Frank Johnson

1928 - 2015

After living a very full life, Frank Johnson passed away on August 2 from a brain tumor.
He was born in Ogden, Utah on March 12, 1928, to Clarence Budd and Arline Parry Johnson. After serving an LDS mission in Western Canada, he married Maralyn Brewer in the Manti Temple on August 15, 1950. Frank and Maralyn are parents to Scott & Mary Jane Johnson, Arline & David Holbrook, Stanley Brian Johnson (died as an infant), Laurie & Blair Carruth, Kelly & Deanna Johnson, and Edward & Valerie Johnson. They have 24 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Frank highly valued education. He graduated from Ogden High, attended Weber State College, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, and also earned master's and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois. He taught Marketing at the University of Utah for 36 years and served as Associate Dean of the Graduate School. He provided loving support of his children and grandchildren in their own educational pursuits. He continued to learn throughout his life - often by undertaking unusual challenges.
Frank believed strongly in the ability of an individual to make a difference in this world. He served three terms in the Utah State Legislature, working well on both sides of the aisle; was appointed as Director of the Division of Public Utilities for the State of Utah; and was on the Board of Directors of Enterprise Mentors, an organization that provides microloans to help individuals rise from poverty in developing countries. He and Maralyn served four LDS missions: humanitarian projects in Eastern Europe, tours of the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake, church-sponsored support of the 2002 Olympics, and the Nauvoo Pageant. They have quietly given mentoring and financial support to many people.
Frank was a successful entrepreneur. He built the first self-storage facility in Utah and helped that industry grow as an original board member of the National Self-Storage Association; he later served as Associate Vice President. He purchased and restored the Old Post Office Building in Ogden and purchased Stevens-Henager College and helped ensure its future before selling it.
Frank was a man of high integrity and tenacity. While these qualities were evident as he built businesses, they became especially clear during difficult times as he and Maralyn worked through seemingly insurmountable business challenges. He probably didn't realize that his choices and actions during these experiences would turn into his finest teaching moment - one that would leave a lasting legacy on his posterity.
Frank enjoyed travel. He was fearless in new countries and cultures and as a result, he exposed the family to wonderful experiences in many places throughout the world.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8 at Noon at the Centerville South Stake Center, located at 270 North 300 East in Centerville. Viewings will be held at the same location on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Interment at the Ogden City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests an education-related donation that will make a difference in someone's life.