Jeff Shakespeare

1970 - 2021

Jeff Shakespeare

Kanab, Utah - Our families are brokenhearted to announce the passing of Jeff Shakespeare on April 25th 2021. He was born May 16th, 1970 to Tom and Gay Shakespeare. He had the unique opportunity to live inside Kodachrome Basin State Park, where he grew up hiking, hunting, fishing and exploring in the beautiful mountains and valleys of southern Utah. He graduated from Bryce Valley High School to go on to attend SUU for a year, then serve a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona. He then went back to SUU to finish undergrad and got accepted into the U of U pharmacy school. From then on he held a rewarding, professional career as a pharmacist, serving patients and improving their health. During this time, he was married and had 4 wonderful, talented, self sufficient children, (Kayla, Brooklyn, Brecken and Hunter) that meant the world to him. He was very proud of all their accomplishments and hard work ethic and was always seeking out ways to be able to have a relationship with his kids in this busy world. He also has 2 wonderful son-in-laws (Cliff and Jay) and a spunky, beautiful, fun granddaughter (Ollie) who was the jewel in his life! His latest addition is a handsome grandson (2 month old Holland) whom he was so excited for.

Jeff met and married his perfect match and best friend Tia Troy of Orderville in 2016. They have built a beautiful life together in Kanab, and he has welcomed her family, the Troy's (from Orderville) and her grandkids (Wryler and Harrison) as if they were always part of his family. Jeff was very good to Tia's grandsons and they loved "Grandpa" Jeff. Wryler is heartbroken over the loss of Grandpa.

Jeff has served the Kanab community through pharmacy at Kanab Drug with his brother Dave, and with various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has a strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and His matchless redemptive power. He believed in covenants, repentance, and humility. In this life Jeff was no stranger to trials and grief, but was a great example of perseverance, forgiveness and love. His dad affectionately referred to him as "Mr. Swift"; he was soft spoken and didn't say a lot but if he did say something it was worth listening to. He was insightful, and brought a great spirit with him. He was witty, selfless, fun, caring, inspiring, quite the jokester and had a great sense of quiet humor. He enjoyed hiking (even crossed the Grand Canyon), playing tennis, archery, mountain biking and anything outdoors. He liked ice cream, chocolate cake and hated hot dogs (can you blame him?). We are grateful for our brother, son, husband, father and friend Jeff. He was a great example of perseverance, forgiveness and love. He will be greatly missed, and seen again after this life!

Jeff was preceded in death by his dad Tom Shakespeare and sister Gaylynn Shakespeare. and He is survived by his wife Tia Shakespeare of Kanab; his mom Gay Shakespeare of Cedar City and his siblings Todd (Crystal) of Cedar City, Dave (Kelly) of Kanab, Brooke (Heidi) of Cedar City and Cherish (Tim) of St. George, his children Kayla (Cliff) of Pleasant Grove, Brooklyn (Jay) Cedar City, Brecken (serving a mission currently in Langen, Hessen, Germany) and Hunter of Lehi.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the Kanab Utah Stake Center, corner of Center and Main Streets in Kanab. Viewings will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM and Saturday morning from 9:00-10:30 AM, both at the Stake Center. Arrangements were made with Mosdell Mortuary.