Gary Elliot Arnoldson

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Gary Elliot Arnoldson, who returned to his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2025, while exploring the Crow Canyon area of the beautiful Uinta Mountains—one of his favorite places on earth.

Gary was born on February 23, 1951, in Preston, Idaho, to Elliott Julius Arnoldson and Rinda LaRane Bjerrgaard, both of whom preceded him in death. He was the second of six children and is survived by his siblings Rinda (John) Thompson, Layne (Sheri) Arnoldson, Earl (Christine) Arnoldson, and Wesley (Ellen) Arnoldson, and is reunited in heaven with his brother Clair (JoAnn) Arnoldson.

On September 15, 1972, Gary was sealed to his eternal companion, Leslie Ilene Shelley, in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. Together, they built a loving home and raised a devoted family:

Tara & Jeff Lund, Daina & Logan Freeman, Phillip & JeuneElle Arnoldson, Cody & Jordyn Arnoldson, Daniel & Tamar Arnoldson, Denim & Brooke Arnoldson, and Kyle & Jessica Arnoldson. He leaves behind 29 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who will carry forward his legacy of faith, love, and adventure.

Gary was a man of quiet strength, unwavering discipline, and deep humility. He worked as an accountant in secondary education and also operated his own tax business—not for profit, but to serve the hundreds of individuals and families in his community, often charging little or nothing at all.

He served faithfully in the U.S. Army, National Guard, and Air Force, and later devoted much of his life in service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His many callings included Scout Master, Bishop, Stake President, Ministering Brother, Temple Worker, and Branch President of the Reykjavik Iceland Branch. He was a proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award in scouting and completed Wood Badge training. He also served three missions throughout his life—in the England North British Mission, the Australia Perth Mission, and the Denmark Copenhagen Mission.

Gary’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for people. He took his family on annual backpacking trips and led countless youth on wilderness adventures filled with hiking, fishing, white water rafting, and spiritual growth. A gifted guitarist, he regularly played for senior centers and for his grandchildren, brightening lives with his music and cheerful presence.

He found special joy in serving the widows in his community, often enlisting his five sons to deliver freshly caught fish or chopped firewood to those in need. Gary was a social butterfly, able to make friends with anyone, anywhere. His life was one of quiet sacrifice, and every act—big or small—was driven by his loyalty, love, and deep sense of duty.

Gary found great peace in temple work and was known to attend and serve in the temple multiple times each week. His faith defined him, and his family was his greatest treasure. He let us know often how proud he was of each of us—and he showed it in every part of how he lived.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, July 29, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at 461 N. 300 W., Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, July 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. He will be laid to rest at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.

Dad, we love you. We honor the life you lived and the legacy you’ve left us. Thank you for everything.

To Watch Recorded Funeral Service Click Here.

To Watch Recorded Graveside Service Click Here.

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