Gary Bowen Lyman (1929-2006)

Gary Bowen Lyman

OBITUARY
Gary Bowen Lyman 1929 ~ 2006
On January 14, 2006, Gary Bowen Lyman, a man without guile, "returned with honor" to the God he had served so faithfully for 76 years. He was granted a miraculous 14-year extension on his life despite the blood-disorder from which he suffered. Surrounded by his loving family, he passed peacefully, due to an unexpected infection. The oldest child of Lynn and Hazel Lyman, Gary was born September 24, 1929 in Cortez, Colorado. He lived in Blanding, Utah, his beloved home town until leaving to serve his first mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Western States (during which time he also served in the mission presidency). Later, while a student at the University of Utah, he met and married Jo An Harline. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 8, 1953, and for the next 52 years modeled the essentials of a happy marriage to those that were closest to them. Jo An will forever be his sweetheart.

His irrepressible curiosity was a gift from his father and led him to his studies in engineering. He graduated with honors from the University of Utah, School of Engineering, earning a BSEE in 1955. He served his country as an active duty officer in the Strategic Air Command in the Air Force just after the Korean conflict. After his honorable discharge he worked in management at Mountain Bell until his retirement. He retired in 1987 for the express purpose of looking after his parents. His mother died at age 96 just three weeks before his own passing. He served as a Branch President, a Bishop, twice as a High Councilor in the Grant Stake, as well as in many teaching callings. He was always a missionary, including six callings to formal service, one of which was with his wife to the Macon Georgia Mission. His knowledge of doctrine and the scriptures was extraordinary. He was the beloved and nurturing priesthood leader at the Infinia Care Center within Grant Stake for nearly five years, right up to the week he passed on. A kind and patient master teacher, he succeeded in bringing clarity to any topic. He wore out his life in service to family and neighbor, and every man was his neighbor. More than anyone, Gary knew the value of small things and simple deeds and reached out to the overlooked and forgotten. He had a clever wit and deep wisdom; he was unassuming, generous, and uncompromising in his principles. With astute observation he strived to make the world a better place.

Preceded in death by his parents Lynn Finlinson and Hazel Bowen Lyman. He is survived by his beloved wife Jo An; two sisters: Linda Bohn (Saun) and Libbie Loudenback (Eddie); six sons: Glenn (Janae), Gregory (Patsy), Reed (Kathryn), Dr. Cory (Janene), Jed (Angie), Dr. Matthew (Rosemary); 29 grandchildren; seven great-grand-children. He set the pace and fixed the safe standard for a numerous posterity to follow in his footsteps. Always wise and faithful in his deliberations, he was careful to make tracks in which others would find sure footing should they choose to follow. Viewing at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Wednesday, January 18, 6-8:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be at the Ridgedale Ward, 3400 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, on Thursday, January 19, at noon, preceded by a viewing, also at the ward, from 10:30-11:30. Interment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South.

Published in the Deseret News on Tuesday, Jan 17, 2006

Descendancy
Caroline Ely Partridge
Walter Clisbee Lyman
Lynn Finlinson Lyman
Gary Bowen Lyman
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