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Javier Saenz Obituary
Saenz, PhD
1933 - 2015
Dr. Javier Nicasio Saenz completed his journey on this earth on January 6, 2015 due to complications from pneumonia.
He was born on October 16, 1933 in Panama City, The Republic of Panama to Nicasio and Dora Saenz. He was the oldest of five children. After graduating from Instituto Nacional de Panama. He did his undergraduate education in South Dakota at Dakota Wesleyan. He completed his PhD in Social Work and Psychology at the University of Utah.
Javier worked for the community mental health system for 40 years. Since 1958 he was involved with supporting minority healthcare and was recognized nationally as well as locally for his contributions including the unique mental health task force training program he developed. He was recognized by the Carter administration as Psychologist of the Year for Utah. He was also recognized as Alumni of the Year at Dakota Weslyan University in 2003 for his outstanding achievements. Javier enjoyed people. He loved teaching, conversing and telling jokes. He also loved music and singing. His family was especially important to him.
Survived by his wife Karol; children Linda (Alan) Saenz Magnuson, Joshua (Stacey) Saenz; stepchildren Tom (Kristine) Pike, Suzanne Pike Coleman; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sisters Luz, Dora and Maria. Preceded in death by brother Rafael and his parents.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complementary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Javier Saenz
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Ada Sáenz de Castillo
January 2, 2022
Ada Sáenz de Castillo
January 2, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
September 6, 2018
Dr. Saenz helped me a lot as a man in my early 1930s. He was one of the best advocates I ever had and I will never forget what he taught me.
David & Seleny Crosby
April 30, 2015
Rest in peace good friend.
February 4, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Saenz death. He was indeed a wonderful representative of the Hispanic community. I had the great privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Saenz. Condolences to his family! May you RIP Dr. Saenz
*Ana
Paul Zimmermann
January 24, 2015
I had the pleasure to have met Javier in a community group meeting. And while this only involved two encounters it was certainly my privilege to have known him in this way.
Lombardo Palma
January 17, 2015
Mentor and friend, who I will miss. RIP!
January 13, 2015
Linda and Josh - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a fun person. I have very fond memories of him. As a child growing up right across the street from his house, I can picture him like it was yesterday.
May you find some consolation in the loving memories you have of him that hold him dear to your heart.
Love - Rosemary (Mulcock) Lucero
Sandra Gonzalez
January 12, 2015
He was a great person, a true servant to this community and I feel honored to have met him
January 11, 2015
Karol,
I've know Javier since the mid 70's and he was a major inflluence in getting me involved in community work. He was an outstanding representative of the Hispanic community and very well respected by all that knew him. He will greatly missed by those of us that had the opportunity to work and volunteer in community affairs with him.
Rose Mayer Vandiggelen
Jerry Felmann
January 11, 2015
Rest in Peace Javier. You will be missed by your family and friends. Love, Jerry & Jo Ellen (Scottsdale, AZ)
Martha Chávez
January 11, 2015
Thank You Javier for all the contributions you made to better a community thank you for involving me in several organizations to help young people through music gracias amigo que Dios te bendiga
Lorraine Moreland
January 11, 2015
Karol, My thoughts are with you
barbara ortiz black
January 11, 2015
I didn't know you Mrs Saenz but your daughter went to school with my son Dan, so I was aware of things we were also neighbors with me and my boys living just up the street from you on wilson ave. I knew the Dr. as early as the late 60 he is the one who was there for me whenever I needed a ear or help I continued with his program for 10 years and I hope I learned much from him and his teachings, they have carried me through life. I know he will be missed by one and all who knew him and of course you his wife. He will be in my heart and till the day I die and I will always try and remember his wisdom he gave out.
Kris Van Fleet
January 9, 2015
Oh, Karol, I am so sorry. It was after finishing Javier's progressive and intensive training program, that I was able to have a career and retire from community mental health. He was ahead of his time in the treatment and recovery options for those suffering with chronic mental illness. I extend my condolences to your family.
January 9, 2015
Karol - I was saddened to hear about the loss of Javier (Doc Saenz). My brother Ron let me know. He was a great spirit on this earth, and I am certain that he is surrounded by angels - and they are smiling, enjoying his stories & jokes.
I met him many years ago, 1993 I think and he was a great counselor and I'd like to say friend. We used to see you both at Ron's parties - good times and wonderful memories. Keep those in your heart as you carry on Karol. Stay in the light!
Much love, Wendy Reimers
Suzy Sanchez
January 9, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Saenz Family. Javier Saenz was a wonderful person in which I admired him dearly. May he rest in peace!
January 9, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember his ability to make people laugh. Priscilla
Ludo Saenz
January 9, 2015
Dear Karol and cousins, from Panama, my father, Ludo Melvin Saenz, and family, are very sadden to hear of the passing of "Tio Rincho". He was truly a great man and will be sorely missed by all of us back in his home country. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Belisario Castillo Saenz
January 8, 2015
Rincho was like a grandfather to me, was a wise counselor, a person who gave affection without asking anything in return. He accompanied me at various stages of my life, always with a big smile and good advice! I will miss you Padrino!
January 8, 2015
Oh Karol, I amm so very sorry for your and our loss of Javier. What a solid, dedicated, enchanting man. With love to you and your family... (sandi) Rivka Levy (-Barbero)
January 8, 2015
Sorry to read about your loss, I knew Dr. Saenz since the 1970's he was a good man and always committed to the Hispanic Community and his work. I hope you find comfort in knowing that he will be greatly missed. Gilbert Ramirez
Siempre te amaremos..tu familia de México
Ana Carrasco
January 8, 2015
Ana Carrasco
January 8, 2015
Ana Carrasco
January 8, 2015
Gracias por tu cariño, por tus enseñanzas, por abrirme las puertas de tu casa y corazón. Gracias por ser el padre que nunca tuve. Gracias por ser un ángel en mi vida. Siempre vivirás en mi corazón. Te amare siempre.
January 8, 2015
Karol an family I am so sorry for your loss. Javier was a great person, may he fly with the angels. I am sure he has found someone to listen to his jokes. He was one of Utahs founding fathers in regards to seeing and providing services to the invisible needy people. He provided not only assistance to the needy but to alot of the people that benefitted from the Hispanis Mental Health Task Force. May he rest in peace. Janell Tafoya,
Larry Jewkes
January 8, 2015
Josh, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I know how much you loved him and he you. I would share with you a Tibetan Buddhist philosophy as to the passing of a loved one.
"Death isn't what it seems to be...Whatever we were to each other we still are...Nothing has changed. Laugh at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Smile, think of me and pray for me. Know your prayers are wonderful gifts and your thoughts are like a gentle tap on my shoulder...Please understand that all is well."
January 8, 2015
Dear Karol,
What can I say that will erase the pain you suffering
for the loss of Javie. We will miss him. He was a good friend. My condolences to you and the family.
Lucy O.Valerio
Margie
January 8, 2015
Karol, I am so sorry to hear this. Just this morning I was planning to call for our lunch date. I had no idea that Javier had passed. I am so sorry there will not be another lunch with his laughter and his smiling face. Take Care.
Albis M. Saenz
January 8, 2015
My cousin Javier Remembered few moments estuvistes us at Las Tablas Panama was enough for you to stay in our hearts.
When we ask Archangel Michael to go to meet our beloved Javier Saenz for it conduscas to the throne of God himself. Karol love you like
Mark Owens
January 8, 2015
I will miss Javier. He was a fine man. He made me think. He made me laugh and he made me cry.
January 8, 2015
It is still too tender to reflect fully. Javier and Karol were a significant part of my growing, personally and professionally. I am glad we never lost touch. HIs humor remained always, his care for others never diminished. Mil gracias pro todo amigo mio. Victoria
curtis rolfe
January 8, 2015
Was sadden by the news of Javier's death. As college room mates we spent much time together; thus there are many pleasant memories. May your memories of him bring you comfort for years to come.
January 8, 2015
Karol I am sorry for your loss, he was a very dedicated man to all he worked with and trained, he will be missed.
Gabriele and Ricardo Castro
January 8, 2015
Karol, our sincere condolences for your loss. We know that he is resting in peace and hope that you too, will be at peace, knowing that he is not suffering anymore.
Javier will be missed by many people, he was a fun person to be around, always joking and laughing. We had a great time with you and Javier on several trips to Las Vegas. We will miss his laughs and fun stories.
January 8, 2015
There is a large void on earth and a new Saint in Heaven. I met Javier in 1976, and am here today largely because of him. Such a gentle and powerful man, and always willing to help those struggling with life.
There are no words to express my gratitude.
Thank You "Doc"
Ron
Ada lourdes y Belisario castillo saenz
January 8, 2015
Padrino bello mi virgercita Del Carmen y mi Jesús te lleven en sus brazos a la morada eterna donde un dia mos encontremos
Chuck Salazar
January 8, 2015
As an Activist in the 70s I found a friend, a mentor and a role model in Javier. He provided a measure of stability in our lively movement.
My best to the family. We will miss him.
Ron
January 8, 2015
There is an enormous void left by this man on earth, and a new Saint in Heaven. He cared so much for people in struggle, and gave so much of himself to others, there are no words to express the appreciation he deserves.
We met in 1976 and he is largely the reason I am here today. So gentle with words and so wise in understanding.
I will never forget you "Doc".
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Memorial Events
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Jan
10
Celebration of Life
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Starks Funeral Parlor3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
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