Boyd F. Jensen Obituary (1927 - 2013)

Our beloved father and grandfather, Boyd F. Jensen, age 86, passed away due to a fall, in St. George, Utah, on May 29, 2013. Born the 23rd of May, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Leo Jensen and Grace Ellen Virginia Johnson, he was the 4th of 5 children; James L. Jensen- "Jim", Andrew B. Jensen -"Bud" (Maxine), VirginiaLee Thomson (Boyd), and Bryant Todd Jensen. Boyd and Beverley B. Killpack were married for nearly 58 years. They were sealed July 2, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple and are the parents of 5 children; Boyd F. II (Julie), Jonathan K. (Rachel), Jane K. Spence, Allyson K. Stenquist (Leland), and McLloyd K. (Shannon), 29 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Dad grew up in Murray, Utah, and graduated from Murray High School in 1945. Though WWII was ending, like his brothers, he enlisted in the Navy, serving proudly for two years. Upon completing his service he studied at the University of Utah and earned a bachelor's degree in business and later, a law degree in 1957. He retained membership in the Utah Bar for over 50 years. Our father was a successful businessman and community leader. He began managing the Terrace Ballroom in Salt Lake City near the end of the big band era. However, the majority of his career was devoted to his public relations work for Lagoon Corp., where he eventually became executive vice president. Dad was employed by Lagoon for 60 years and loved his work in the amusement park industry. He was actively involved in the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for many years, often in leadership roles; and served one year as president. This gave him the opportunity to visit amusement parks around the world with his wife, Beverley. He was a creative entrepreneur, a promoter of musical entertainment, and a movie producer. Community service was one of Dad's priorities. He served on the Murray School District and Utah State School Boards and was involved in local and national political campaigns. Numerous organizations and individuals benefited from his sincere devotion to charitable and philanthropic causes. He received many awards and honors related to his professional and community service. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dad served a mission to Sweden, his ancestral home. He developed a great love for the people of Sweden and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in many Church callings, including positions of priesthood leadership. Together, Dad and Mom served an inner city mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a lifelong resident of Murray, a community that he dearly loved. Our father was a faithful, loving spouse and was devoted to his family. He was a jewel among men and merited the love and confidence of those who knew him. Dad is survived by his sister, VirginiaLee Thomson; brother-in-law, Robert H. M. Killpack (Dorothy); his 5 children, 28 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at 11 AM at the Hillcrest LDS Ward Chapel, 435 East 5600 South, Murray, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 7, from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM at the Murray Utah South Stake Center, 5735 S. Fashion Blvd., Murray, Utah. A viewing prior to the funeral is scheduled from 9 AM till 10:30 AM at the Hillcrest LDS Ward Chapel. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery. As a family, we express our sincere love and appreciation to our father's relatives and friends who have brought him great joy over the course of his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Utah Food Bank or the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please share online condolences with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT United States 84107