John McPhie

John Donaldson (Don) McPhie, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the age of 90 following complications of a stroke.
Don was born May 22, 1935 in Tooele, Utah to Daniel P. and Grace Harris McPhie as the oldest of three children. He grew up in Tooele with a childhood filled with fun and adventures with lifelong friends. He enjoyed participating in the scouting program where he learned many skills and a love of the outdoors. Camping in Hardscrabble Canyon near Morgan was a traditional retreat with the McPhie family.
He graduated from Tooele High School in 1953, went on to attend Utah State University, and later graduated from Weber State College.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War period, spending the majority of his service in Korea and the Far East. He was very proud of his service to his country and that patriotism continued throughout his life.
Upon completion of his military service, he met and married the love of his life, Gwen Williams on August 26, 1960. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They are proud parents of three sons Marty, Tim, and Todd.
First and foremost, Dad was a family man. His greatest joy came from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they meant everything to him. He was a great provider and would always put the needs of the family before his own. He enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors with the family, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, motorcycle riding, and many other fun activities. He was a wonderful dad and grandpa, and was right in the middle of the games with the kids and grandkids. His favorite times were when the family would get together, whether it was on an adventure or just a family dinner.
Don was a man of service, not only for his family but for those around him, he would help anyone in need. He served a Spanish speaking stake mission to the LDS Spanish branches in the Salt Lake Valley. He served in various church callings working with the youth, and a clerk for several bishoprics. He and Gwen also served as missionaries at the LDS employment center. He enjoyed his membership in the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, serving as an officer and volunteering many hours at the museum and pioneer cemetery.
His professional career included various roles involved with biological testing and chemical weapon demilitarization. These roles took him to the far reaches of the world from the Marshall Islands, Alaska, Canada and Germany.
After retiring, he and Gwen traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and countries around the world. They were involved in various camping groups and enjoyed the regular motor home trips with them. They were snowbirds for several years, spending winters with friends in Yuma, Arizona. He was proud of his Scottish heritage, and was able to visit the Scottish Isles of the McPhie clan with his family.
In his later years he was known to our family as the "Couch Jeopardy Champion", because he knew so much about so many things. He was sharp and witty up to the very end. There will be an empty seat at Wendy's where he loved to meet with his "drinking buddies" several times each week. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gwen Williams McPhie; his three children Marty (Joyce), Tim (Janae), Todd (Leslie); four grandchildren; Michael (Erika), Heidi Card (Colter), Hunter, Elise; and two great-grandchildren, Porter and Peyton Card. Honorary son Kevin Park (June) and their daughters Sei and Sena.
He is now reunited with his parents Dan and Grace and siblings Bob and Alice.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the Tooele Stake Center, 253 South 200 East, Tooele, Utah, at 12:30 p.m. with a viewing prior at 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
For those unable to attend the funeral service, a livestream will be available on Don's obituary page at tatemortuary.com.