Lamar John Van Wagenen Obituary (1961 - 2012)

Lamar John Van Wagenen, loving husband, father, son, and brother passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on January 3, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. His suffering was eased by the tireless efforts of his wife and children in precious moments of service. Born to Norman and Montess Van Wagenen on April 18, 1961 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lamar was the fifth of eight children and their first boy! Lamar tumbled head over heels in love with Sherri Lynn Gregory and married her in the Salt Lake Temple on November 8, 1985. He attended Granite High and graduated from the University of Utah with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He turned his computer hobby into a lifelong passion and dedicated his professional career to Wavelink Corp. His ingenuity helped propel them to be a global leader in their field. His strategic vision and commitment led to a fitting promotion as the current President and CEO. Despite his disdain for ties and tight collars, Lamar was unwavering in his devotion to his Savior and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an honorable mission in Uruguay and served faithfully in all of the callings extended to him. Lamar played his way through life. He turned each new challenge into a game and developed a strategy to win. He thrived in competition, so the games he liked best were the ones he didn’t always win. He loved and excelled in sports and enjoyed beating his family and friends any chance he could. He especially enjoyed playing and watching basketball and takes with him multiple recreation and church league championships. He knew how to enjoy life, brightening the day of every person he met with his kindness and his keen sense of humor. His infectious laughter and zest for life will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved him. Lamar is survived by his wife, Sherri; children: Kyle, Michelle, Braden and John; parents: Norman and Montess Van Wagenen; siblings: Vicky (Ken) Fox, Ginger (Clay) Lantz, Susan (Randy) Fitts, Peggy (Brad) Brown, Tammy (Steve) Lemperle, Julie (Mike) Dibble, and Mont (Amy) Van Wagenen. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Adam. Services for Lamar will be held Monday, January 9, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at the River Ridge Stake Center (10150 South 1000 West in South Jordan, Utah). A viewing will be held Sunday, January 8, from 6pm to 8pm and 10:30am to 11:30am the morning of services at the same location.