Jeff Whiteley

Jeff Whiteley

1954-2025

Sandy, Utah-Our beloved husband, father, brother, and dear friend Jeff Whiteley passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 25, 2025, while on a hike, surrounded by the beauty of nature and emerging fall colors. His untimely absence is felt acutely by those who know and love him.

Jeff was born in California in 1954 and spent his very early years in Idaho. He then moved with his family to Salt Lake City, where his love of music began to blossom. He learned to play the guitar and bass. He developed deep bonds with his fellow band members and many friends of his youth that have continued throughout his lifetime. Jeff was a gentle and truly kind soul who saw the best in people, always aware of those who he might help in some way. His prime motivation as he assumed the role of Highland High School president was to be a voice for the unseen.

He served a mission in Quebec, Canada, where those he worked with still remember his service and dedication. His love of the French language and culture continued throughout his life. He graduated from BYU in Humanities, where his writing skills emerged, as well as his love of art. He and his brother spent many happy days playing music in France, Switzerland and Germany. He later moved to Montreal, where he worked for the next several years in the early tech industry. His influence for good was felt by the group of youth he led there. They sang together in the streets of Montreal while Jeff accompanied them on his guitar. He was their example of a good man and was, in a sense, a father to the fatherless.

Jeff gave up his life in Montreal and moved back to Salt Lake to help with his father's real estate business. There he met his future wife Lori. They were initially drawn together by music, and they enjoyed 35 years together, making music and a wonderful life. They spent many happy times in France, Switzerland and Germany, singing and playing as a duo, appearing on French television and radio and later taking their acoustic ensemble Lark & Spur to perform at the Montreux, Brienz and Deauville Jazz festivals in 1997.

Jeff was an adoring father to his son. They spent countless hours together, often sharing Jeff's love of literature as he read favorite books with his son. They spent time together in Middle Earth, on the Mississippi River with Tom Sawyer and Huck, and on the streets of London, as brought to life by Charles Dickens. Joy abounded in the home, facilitated in no small part by Jeff's kind and loving nature.

His love of literature led him to write his own novel. He also translated a French novel into English. Jeff had the gift of words, whether spoken or written, and he shared his gifts with others. He also had a gift for teaching. He attained a Master's degree in French literature and was a sought-after French teacher at both BYU and Westminster College. He thrived in the classroom and was voted best teacher by students in the BYU French department.

Jeff continued to hone his skills on the guitar and Lark & Spur played many local events over the ensuing years. He founded Excellence in the Community in 2006. His desire was to showcase the artistry of Utah's finest local musicians in venues which would move them out of background music and onto professional stages, where their talents could be more fully appreciated. He worked tirelessly to achieve that goal and under his leadership, Excellence has produced more than 1430 concerts over nearly 20 years. He often came home invigorated after managing a concert, full of excitement from the positive influence music had on those that attended.

He will be sorely missed by the Excellence Community and by his wife and son, siblings and countless family members who will try to carry on his legacy of love, kindness and goodness. We feel blessed by knowing Jeff, who has enriched all our lives.

Jeff believed in the transformative power of beautiful music. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jeff's memory by supporting Excellence in the Community and his vision for the Utah music community, Donations can be made at https://excellenceconcerts.org/donate.

A public celebration of his life will be organized in coming weeks. Information on that event will be available in the future on the Excellence website: https://excellenceconcerts.org