Jeffrey (Jeff) Crossley

https://fundraise.specialolympics.org/fundraiser/6794372Jeffery (Jeff) Crossley lived a life filled with love and laughter. Standing at 6’5”, he was a gentle giant, known to all by his friendly, welcoming smile and one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He had a gift for saying the wrong thing at exactly the right time, leaving everyone either crying with laughter or rolling their eyes. On October 19, 2025, aged 54, Jeff passed away at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, surrounded by the friends and family he loved unconditionally.

Jeff was born in Ogden, Utah on April 18, 1971. As the youngest sibling and only boy among three sisters, he was both the protective brother and the spoiled baby of the family. Jeff had a special knack for spelling, winning champion titles in most of his grade school spelling bees. His childhood was also shaped by his passion for sports as he dedicated numerous years to football and basketball. In 1989, he graduated from Davis High School flaunting his glorious mullet—which he insisted was never permed, though his sisters claim otherwise.

In his adult life, Jeff’s outgoing personality helped him thrive in the sales industry. He cared deeply about the people he worked with, never hesitating to offer his help when needed. He began his career selling restaurant equipment for his Uncle Tom Whitaker’s company, T. Whitaker. Upon Tom’s retirement, Jeff took over the business, leading it through decades of success and growth as it evolved to Wasatch Mountain Marketing and Elevation Reps.

Jeff found both satisfaction and purpose in his work, but in his eyes, nothing compared to his role as a father. Jeff married Lisa Crossley in 1995, and they had two kids together, Gavin and Elle Crossley. His love for his children was boundless, and he showed up for them in every way, whether it be whipping up their favorite meals, coaching their sports teams, enduring sub-zero Boy Scout camping trips, showing up to every dance performance, or just being a listening ear whenever they needed one. His fatherly love extended beyond his own children; he adored his nieces and nephews and always went the extra mile to care for family and friends.

Most Sundays, Jeff could be found on the golf course with his closest friends. Whether they spent more time causing trouble or actually playing the game remains up for debate. His love for the sport also drove him to get involved with the Special Olympics as a united partner for an athlete for several years. In his later years, Jeff discovered a passion for leather work and hand-crafted pieces as gifts for the people he loved most.

Jeff is preceded in death by his sister, Stephanie Salisbury, his father, Stephen Crossley, and his stepfather, David McPhail. He is survived by his mother, Ellen McPhail, his sisters, Becky Jensen and Debbie Snyder, his wife, Lisa Crossley, and their two children, Gavin and Elle Crossley.

Jeff’s kind soul will leave a lasting impact on countless lives. He will be missed tremendously and remembered by his remarkable legacy. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Valley View Golf Course, 2501 E. Gentile St, Layton, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff’s name to the Special Olympics of Utah at https://fundraise.specialolympics.org/fundraiser/6794372