Gary Douglas Jensen

Gary Douglas Jensen, 84, one of the last of the real cowboys, passed away on December 4, 2024, in Ogden, Utah, departing life as innocent as when he entered.

Gary was born on February 19, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Keith Grow and Lula Hill Jensen. He was blessed with wise and loving parents who responded to his special circumstances in ways that made his life happy, productive and fulfilling.

Providentially, Gary lived much of his life on a family farm in Huntsville, Utah. He loved horses, cattle, and the hard work and seasonal rhythms of rural life. He also loved his family, and that love was reciprocated by his parents, his siblings and their spouses, and by several generations of adoring nieces and nephews. He knew all of his nieces and nephews’ names, where they were at any given moment, and what they were doing. He taught them the essential lesson of loving and accepting everyone, especially those who may be different. They will all greatly miss their beloved “Uncle Geez.”

Gary’s essence was to be found in his simplicity, gentle nature, ready smile, self-acceptance, and his loving and forgiving heart. He was a great conversationalist, often revealing family secrets to third parties in the process! To hear him pray was to know that heaven is near and real. Associating and worshipping with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought Gary happiness and a sense of belonging that he treasured. He was one of God’s noblest sons.

Gary’s life was enhanced by the love and care he received from his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Melanie Jensen, with whom he resided for nearly 20 years after the death of his parents. He was also enriched through special friendships with Bryant and Norma McKay, Edward Johnson, Bill Hadlock, Kim Sauer, Gary Hogg, and members of the Huntsville McKay Clan, horse lovers all. In the final months of his life, he was lovingly cared for by the staff of Avamere at Mountain Ridge in South Ogden, Utah, and by Deneice Stephens, his angelic hospice nurse. The family expresses sincere gratitude to all of these people and to the entire Ogden Valley community for their kindness to Gary over many years.

Gary is survived by his brother, Marlin (Kathleen) Jensen; his sister, Patti (Lon) Child; his sister-in-law, Melanie Jensen; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Jensen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Huntsville Utah Stake Center, 6450 East 1900 North, Eden, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Huntsville Cemetery. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Weber County Library, Ogden Valley Branch, 2464 Jefferson Avenue, Ogden, Utah 84401.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Gary’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

ORDER VIDEOS