Robert J Wolfley

In loving memory, we honor our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend.
Robert "J" Wolfley, 86, left this mortal existence behind Monday, October 14, 2024, at home surrounded by his adoring girls and forever companion Wyona Graham Wolfley.
Born August 29, 1938, in Afton, WY, he was the third child born to Robert "M" (Bob) and Esther Jensen Wolfley. He grew up on a farm in the Emmett, Idaho area, graduating from New Plymouth High School, Class of 1956. He left home to join the United States Air Force, at the age of seventeen, where he learned communications and how to encode and decode messages.
He was sent on temporary assignment to the Marshall Islands, on Eniwetok Atoll, where they tested atomic bombs. They enjoyed beautiful beaches, ate like kings with an unlimited supply of steaks, and enjoyed his much-loved, never-ending-supply of ice-cold milk from "The Iron Cow!"
Soon after returning to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, Jay was introduced to Wyona Graham on a blind date. He was 'smitten' and proposed marriage the very next day. Three months later, they were sealed in the Cardston Alberta Temple on April 11, 1959. Soon their young family was complete with 4 little girls joining them: Debbie Lynne, Tama Jayne, Charlotte Carolee and Julianne. They celebrated 65 1/2 years together.
Dad was known for his big smile and twinkling brown eyes! He was known as a Scouter, an honest and trustworthy mechanic, and for his service to others. As a business owner for over 35 years (Multnomah Arco and J's Super Service) in the Portland and Beaverton, Oregon area, he earned his reputation by caring for his customers. His integrity never wavered. His good name and handshake meant everything to him. It was a sad day for his many loyal customers (and daughters!) all over the Portland Metro area to face his final retirement!
Jay was a life-long Scouter. He loved all things Boy Scouting from teaching the boys, mentoring young leaders, knot-tying contests, camping and hiking adventures, jamborees, Leadership training, recognition ceremonies and infusing the love of Scouting into everyone he knew. Especially his 13 grandsons! He completed Woodbadge and had the privilege of being Course Director. (Dad was a Fox from then on!), He helped many boys get their Eagle. Boy Scouts of America honored him with the Silver Beaver Award for his lifelong service and commitment. He truly believed boys would grow into fine men as they learned to honor and serve their God, Country, Family and Fellowman. He led by example.
Jay was never happier than when he was serving his Father in Heaven. He had a deep testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, was grateful for the opportunity to make and keep sacred covenants, and faithfully serving Him in His restored church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He worked with many young men, served in 2 bishoprics (California & Portland), was a faithful Home Teacher, served on the high council (Beaverton Stake), and Stake Sunday School (Portland Stake), was a temple worker (Seattle & Portland), served missions at the Bishop's Storehouse (Portland) and at the Peanut Butter Factory (Houston, Texas). Those were some of his official callings, but he quietly taught us that service came in many forms... giving blood (gallons!), helping a neighbor, serving at the soup kitchen, answering incessant "How do you fix" questions, and stopping along the highway everywhere he went helping stranded drivers. Compassion and commitment were not just ideals but a real testament to the covenants and convictions he held dear.
He had many interests from hunting, fishing in Alaska with kids and grandkids, skiing, biking, playing Rook, and smirking his quiet little smile as he beat us at 5 Crowns and Yahtzee. Dad was a true craftsman. He loved to do carpentry. He made cradles and upholstered little sofas for his girls to playhouse with. Years later he made custom cabinets for their kitchen. He enjoyed signing in the choir and was able to perform with a choir in Jerusalem. He spent hours each Christmas putting up the Nativity and countless strings of Christmas lights. Some of Jay's favorite activities, in his later life, were picking strawberries in the garden and mowing the fields on the Kubota tractor there in Sherwood. And of course, his specialty was making Christmas Candy!! - which nobody would let him retire from! His legacy will live on in the hearts and kitchens of all of his posterity.
Dad was often heard saying that he was the man he was because of Wyona. He loved her with all his heart and still does. They anticipate the day they will be reunited.
Jay is survived by his wife, Wyona, and daughters Debbie Langley, Tama (Mark) King, Carolee (Colin) Skinner, and Julianne (Ron) Eyre, siblings: Ellen Ethington, Brent (Diane), Bruce, Ross (Jeanne), and Lane (Jeanne), 21 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert M and Esther Jensen Wolfley, brothers Merrill and Dale, sisters-in-law Laurie and Cindy, and brother-in-law Elden, and grandchildren Michelle LeAnne and Matthew Langley.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 S 300 E, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing before the service from 9-10:45 AM. The services will be live streamed at olpinmortuary.com. The Interment will take place, with Air Force military honors, in the Orem City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com