the Great Depression. As a boy, he would leave the house in the morning not return until well after dark. He earned money as a teenager as a callboy at the Union Station. His job was to find and notify the railroad engineers and crews that their trains were ready to leave. Jay loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing the Ogden & Weber rivers, hunting deer in the mountains east of home or the river bottoms for pheasants, as well as skiing at Snow Basin. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball with his friends at Quincy Elementary and Lewis Jr. High Schools.

Jay was drafted into the US Army during World War II and served our country as a baker for the troops in the Pacific. He was proud of his service and developed lifelong friendships with his fellow servicemen. When not in the in the kitchen, he was a boxer and played both baseball & softball while serving in the Philippines. He was fortunate to be in the islands when Japan surrendered resulting in a peaceful return to Ogden.

Jay met his future wife, Venice Olson, when he was on a double date with her sister Virginia Olson. Jay & Venice were married August 4, 1946, and they were sealed in the Logan, Utah temple. Jay attended LDS Business College. He was a clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad and then an insurance representative for the Benefit Trust Life insurance company from which he retired in 1988. He received frequent recognition from his employer for his achievements which enabled him and Venice to travel to several beautiful destinations across the U.S. and beyond. Jay & Venice raised five children in Ogden: Michael (Lana), Randy (Jacki), Leslie Judd (Ryan), Larry (Kristie), and Spencer Todd (Deborah). Jay & Venice worked hard and sacrificed much to provide all their children with a great childhood. They made sure they enjoyed golfing and the outdoors like their dad. Family trips to visit his brothers’ families in Southern California or Saturdays on the ski hills were always a favorite. Jay was very sociable and found an acquaintance or friend no matter where he travelled. He could easily strike up a conversation with a stranger and make them a friend.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many leadership positions including the bishopric. Jay picked up the hobby of golf after his return from the war. Golf turned into a passion, and he spent many days at Schnieter’s Riverside Golf Course as well as playing multiple tournaments each year. He was frequently invited by professional golfers as the Amateur in Pro-Am golf tournaments throughout the intermountain region. He and Venice also enjoyed participating in team bowling leagues.

Jay and Venice moved to Boulder City, Nevada in 1988 where they lived near their son Larry and his family for 30 years. They moved back to live in North Ogden in 2018 to be around more family. He enjoyed a healthy life avoiding hospital stays and serious health issues over his entire 100 years.

Jay was a resident of The Lodge Assisted Living facility in North Ogden for 5 years. Most recently, he was a resident of the Central Utah Veterans Home where he passed away. The family very much appreciates the excellent service and care provided by the staff while there.

Jay is survived by his brother Denny (Janeen – deceased) and sister Linda Burnett (Dale) in addition to 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Joyce and Shirley, younger brother Vance and, most recently, his oldest and youngest sons Michael and Todd.

Venice and the family will miss the man that we loved and we’ll cherish all the memories. We know he is overjoyed at being reunited with his siblings and parents but more importantly his two sons - who left our family way too soon.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, September 6th at the West Weber Cemetery (4532 West 950 North). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations on Jay’s behalf be made to the Central Utah Veterans Home for their continued service to our honorable veterans. Make contributions payable to: Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs or Venmo at @Bennion-VeteransHome