Ronald Evan Sphar

Ronald Evan Sphar
1942 ~ 2025
Ron Evan Sphar, a devoted husband, and loving father and grandfather, passed away with Suzanne, his wife, at his side on May 18, 2025. He was a soft-spoken man of great integrity, love, and quiet strength.
Born in Los Angeles, California, on February 11, 1942, Ron was the oldest of the 7 children of James Evan and Lois Defriez.
In 1961, Ron was called to serve a two-year mission to Florida for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In 1964, he was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War where he served as a Private E-1 at Fort Knox, Kentucky for two years. During that time, the movie Goldfinger, starring Sean Connery as James Bond, was filmed there. In the scene where "nerve gas" is released over the base, Ron is seen carrying a garbage can and dropping "unconscious" as a result of the incapacitating chemical. Ron loved to share that story and said it was his idea to carry a garbage can in the scene.
Once discharged from the military, at the invitation of close friends, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he found employment at Sweets Candy Company. Although not seeking other employment, while waiting to meet a friend at the warehouse of the LDS Church Distribution Center, he was invited to apply for a job and was hired.
One day, when Ron went to the mail room at the LDS Church Office Building, a tall brunette caught his attention. A friend introduced him to that pretty gal, Suzanne Willden. Ron asked her on a date to see the movie, Return of the Jedi. After waiting in line for what seemed like hours, when they finally made it to the ticket booth, the show was sold out. They rescheduled their date, but got their messages mixed up. Ron thought he would pick up Suzanne and she thought they were supposed to meet at the theater. They both watched the movie at the same time in the same theater, but didn't know the other was there!
During their courtship, they often ate lunch together. Years later, they both admitted they "knew" they were meant to be together. Destiny was fulfilled July 30, 1983, during a fishing trip when their lines got tangled and the hook ended up in Ron's shirt pocket. Suzanne helped him remove the hook. Then it happened again. This time, when she removed the hook from his pocket, a note was attached that said, "I love you. Will you marry me?" About two months later, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 7, 1983. A year later, their son, Jay, was born. In 1986, they built a home in West Jordan where they raised their only child.
Ron loved camping, collecting stamps and coins, and all things Star Wars. He was a member of the Utah Philatelic Society for over 40 years. And he loved to tell jokes, sometimes the same joke too many times! Ron looked forward to trips to Suzanne's hometown of Caliente, Nevada. He would often take a roll of nickels to play in the slot machines and would be thrilled to come home with twenty extra nickels.
After working 42 years at the LDS Distribution Center, Ron retired in April 2011. Once retired, he often cared for his two granddaughters, Brikayla and Rylee. Whether caring for them as babes in arms, or shuttling them to school, Ron was always there for his granddaughters.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne, son Jay (Britnie), his two granddaughters (Brikayla and Rylee), two sisters (Nancy and Renee,) his brother, Raymond (Sandy), two sisters-in-law (Connie and Jean,) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers (Tim, Bob, and Gary).
We want to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Intermountain Health Hospice and Summit Senior Living. Your expertise, kindness, and unwavering commitment to Ron's comfort and dignity in his final days were truly remarkable. We are forever grateful for the support and care you provided to our entire family.
Ron's dedication to his family and his unwavering kindness to all will always be cherished.
A celebration of Ron's life will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Prairie 1st Ward Chapel, located at 5360 West 7000 South, West Jordan, Utah.
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