Vernon Engstrom

Vernon LaRoy Engstrom took his final breath at 9:08 p.m. on August 15, 2025, at just 67 years old, in Layton, Utah, after bravely facing multiple medical challenges. Ultimately, his body simply succumbed. He was surrounded by family, who already miss him terribly.

Vern was born on September 6, 1957, to Giles and Barbara (Jones) Engstrom in Ventura, California.

Since his dad was active duty, Vern's family moved around a lot. Along the way, he called plenty of places home-cities throughout Northern California like Santa Barbara, Santa Paula, Ventura, Arcata and Eureka; Sullivan, Missouri; Crystal Falls and Alpha in Michigan; Round Mountain, Nevada; Keizer and Jefferson in Oregon; and Ogden and Layton in Utah. Each spot left its mark, but those were some of his favorites.

Above all, Vern looked forward to spending time with family and his many friends. He loved family reunions, BBQs and potlucks, game nights, gardening, home improvement projects, and long drives through the canyon. You could always find his TV tuned to the History Channel or a cooking show-only adding to his ever-growing collection of cookbooks. One might say he was eclectic, collecting a wide range of treasures from estate sales, Japanese antiquities, family heirlooms, and anything Marilyn Monroe. You name it-he found a reason to have it.

He had a flair for floral arrangements and home décor, and a real knack for journalism. His handwriting was uniquely beautiful-something we will always treasure. Vern also had a passion for visiting old cemeteries and loved genealogy, spending countless hours researching and telling stories-often noting the full names and addresses of people who had passed decades ago.

In his early years, he worked at a pizza shop, as a butcher, in the gold mines, at Kimberly-Clark, and eventually served as a mental health therapist at Oregon State Hospital for the criminally insane-many of whom he befriended.

The LGBTQ+ community loved and embraced Vern wholeheartedly. He played an important role in The Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah. He often watched the Drag Queens with awe, frequently requesting photos. Vern quickly became a favorite to all.

He dedicated many years to volunteering with Youth For Understanding (YFU), serving as a Director. Through this work, he traveled to his beloved Sweden, Finland, and Japan. He maintained close relationships with many of the exchange students he hosted in his home over the years.

He often shared stories about his childhood rescue dog, Toivo-a little survivor who overcame parvo and, to everyone's surprise, went on to have a pup after they discovered that "he" was actually a "she." Vern's love for animals stayed with him throughout his life, but none ever compared to that long-haired Chi-Weenie. We're certain Toivo is now curled up on his lap, right where she belongs.

Vern was unconditional in his love. He was the type to see the good in people and to remind us all that life is, indeed, short. He did everything he could to build lifelong friendships and nurture his family bonds.

He was a wonderful father to three children, grandfather to 13 (three of whom were waiting for him), brother to six siblings, uncle to many nieces and nephews, and friend to countless others.

Vern is survived by his husband, Nick Rickman of Clearfield, Utah; his children-Melissa (Megan Boelter) Jensen of Ogden, Utah, Derek (Erica) Engstrom of West Haven, Utah, and Dayton Engstrom of Kearns, Utah; his siblings-Gerald (Brenda) Engstrom of Gilbert, Arizona, Les Engstrom of Jefferson, Oregon, Virginia - with whom he shared an exceptionally close bond - (Bryan) Schmitt of Jefferson, Oregon, and Charlene (Steve) Weber of Keota, Oklahoma; his dear aunt Darlene "Dar" (Alex) Fagotti of Crystal Falls, Michigan, who was far more than any aunt could be; and his former wife, Kim Edler of Kearns, Utah, without whom he wouldn't have experienced fatherhood.

Vern was preceded in death by both of his parents; his daughter, Lindsey Engstrom; stepdaughter, Kenzi Rickman; brothers, Lawrence and Eric Engstrom; granddaughters, Bailey and Tabitha Jensen; and grandson, Benson Engstrom.

Special recognition goes to Mandi and Dani, his dedicated Occupational and Physical Therapists with Symbii Health Care. They became dear friends, and Vern looked forward to their weekly visits-often joking that he had "gotten in trouble" for not following their orders.

Vern knew he wouldn't see 68 and didn't want a funeral. Instead, he preferred his family and closest friends to Celebrate His Life at The American Legion and raise a glass in his honor. That's exactly what took place on September 5th at 8 p.m. With that, here's to you, Vern (Dad)! We all love you so much and await the day we reunite.

Vern loved everyone, and there wasn't a soul who didn't feel the same way about him. Not a day will go by that we won't think of him.

We entrusted Myers Mortuary of Ogden with his cremation.

Condolences to the family of Vernon L. Engstrom may be expressed online at myers-mortuary.com.