Goodbye to Gary, My Mom's Husband

 

Gary M. Lloyd and Donna W. Lloyd
Wedding Reception November 2, 1989

Earlier this month, my mother's husband of thirty-six years was tested positive for influenza. He was already unsteady on his feet due to his normal pressure hydrocephalus. He ended up falling sometime during the first week of January 2026 and was diagnosed with a bi-lateral brain bleed on January 7, 2026.  A week later, he passed peacefully with family at his bedside. A week after that, the family celebrated his life with a viewing and funeral at Berg Mortuary in Provo, Utah prior to an internment in Lehi, Utah. Gary was 91 years old. 

I will remember him for being friendly, diplomatic, dependable, and devout.  He was a great partner to my mother for decades.  

I am providing a copy of his obituary here since it will be behind a firewall at some point: 

Gary Murdock Lloyd, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026 in Orem, Utah surrounded by loved ones. Gary was born on September 17, 1934 in Provo, Utah to Wesley and Lillie Lloyd. He was raised in Provo, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and service that guided him throughout his life. 

His younger years with brother Kent provided the foundation of a life of activity and service. He recounts the story of his Aunt Velda gifting him a fine pocket watch for his birthday and his wonder getting the better of him as he disassembled the watch to “see what made it tick.” That was the end of that watch. 

He married Carolyn Provan in the Salt Lake Temple in 1958 (later divorced) and they started their young family of five boys in Provo before relocating to the Salt Lake Valley for work in 1970. 

He later married Donna Webb in 1989 in the Provo Temple. They lived in Salt Lake City, Midway and Highland serving multiple missions before relocating to their current location in Orem. Their support of each other in everything that they did provides a great example to their children and all that benefited from their service. 

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gary served diligently in many callings, including Bishop, multiple Bishoprics, High Councilor, 5 missions including, missionary service in the California Southern Mission in the 1950’s, LDS Charities, Temple Square Mission Presidency, Olympic Service Missionary in Wasatch County and LDS Real Estate Dept. missionary. His testimony of the gospel and love for the Savior were evident in his daily life and quiet service to others.

Gary graduated from Brigham Young High School, BYU and later completed his Masters (BYU) and Doctorate through California Coast University and The Ohio State University. He began his career in the financial world with Beneficial Life where he worked in Utah and Montana. He then worked his way up at Utah Technical College (UVU) eventually to the position of Chairman of the Department of Business. He was then requested to apply to head the State of Utah Department of Business Education.

He worked for the Utah Department of Education for 30 years and was known for his work with FBLA, bringing the chapter into Utah for the first time and eventually serving as its national president. He worked with vocational training, business curriculum design and the introduction of computers into Utah high schools as well as his work with the state's applied technology centers. He visited every High school in the state multiple times in his desire to see a unified business education. Throughout his professional life, his love of service has been demonstrated by his serving on countless civic boards, committees and city councils.

Gary and Four of His Five Sons circa 2015
Jim, Gary, Jon, Scott, and Mike. (Jeff passed away at age 53.)

Gary is survived by his wife Donna, his children Jim (Lorena), Mary Lloyd Polson (daughter-in-law), Mike (Jenny), Scott (Stephanie) and Jon (Kelly). Also by Donna’s children Karen "Wren" (Michael Austin), Julie (Jean Shoaee) and Michelle (Michael Barker) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Kent and Wesley, his 2nd son Jeff, Grandson Kenny and daughter-in-law Megan. We will miss him for his infectious smile, his never-ending positive outlook and his constant gratitude for all that served him. Even to the end, when he could barely speak, the words “Thank You” escaped his lips more than any others. We Love you and look forward to the day when we see you again. Funeral services [were] held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Interment [took] place at the Lehi City Cemetery immediately following the services. Condolences may be extended online at www.bergmortuary.com. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Covington Assisted Living and First Choice Home Health and Hospice for their love and support. Appreciation to Rachel and Cassie for their constant care.