Jeff Thredgold

1951 - 2017

1951 ~ 2017
Jeff K. Thredgold passed away in his home Saturday, April 15, 2017, after a 5-year battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration, a degenerative neurological disorder similar to ALS. He was 66 years old.
Jeff was born February 25, 1951 in Ogden, Utah to Kevin Arnold Thredgold and Donna Jean Taylor Thredgold.
Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Lynnette, his six children; Amy (Drew), Chris (Megan), Shawn (Tegan), Michelle (Brett), Kacey, and Taylor (Spencer). He adored his 17 grandchildren; Kennadie, Zoee, Cameron, Adilyn, Jantson, Lauren, Ryan, Jocelyn, Paige, Ella, Matthew, Gracie, Joshua, Jones, Hailey, Jayda, and Jate. He is also survived by his two brothers, Scott (Tricia) and Greg (Cindy).
Jeff was President of Thredgold Economic Associates and served as an economic consultant to Zions Bank for 17 years, providing Zions Bank and other affiliate banks with a monthly Small Business Index, quarterly economic reports and entertaining speaking engagements.
Jeff's career as an economist spanned more than 40 years, including 23 years as senior vice president and chief economist for KeyCorp. He wrote a weekly economic and financial newsletter, called the Tea Leaf, for 37 years.
He authored several books, including "econAmerica", "A Parent's Letter to My Children in School", and "On the One Hand…The Economist's Joke Book". He also served as an adjunct professor of finance at the University of Utah for 16 years and served as President of the National Association for Business Economics Utah Chapter.
In 2002, Jeff received the designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the International Federation for Professional Speakers and the National Speakers Association. Active as a professional speaker since 1989, he logged more than 2,500 speaking engagements at conferences, conventions and other meetings throughout the country and internationally.
By traveling the country with former Chairman and CEO of KeyCorp, Victor J. Riley, Jr., Jeff developed his unique ability to "cut though the fluff" and discuss serious issues and developments in a very understandable way. Entertaining and economist in the same sentence?! Yes!
If Jeff was not speaking or spending time with his family, he was on the golf course. Jeff held the PGA Rocky Mountain District long-drive title and was undefeated for several years. He participated in the national finals two years in a row.
Jeff's number one concern in his life was his family. He was a gentle, loving, wonderful, giving man, husband, father, and grandpa. He gave so much to everyone around him even until the very end. As per Jeff's wishes his brain and spinal cord have been donated to University of Utah Health to support research of Frontotemporal Degeneration.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in support of research to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration www.theaftd.org
There will be a "Celebration of Life" open house on Saturday April 22 from 4:00 PM - 8:00PM and Sunday, April 23rd from 4:00 PM - 8:00PM at his home in Farmington, 1311 N. Hidden Quail Cove.
In Jeff's book, "A Parent's Letter to My Children in School", he wrote, "Recognize that the only limits you face are those you set for yourself." He lived that idea to the fullest. We love and will miss our Husband, Dad, and Grandpa.