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Joseph Romney Obituary

Joseph Barnard Romney returned to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his wife and children, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Provo, Utah, after becoming ill at his mountain home on the upper Provo River.

Joe was born July 20, 1935, in Salt Lake City to Junius Stowell Romney and Ruth Stewart Romney. He attended East High School and was a graduate of the University of Utah.

Joe served a mission for the LDS church in Great Britain. He later served as an officer in the U.S. Army.

He played the cello in the Utah Symphony Orchestra where he met Florence Black, whom he married. They have four children, one of whom died soon after birth.

Joe received J.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Utah and practiced law for about two years. Following that, he began his teaching career in history at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., where he became a full professor.

Joe continued teaching in Rexburg at Ricks College, later to become Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he taught religion, philosophy and cello. There he was also associate director and director of the honors program.

Joe loved spending time with family at his beloved mountain home where he rode horses, went fishing, hiking and spent quality time with his wife, children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also shared his love of good music with family and friends through choir, teaching cello and participating in various musical groups. Joe loved working in the yard and making it beautiful.

He helped start a frozen yogurt business in Rexburg, allowing him to work with and eventually pass the business on to one of his sons. Joe was a "people person" and was known for his hard work, quick smile and constant service to any and all that needed help.

Above all, Joe loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and committed to following the teachings and example of Jesus. He was a great example of charity, service and nonjudgmental love.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we find comfort knowing that he is happy and healthy with family and friends that have gone before.

A daughter, Carolyn, preceded Joe in death.

He is survived by his wife, Florence of Rexburg; three children: Matthew (Sandy) of South Jordan, Utah, Suzanne (Carl) Thurgood of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Aaron (Connie) of Rexburg; 11 grandchildren (four spouses); and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Junius "Jim" (Carole), Bruce (Carol) and David (Patricia) Romney.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Garden Park Ward, 1150 Yale Ave. in Salt Lake City. Additionally, friends and neighbors can visit with the family from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today, Oct. 13, at the Rexburg 16th Ward building, Seventh South and Millhollow Road. Burial was performed Thursday at Salt Lake City cemetery in Salt Lake City.

Published by Post Register on Oct. 13, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Romney

Not sure what to say?





Brother Romney was a wonderful Professor who brought out the best in his students. One new he loved his Savior Jesus Christ. Missed him when I left Ricks but to my pleasant surprise, we saw each other again at a family reunion.

ric mudns

School

September 25, 2022

Dear Florence. I am so sorry to hear of the death of Joe. I am so grateful that Elder Romney played such a big part in my family. My Dad and Mum always talked of him with love.

Dale Lauchlan

October 22, 2012

Joe and I were friends in college. He was a modest, thoughtful, loyal friend, a Christlike man. He influenced my view of what a man could be to the point our son is named Joseph because of him.
Please accept out deepest sympathy,

Fred and Jane Hales

October 21, 2012

Florence/family,
We just heard of Joe's passing. Linda (Hall-violin) remembers the East High days of orchestra, and I remember the days of football, ward/stake.
Joe was softness, caring, and integrity. His picture says it all. We have fond memories of both of you and those days. Our love/prayers to you.

Jim/Linda Kemp
Logan, UT

October 20, 2012

Joe and I worked together in the Ricks College Honors Program for nearly 10 years. We traded ideas and insights and enjoyed the Spirit of Ricks. See you soon, Joe. Larry G. Thompson

October 17, 2012

Florence,

Linda and I were shocked to see Joe's obituary in the paper. We appreciated so much our last visit as quests in your home earlier this year. You have always been so gracious to have us there with you when we're in town.

Joe was a great example throughout my life, since high school days, as an honest , hard working friend. Linda and I will always treasure the memories of our times together.

We send our love and blessings to you and the family and remember you in our prayers.

Much Love,

Bob & Linda Nicholls

Bob Nicholls

October 16, 2012

We loved Joe and were very saddened to hear of his death. He was a great person and will leave an empty space in many hearts. We give Florence and family our deepest sympathies.

Arlene Frint Browning

October 14, 2012

To the family of Joe: My mother, Bessie Romney Schofield Hepburn was a dear friend and cousin to both Ruth and Junius. They visited us in CA and we were in the Romney home in S.L. when their new "St. Charles" kitchen was installed. Years later, I had the opportunity to thank Joe for being a beloved religion teacher to our daughter, Lori. Our love and condolence to all his family, from ours.

Adele Hepburn Livingston

October 12, 2012

Brother Romney was my cello teacher through junior high, high school, and Ricks College, where I also took religion classes from him. He was so optimistic, patient, and gracious at all times. He was a positive influence in my life and influenced me far beyond teaching me to play the cello. He lived an exemplary life.

Lisa Bernotski Johnson

October 12, 2012

Joe is a man of integrity! We have the utmost respect for he and Florence; they have shared their intellect, talent and love for the Lord as they have served us and so many in Rexburg. May the Lord bless you Florence and your family!

Jim and JoAnn Greene

October 11, 2012

We are sorry to hear of Joe Romney's passing. He was a great influence on our family with his wonderful sense of humor and obvious love of the gospel. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Anne and Grace

Anne Thorup

October 11, 2012

Joe has been a dear and admired friend. I will deeply miss him. Love and thoughts are with Florence. Hawkins

Curtis Hawkins

October 11, 2012

You will live on through the wonderful memories which we have and share with others. I thank you and your family for your examples and for the many ways you and your family have helped me throughout the years. THANK YOU

Howard Griffith

October 11, 2012

We have wonderful memories of the Romney family while they lived in SLO. It was a pleasure to serve with Joe in the Bishopric. Our lives have been blessed by our association with spiritual giants who have become dear friends. Our very best to Florence and the rest of the family.

Richard Andrus

October 10, 2012

What happy memories we have of Joe and your family. He was always my "special" cousin. Joe had such a head for details and doing things right, yet always showed his love and appreciation to those around him.

Although I can't be there tomorrow in person, my love will be with you as it has been all week and throughout your ordeal. My heart aches for all you have been through, but no one could have a more supporting wife and family. Our whole family sends love.

Cousin Judy

Judith Poulsen

October 10, 2012

Dear Romney Family... such wonderful memories I have of you all and want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was a blessing to grow up in SLO with such good leaders and friends.
Warmest regards,
Barbara Nelson Morgan

Barbara Morgan

October 10, 2012

So surprised to hear of Joe's passing. My love to the family. Many fond memories of the Romney family and San Luis Obispo. The heavenly orchestra has gained a terrific cellist!

Linda Olsen

October 10, 2012

My sympathies to the Romney family. I remember Joe as a great man. He employed me as both a high school student and a college student up in Rexburg at Millhollow Frozen Yogurt. A great guy - he was not only my employer, but a friend to our family as well.

Clark Larsen

October 10, 2012

Florence and family,

I grew up with Joe at Garden Park Ward in Salt Lake City. He attended East High school with my brother, Lawrence (Larry) Strang and with my late husband, Nathan R. Larsen.
He was always interested in how my family was doing and how I was doing. When I attended the Rexburg Temple and he was on duty, He always had a smile and greeting for me. I had no idea that he was not well. He will be greatly missed. He was very interested in other people.

Remember to thank our Heavenly Father for the Plan of Salvation and for the gift of love we all share.

May you find comfort, peace, and love through our Heavenly Father.
Norma Larsen

Norma (Strang) Larsen

October 10, 2012

I am so shocked this morning as I read Joe's obituary. I have many fond memories growing up and spending much time at the ranch with him, his family and many other relatives. Swimming in the Provo River, playing games, hayrides, bonfire parties, singing, etc., were all part of our fun. Always respected and enjoyed being around him with his many talents. He will be missed by many. Our love and condolences to his wonderful wife and family. May your memories of him bring you much peace at this difficult time. We will be unable to attend any of the services, as our grandson is being married on Thursday. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. We love you all. Bonita & Theil Atkinson, Woodland, Utah

Bonita Atkinson

October 10, 2012

We had just seen Joe on a historical segment between Conference sessions and were delighted. So hearing of his death was such a shock. We always admired him and felt he was truly a good man. Florence,our prayers will be with your family. Love, Mick and Janice Wallwork SLO

Janice Wallwork

October 10, 2012

Carole and I are very sorry to hear of Joe's death. Memories of the Romney family here in San Luis Obispo are still some of the most cherished in our service here in the church. Joe always was there, always with a smile and eager to share his talents and gifts with all, along with a family that gave meaning to charity and service. Our prayers are with all of you.

Joe and Carole Brundage

October 10, 2012

With deepest sympathy, we are sorry for your loss. We will also miss him. (I remember him with fond memories of a canoe and the Morro Bay sand spit. Jodi)

Helen and Jodi Kondo

October 10, 2012

Our love and prayers are with the entire Romney family. We will miss Joe greatly.

Maren Christense Evans

October 10, 2012

Florence:

Even though it has been over a half a century since we played in the Utah Symphony, summered in Santa Barbara, etc., I still have found memories of when you and Joe were courting. You were always the most vivacious of the many gorgeous young women in the music group, and he was easily the most impressive of your suitors. I'm glad you had all those years together. I've kept track of you through my cousin, Mindy Davis. Deepest condolences from a very old friend.

Tony

Tony Kimball

October 10, 2012

Robbie and I were sorry to hear of Joe's passing, but thankful for having known him. I especially appreciated his warmth and good humor, whether joining me in leading "The Angry Passions" and "Me Mither and Fither" at family bonfires, or helping us chase horses back into the pasture after they'd wandered into the meadow above. Our prayers go out to Florence and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our thanks goes to God for Joe's fine and beautiful life.

Nick Snow

October 9, 2012

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