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Brenton Yorgason Obituary
Brenton Gayle Yorgason, age 71, was surrounded by family as he passed away on the 28th of October 2016 from Parkinson's with Lewy Body Dementia. He had a full and joyous life and was loved by many.
He was born May 25, 1945 in Mt. Pleasant, UT to Gayle and Beatrice Yorgason (siblings: Judy, Blaine, Valerie, Greg, Marilynn and Gary). Brent grew up in Nephi and Provo, UT. In high school he was business manager, on the track team and co-captain of the football team. He graduated from historic BY High, and then served his mission in Florida and Puerto Rico.
Brent attended BYU where he met "the love of his life," Margaret Yates. They had a whirlwind courtship and married in the Manti Temple. Soon after he was activated in the Army and sent to Vietnam where he was awarded the distinctive "Soldier of the Month." While there, he was set apart as a special missionary and taught the gospel to many comrades. Returning home to his sweetheart he completed his Bachelor's, Masters, and PhD in Family Science with a minor in Marriage and Family Therapy. He spent several years teaching Seminary, and taught in the Family Science department at BYU. His greatest love was teaching the youth of the church. His training enabled him to counsel and coach countless people through difficult times. He was never too busy to respond to the needs of others. He served as Bishop twice and as 1st counselor in the Sandy Granite Stake Presidency.
Brent was most well-known as a prolific author and renowned speaker. He wrote and published 105 books, over 40 of which were biographies. He enjoyed writing many books with his brother Blaine. The paintings they did together were used as the cover of many of their books. He loved to include others as co-authors, especially his wife Margaret as they laughed, wept and worked together. He spoke nationally to a wide audience and loved meeting people wherever he went, inspiring others to become their best self.
A self-proclaimed workaholic, he had an entrepreneurial spirit and started many companies, from bookstores to real estate to movie production. He loved reading biographies of the greats, almost as much as he loved writing them. One of his greatest joys was reading in the quiet pre-dawn hours. As an Eagle Scout himself, he had his own Eagle's Nest with his seven sons. Proud of his service as a veteran, he was a true patriot to his country. He proved to be a die-hard cougar fan, serving as National Cougar Club President.
In recent years, he fought Lewy Body Dementia or as Margaret describes it "our battle with Lewy!" Even amidst this struggle, he continued to lift others with his unpredictable humor.
Brent will be greatly missed by his wife Margaret, his 9 children: Jason (Beth), Aaron (Susan), Jeremy (Cheri), Joshua (Elena), Jen (Paul Thatcher), Don (Teresa), Dave (Holly), Jordan (Marianne), and Angela (Joseph Higbee), his 39 grandchildren, and by his car which he endearingly named "The Holy Cow".
We express deep gratitude to Brent's caregivers and comrades at the Central Utah VA Home in Payson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday November 5, 2016 at the LDS Chapel located at 1550 S. 1100 W. Lehi, UT. A Viewing will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the same church and Saturday prior to services from 9-10:45 a.m. Internment will be in the Yorgason Family Cemetery, Fountain Green, UT at 3:15 p.m. Funeral Directors, Anderson Funeral Home Nephi, UT www.andersonfh1866.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Brenton Yorgason
Sponsored by Anderson Funeral Home - Nephi.
Jill
June 23, 2024
I met Brother Yorgason only once. He had just published his book, "From First Date To Chosen Mate" when I was an impressionable 17 year old. Perfect timing! He was giving a talk at BYU and his words were laced with humour and devotion.
I just wanted to pass on my condolences to his family and friends from a British woman who found her eternal mate, influenced by that book and talk.
Matthew
December 21, 2020
This week I picked up (again) a book co-authored by Brenton and Margaret. I took classes from Bro Yorgason more than twenty years ago at the BYU Extension in Millcreek, and he left a lasting impression on me. Not only was he a skilled professor, he took the time to really get to know us students as individuals. A few years later, despite no contact in the interim, he wrote a very personal letter of recommendation for my application to graduate school. As I began re-reading this book, I wondered about him and a search lead me here.
My condolences to the Yorgason family. I am, no doubt, just one more example of the countless people he left a lasting mark upon. My life has me well acquainted with grief, unfortunately, and Bro Yorgason’s teachings and example have helped me throughout the years. I think of them, and of him, often. May God bless him and all his loved ones—he certainly blessed me in my life, and I’ll ever be grateful for it.
Larry Barry
December 21, 2019
Brent and I were fellow classmates at BYU in the early 70s. I enjoyed his humor, his spirituality, and his kindness. I was sorry to learn of his passing.
A. Kris Huber
November 23, 2017
I discovered Bro. Yorgason's obituary a few days ago and wish to share a Thankgiving "thank you". I didn't meet him in person, but I was blessed by two books in particular that Brenton co-authored with Wesley R. Burr & Terry R. Baker: Marriage and Family Stewardships (ISBN 0-88494-461-1) and Creating a Celestial Marriage (ISBN 0-88494-461-1). These books were the texts for our study in the class Preparation for Marriage during Fall semester 1988 at BYU, taught by Shirley S. Ricks. As an engineering student, the basic concepts used to organize the information (stewardship, systems and principles) were particularly effective for teaching me. I found the principles very convincing, which helped me change some attitudes about how to appropriately interact with others - in particular my future spouse. My mind and heart were opened and changed by these books, which drew largely upon gospel doctrine and principles of happy family relationships, but added many examples, explanations and exercises that were very helpful. A few years later I got married, and it has been a very happy marriage. I have kept my copies of the books and notes from the class and shared them over the years at appropriate times, most recently with our own grown children.
Thank you Yorgason family for your contributions to the work that your husband and father did! I know that good writing is a time-consuming activity and, particularly in the case of these books about marriage and family life, would have involved discussions with family members and strong family support as deadlines for various milestones drew near. I'm confident that, in addition to myself, I represent many other students when I reassure you that it was worth it! Thank you! I will be eternally grateful to him for principles he helped to so effectively articulate which helped me through a challenging time of young-adulthood and into family life.
pam mcguire
January 30, 2017
i just learned recently that Brent had passed away. my condolences to you Margaret & family. you were the best neighbors & i remember all the years Brent brought in our garbage can after the garbage truck had been by. and using the power blower to blow the autumn leaves off the trees so he could speed up the raking! i know you moved to Lehi & i don't know what your address is to send a card so, i hope you read this soon! incidentally, my mother passed away 3 days after Brent. i know they met in heaven! think of you often & hope you're washed in wonderful memories. he is a great man! love you~
Matthew Ashby
January 13, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Brents family and all who knew him, Personally I do not know him, I am just a person that hopes that I can put a mark on this planet as he did, before I go to the next life.
Matt ashby
November 22, 2016
This is my 3rd try Sheri and I remember him as a very special person She has been on hospice for more than 2 years now with radiation brain disease post childhood leukemia and was disheartened to hear of his loss We would love to be in touch with the family that was so good to us We are in the same house and my # is 801 910 0533 Love Barbara Grice
November 21, 2016
Dear Margaret,
We are so sorry to hear of Brents passing. We sure enjoyed your family when you lived in our ward in Little Cottonwood. We wish all the best to you and your family. Sincerely , Ronnie and Lisa Romero
Patricia Hafner
November 21, 2016
He was a beacon of light when I was in a very dark place. Thank you Brenton and thank you Margaret for making him the man he is. He will be missed by many. Patricia Hafner
John and Kim Faragher
November 7, 2016
One of the great blessings of our lives was to be in the BYU 141st ward where Bishop and Sister Yorgason served. We will always remember the lessons we were taught and the wonderful example that was shown by our great Bishop. He was as loving and non-judgmental as any person we have known. Much love to the wonderful Yorgason family.
Shawn S
November 7, 2016
Thank you Brenton and (Blaine) for the great inspirational stories you wrote. One of my favorites "A Town Called Charity" touched my life, even to this day, even as a non-member. You were very talented.
November 7, 2016
Margaret and family, It is so hard for me to express to you my feeling of love and loss for all of you. As you know, Brenton was very close to me and to my family. We hold a special place in our hearts for all of you. I wish that we could be have been there on Saturday for the funeral and to visit with you, but circumstances did not allow us to do so. Any time that we came to Utah you made us feel so special. We loved it when he came here to Sacramento. I love reading all of the books, both the ones that he wrote and the ones that you wrote together. I have re-read some of them many times. They have been a great source of inspiration, laughter, and also comfort when needed.
My heart is breaking but I know that he is in a better place at this time, and enjoying the reunion with family. Please know that all of the California cousins and their families send you our love and thoughts.
Anna Peterson Juarez & families
Shayla, Mike, Evie, Chris and Maren
Sacramento, CA
Spence and Sandy Lloyd
November 6, 2016
Margaret,
we were so saddened to hear of Brents passing. The last time we spoke he told me of his diagnosis. What a valiant man he was.
We are sorry we could not come to the funeral. We were in Idaho at a grand sons baptism but you were surely in our prayers.
Brent was a wonderful friend and support to our family.
Spence and Sandy Lloyd and family
Kelly McKendrick
November 4, 2016
What can I say except Yorg we will miss you. I had the honor to work with Bro Yorg in Seminary at East. He was the officer leader and we loved him. Many times I spent with him in class, home and meetings. My wife and I had him for BofM our Jr yr. That is where we started to fall in Love. I could go on and on but I just want his lovely wife to know that we love him, you and your wonderful family. I will cherish the time back then as well as the time 2 months ago I got to visit him. I did not know it would be the worldly goodbye.
Yorg you are loved and I know many East High Alum that would have nothing to say but great things.
I wish I could be there tomorrow. Best to the family.
Love Kelly and Christina (Woodard) McKendrick
Caryl Mackay
November 3, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a great man. He touched so many lives with his teaching and writing. He wrote a book about my husband's life, Quiet Miracles, and it has been a great inspiration to many. We deeply appreciated his thoughtfulness and kindness in working with us and making it a special book. It brings a special feeling to know that Brenton, Ned Winder and Bryon are finished with this life's trials and are able to associate with each other in heaven.
I would really like to share some of the book writing memories with you. Our prayers are with you and your family. Love, Caryl Mackay and family.
Mary Ann Parker
November 3, 2016
Brent and Margaret have been my dearest friends since 1965, when Brent baptized me. He has always been an inspirational friend - one to whom I could go with unanswered questions. He had such a wonderful spirit. My family and I will miss him greatly. God bless you and your lovely family, Margaret.
Tina Kirkham
November 3, 2016
Margaret,
My condolences to your family as you mourn the loss of Brent. I enjoyed working with you both over the years. May you feel comfort in your time of loss.
Susan Soss
November 3, 2016
Although I never had the chance to meet Brent in person, I have always enjoyed and been uplifted by his books and presentations at various seminars. His clarity of speech and writing was a great gift. Unfortunately we are familiar with Lewy Body disease--our neighbor "bought" several good years with medications, but our cousin could not. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
November 2, 2016
We could not have ever had more loyal and dear friends as Margaret and Brenton. Brenton was there for us so many times for counsel and advice.We will miss his sense of humor, his steadfast testimony of the Gospel and of BYU sports. He has left a posterity of amazing children to follow in his footsteps. We love this dear family.❤
George and Dot Hamer
November 2, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss and ours as well. Wonderful man who will be missed.
Alana Drown
November 2, 2016
So sad to read of Brother Yorgason's passing. He was a much loved seminary teacher at East High School back in the 70's when I was a student. When my teacher wasn't there Bro. Yorgason was often our substitute. He loved the gospel and all the kids and we LOVED HIM!
Paul and Marcia Denham
November 2, 2016
I have fond memories of time spent with Brent during the time we were growing up together in Provo. Although our contacts were limited in later years, I will always be appreciative of his friendship and the positive influence for good he was in my life. Marcia and I sent our heartfelt sympathy love and best wishes to Margaret and the other members of Brent's family.
Gary & Shanna Hendry
November 2, 2016
Brent & Margaret have been our dear friends for almost 50 years. He was a dear friend & counselor to us. His gospel teachings and books have been very inspiring. We know he has helped many people and loved by all and will be greatly missed. We know he is with his family and Heavenly Father and feeling no pain.
November 2, 2016
Brent & Margret have been our dear friends for almost 50 years. He was a dear friend and counselor with much knowledge to share. His teachings of the Gospel were very inspiring to us. We know he is dear to many people and will be greatly missed by all.
Gary & Shanna Hendry
November 2, 2016
As a brand-new convert to the LDS Church at the age of 16, I met Brother Yorgason and his welcoming smile the day I attended seminary at East High for the very first time. He quickly became a friend, mentor and spiritual source throughout the next two years. He quick wit, and powerful testimony were infectious. My friends and I often found ourselves in his office seeking his advice, humor and wisdom. His many lessons and solid counsel are still remembered today and echoed in my own lessons and counsel given to my now grown children and their children. He appeared in my life at a crucial moment and cemented an attitude of faith, service, love and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has served me to this day. May he rest in blessed and well-deserved peace.
Catherine Murray-Gentry
Bountiful, Utah
Paul Thomas Smith
November 2, 2016
Brenton was one of Utah's great men--author, scholar, teacher, innovator, friend and a true disciple of Christ. His contributions will be felt for many years to come!
Devon Faith English
November 1, 2016
To the awesome Yorgason family and my dearest friend, Margaret,
Know that there are beautiful songs, so many smiles and deep loving meditations in my heart to embrace you all as you grieve the loss of your beloved husband, father & grandpa. I am indebted to Brenton for the richness of my family life and personal spiritual life. He was an intense inspiration, often with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He will be greatly missed yet warmly and eagerly welcomed in Heaven. In Christ's Love, Devon
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