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Brigham Young University

Dean Farnsworth Obituary

1919 ~ 2013
Dean Burton Farnsworth died on April 30, 2013, at the age of 93 at the home of his daughter Marilyn in Allen, Texas. He was born July 2, 1919, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Burton Kent and Mabel Pearce Farnsworth. Dean held a doctorate in literature from the University of California - Berkeley and served on the English faculty at BYU from 1953 until his retirement in 1984. He served an LDS Church mission in France and the New England States during the early years of WW II and was an officer in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. From 1975 to 1978 he served as president of the Teheran, Iran Mission for the LDS Church and from 1987 to 1989 as the president of the Missionary Training Center in Manila, the Philippines. Other LDS Church callings include bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He married Grace Bateman on December 22, 1941, in the Salt Lake Temple, and the couple enjoyed 71 years of marriage. Dean had a life-long love of literature and music and was an accomplished vocalist and violinist. He had an adventuresome spirit, enjoyed traveling, and took his family abroad for periods of time to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He left a lasting legacy for his posterity of faith, hard work, and integrity.
He was preceded in death by Grace and by sisters Lucille Hales (Vern) and Margaret Richards (Elliott). He is survived by sister Patty Linn Tolley (Garth), by brothers Robert ( Loene, Emiko) and Richard ( Wilma), by children Anne Clement (Richard), Kent (Holly), David (Maryruth), Alison Koralewski (David), Paul (Elizabeth), Marilyn Jenson (Mark), and by 24 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Special thanks to Marilyn Jenson and her family, who for five and a half years lovingly cared for Dean in their home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 10:30 am at the Cascade Stake Center, 481 E Center Street in Orem, Utah. Friends may call Friday, May 10 from 6 to 8 pm at the stake center, as well as Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:15 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com

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Published by Deseret News on May 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Farnsworth

15 Entries

Kent M. Bowman

May 2, 2025

I will always be grateful for his wise counsel and his kindness. He was upbeat and optimistic in his approach to others and to the goals he had. He was a true blessing to me and to all the people I witnessed him minister to. I miss him.

May 12, 2013

Brother Farnsworth is the epitome of maintaining high standards and sharing them as Christ would have us do, while allowing others individual choice. He is a light, but he does not insist on lighting everyone's way.
Brother Farnsworth's knowledge and memory are demonstrative of that great knowledge we will come to have as we diligently learn line upon line and precept upon precept. But he shares that knowledge as well as if strands of pearls.
His many talents and his willingness to bless his family, God's kingdom, and his community were astounding in mortality. I am excited to think of what he is doing now as his children so very well carry on his legacy. I am grateful for each of them, and especially grateful for their caring for their parents in their own homes until the very end.
Brother Farnsworth is one of those individuals whom I want to be like "when I grow up." I look forward to the time when I can meet him again and learn many more truths and patterns from him. He still blesses this world of ours and is, I feel sure, ever near his dear ones, to whom we send our deepest condolences.
Arvi (and Roger) Magneson

John & Nancy Webster

May 10, 2013

It was a wonderful and humbling experience to be in Iran when Brother Farnsworth was the Mission President. We truly enjoyed his strong testimony when he visited our branch.

Scott Cannon

May 10, 2013

I remember my Uncle Dean's bright eyes and nearly constant smile on our Bateman family outings. He seemed ready to solve any problem, including how to get a tick to back out with a hot match head. I know he will be missed.

Kay Bateman Spjut

May 9, 2013

Uncle Dean has been a strong force in my life. I loved the time we spent together as he drove me back and forth from Salt Lake to Ogden when I was a teenager. He always had some advice and at least one pun as we conversed.
We often discussed the books I was reading. I wanted to impress him, so I wrote down every word in a Dickens novel--no, I think it was Ivanhoe--I was reading. He gently told me that was a hopelessly long list, and advised me to record only the words I had met before, but couldn't define. I have passed that advice on to my own
students. I admired how Grace and Dean kept in touch with their many friends. They were visiting Grace's English teacher, Hattie Morrell, from the time they left Logan High to her death. I taught with Miss Morrell at Logan High, and she told me what a wonderful student Grace was. Their flowers were so beautiful in their Orem yard. I admire their frugality as they raised 6 children in that small cinderblock house Dean helped to build, and I and my children have enjoyed his generosity as we spent peaceful weekends in the cabin. He and Grace truly led Christlike lives, and the loving care the girls have given them as they grew old and infirm confirms that the children have followed the example set by their parents. I loved to join in singing at the piano with all of you and tried to create a home full of music, although I fell short. I remember when you all had recorders of different sizes and formed your own little orchestra. What a wonderful heritage all of you have, and I can only feel joy as I envision the family reunion now taking place on the other side of the veil. What a privilege to have shared in their lives!

May 9, 2013

I took a Shakespeare course from Bro Farnsworth in 1974 at BYU. He was a wonderful teacher, who beautifully combined academic rigor with kindness. I thoroughly enjoyed his class and my association with him. May your grief be assuaged by the Comforter, and by his example of a life superbly lived. Best wishes, Eric Monson - Vacaville, CA

Lyle Stavast

May 8, 2013

Sorry to see the passing of your father Marilyn. Adam and I enjoyed being in your home with your parents there in Allen. Best Wishes to all, a life well lived.

Kevin Kerr

May 6, 2013

It is difficult to put into words the profound effect one person can have in our lives, especially a person so kind and loving as our dear President Farnsworth. As I have read through the thoughts of others, I keep thinking "Amen". The time we spent with him in Iran was rather short, and yet now, 35 years later, we still look to him as our leader. His influence has affected who we are, what we have become, and how we see and relate with others... I feel so privileged to have known Dean and Grace these past 35 years. I, too, am eternally grateful for his influence in my life. Thank you my dear friend.

Michael Hillis

May 5, 2013

President Farnsworth was the Tehran Mission President when I joined the church in 1977. I will always remember his genuine kindness and friendly smile. He is a true and faithful servant of our Heavenly Father. Thank you President Farnsworth.

John Farnsworth

May 5, 2013

Grandpa, you are the epitome of greatness in the 38 years of my life you have touched me so greatly, you have done so much for others and many have been touched by you. Your love and affection for me and others will be greatly missed. Until we meet again.

Kerry Riley

May 5, 2013

He was a grand leader, teacher, mentor, and disciple of Christ. Ever patient and always gentle. He will always be a hero to me.

Debbie Farnsworth

May 5, 2013

I was only able to meet you once before you moved to Texas. But being married to one of your grandchildren and mother of two of you great grandchildren, I can honestly say it has been a privilege to be part of this great family. I know you are loved and will be greatly missed.

Randy Clark

May 5, 2013

I am forever grateful for the loving guidance President Farnsworth gave to me and the other missionaries as we served in Iran. His kind, but firm way of teaching and leading has been a great example throughtout my life. I am blessed to have known and served with him. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Kent Bowman

May 5, 2013

President Dean Farnsworth is a man who you can always count on to do the right thing and provide genuine kindness and concern for others' well being. He is someone to be emulated and cherished. He made a huge positive difference in my life and the lives of so many others. He was a true pioneer with the Iranian people and his humble, loving approach was second to none. This is a great man.

Chris Soelberg

May 5, 2013

Pres. Farnsworth touch my life so deeply. I am eternally grateful and so blessed to have known him. Words can't express my admiration and love for him.

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