Maurice Eugene Canchola

Maurice was born to Calixto Sena Canchola and Glennyce Rodeback at Fort Irwin California. He was the youngest of three boys. He lived the life of a military child and traveled the world. His parents divorced when he was 10 years old and he relocated with his mom and brothers to Idaho.

After many adventures and moves, his mom settled in Centerville, Utah where Maurice finished his primary education. Maurice graduated from Bountiful high school where he enjoyed his time on the football and swim team, they were the "hairiest state champs!"

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to Uruguay where he learned Spanish, which was a huge part of his life. Every employment opportunity he had, he was able to utilize those skills and continued to learn more and more.

He married Laureen Egnew on January 28, 1977, in the Salt Lake Temple. They soon began their family and had six children. They established their home in Syracuse in the early 80’s. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and music. It was a place where people always felt welcomed.

He received a degree in accounting from LDS Business College (Ensign College) and graduated from Weber State with a bachelor's in business administration in June of 1986. Maurice was a hard worker. He provided for his family to have the best lives they could, sometimes working three jobs at a time. He always put faith over finances.

Maurice loved his family. His wife Laureen was his #1 focus. She meant everything to him and everything he did was for her. He loved her more than she could ever know.

Maurice took pride and joy in his kids. He loved them dearly and always had their best interests first. He attended many dance recitals, concerts, school plays, and sporting events for his children and grandchildren. He coached many different sports for his boys, including basketball, baseball and football. He did everything he could for his children, even when it was hard. He never missed a chance to brag about his family.

He was currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the people of Ogden, Utah at the employment center with his eternal sweetheart, Laureen.

He was our everyday DJ and was always able to find a song for every situation. He never missed an opportunity to turn a stranger into a friend. Joy was the theme of his life. His last moments were filled with spending time with his favorite people, telling jokes, bearing his testimony, listening to his favorite music, and watching the Packer's football game.

He is survived by his wife, Laureen of Syracuse and 6 children: Kelli Boi of Lebanon NH, Jon (Sara) of Maynard MA, Kati (Kurt) Hammond of Clinton UT, Kristin (Derek) Peterson of Hooper UT, Trevor (Malorie) Canchola of Roy UT, Kelci (Jake) Cowdin of North Ogden UT, his 20 grandchildren, his Brother Martin (Terri) of Draper UT, and his step-siblings Darla Martin of La Sal UT, Dennis Kelsey of Kamas UT, and Peggy MacKay of Centerville UT.

He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Cecil Kelsey, many aunts and uncles, his brother Millard, and Granddaughter Lucy Hammond.

His family would like to thank the nurses at McKay Dee Hospital for their kindness, care, and concern during Maurice's final days. Especially Nate, Jen, and Colton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cherry Village Ward, 2339 West 1900 South, Syracuse UT. Friends may visit with family on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse UT, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery. 1250 South 1000 West, Syracuse UT. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

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