John M Bevan

John M. Bevan, (89) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family January 10, 2022. John was born in Pocatello, Idaho April 11, 1932, to Rowland F. and May Middleton Bevan. John would be the first to express that he lived a blessed life.

It is truly the reflection of a blessed life for the man who has been respected and revered in a particular arena. It is the rare man who is recognized in several. John M. Bevan was one of those men. He was respected, loved, and admired by his family; he was a tireless, valiant servant of His Lord; he was a leader in his profession as well as an exceptional dental clinician whose skills were unsurpassed.

John graduated from Pocatello High School and attended one year at Idaho State University before continuing his education in Ohio. He married Patricia Campbell on June 15, 1953. John and Pat have been inseparable ever since. Whatever John was involved in, he chose Pat to be his companion and never-ending support.

The love and great care she showed John, especially in the past few years, cannot go unnoted. Theirs was a love many have admired and been inspired by. John and Pat are the parents of seven children: Karen (David) Ericson, John David (Caren) Bevan, Cynthia (Troy) Dial, Claire (Gene) Schrecengost, Curtis (Alisyn) Bevan, Kathleen (Mark) Allen, and Cheryl (David) Cardall.

John graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1957. He served two years in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California before moving to the Salt Lake Valley where he practiced dentistry for nearly 40 years. John provided quality care to his patients and treasured his association with his colleagues. He had a passion for dentistry. He valued continued education and was constantly striving to provide the very best for his patients. He considered it a privilege to be part of the dental profession and sought out many opportunities to serve. He held leadership roles in the Salt Lake District Dental Society, Utah Dental Association, and the LDS Academy of Dentists.

In all of John’s associations, he was a leader. He was a leader in action; one, who with the utmost integrity, strived to live his declared beliefs. Not only did he intentionally pursue personal development, but he was invested in the development of those around him whether they be his posterity, a colleague, or an investigator of his faith. He inspired all to strive for their best.

John was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He frequently acknowledged the hand of the Lord directing his life and he felt a great desire to bless others’ lives. He served in many capacities throughout his life, including Bishop, High Council, Young Men’s General Board, Sunday School Teacher, and temple worker. He and Pat served several missions including Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Manchester England, Ghana, West Africa, and the Nauvoo Temple.

Not only was John passionate about his home, church, and profession but he pursued his interests with similar energy. He led a very active life enjoying skiing, hiking, golf, travel and was an avid sports fan; never missing a BYU or Utah Jazz game even till the end. He loved spending time in the mountains and particularly around the family cabin where many memories were made.

He is survived by his wife Pat, their children, and spouses, 31 grandchildren, and 43 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Marjorie (James) Lafferre, Arthur (Emma), Thirza (Joey) Petersen, and one grandchild Cynthia Dial. John has left an abundant legacy from the vast number of his posterity to his many accomplishments and accolades, but it would be important to him that the concluding statement of his life is one of gratitude to his God and Savior for the gift that we call life.

If you would like to join us* in celebrating John’s life, funeral services are scheduled for Monday, January 17th, 11:00 am at the River Ridge 8th Ward LDS Chapel 1409 W Shields Lane, South Jordan, UT 84095. Viewing at the same location Sunday the 16th 4-6 pm and 9:00-10:30 am preceding the service on Monday. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.

*Masks required at both viewings and funeral service

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99560141433

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints