John Richard Muir

We celebrate the life of John Richard Muir who passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on February 15, 2026, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, at the age of 72. He was born on August 29, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Thomas Richard Muir and Fern Ann Poulson Muir. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many.

John loved people. He never hurried past a chance to stop and talk, to ask how you were doing, and to really listen. He had a way of making you feel like you mattered, and he was always genuinely happy to see you. Whether he was greeting family, catching up with friends, meeting with a client, or talking with someone new, he made people feel welcome and at ease. So many will remember his warm smile, his easy conversation, and the simple kindness he showed every day.

He found great joy in spending time outdoors, going to the beach, or attending sporting events with his family. Hiking, visits to National Parks, and family vacations were among his happiest times. He loved planning these trips and could often be found studying maps to plan his next adventure. Some of his favorite hikes included recent bucket-list backpacking trips in Bryce Canyon and a 45-mile section of the John Muir Trail. He also enjoyed the local recreation near his home in Ivins, Utah.

His faith in Jesus Christ shaped the way he lived and treated others. He served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a full-time mission to Peru, where he developed a lifelong love for the people and the Spanish language. His church callings were incredibly meaningful to him, including time spent as a Bishop, in the young men's organization (for decades), and in Scouting. 

John's love for numbers and his deep respect and affection for the Hispanic community led him to become a small business owner and bilingual accountant. He found great fulfillment in helping others understand their finances, save money on their taxes, and build small businesses that would support their families and futures.

He is survived by his wife, Lesley Partner Muir; his children Jennifer (Dennis) Bott, Alison (Shane) Flanders, and David (Katie) Muir; and his five grandchildren Camden, Matthew, Anniston, Brooklyn, and Channing. He is also survived by his siblings Thomas (Sara) Muir, Ann (Brian) Johnson, Carol (Jeff) Theurer, Scott (Pam) Muir, and Robert (Mary) Muir. He was preceded in death by his parents.

More than anything, John will be remembered for how he made people feel. He gave his time freely, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

No formal services will be held. John's family will gather privately to honor and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Scouting America's Crossroads of the West Council (Spanish Trails District) or the National Park Foundation. If you have a message or a memory you would like to share, please leave a comment in the guestbook below.

https://www.utahscouts.org/memorial

https://www.nationalparks.org/honor-remember