Benjamin Gary Beckstead

May 26, 1939 - January 7, 2018

Benjamin Gary Beckstead 1939-2018 Benjamin Gary Beckstead died at his home in West Jordan, Utah on January 7, 2018. He was born on May 26, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Benjamin Gordon Beckstead and Dorothy Marie Anderson. Eighteen months later twin sisters were born—Lani Lee Rawlins (Leon) and Mary Ann Potter (Glen) The family moved often finally settling in Ely, Nevada during Gary’s teen-age years. He loved all sports but excelled in football, eventually playing for BYU. As a youth, he and his cousin had committed to each other that they would serve a mission for the Church. So, two years after entering BYU, Gary left for the mission field finishing his mission in the New England States in 1961. On June 10, 1963, Gary married his sweetheart, Marjo Beckstead, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised seven children—Benjamin Gordon (Amanda); Anah Nysje Burton (Steve); Lisa Maria Mix (Andrew); Robert Byron (Roslyn); David Joel (Shannon); Heather Alisa Nelson (Troy); and Lara Rachelle Andersen (Lee). Education was very important to Gary. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Masters and Doctorate degrees from Brigham Young University. He loved to read and learn and instilled his love of learning to his children. Gary was employed by the Church Education System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for thirty-six years and was a gifted teacher. His favorite subjects to teach were the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. Gary had a great love for the Savior and a strong testimony of the importance of following the living prophet. He served as a bishop on two occasions and also as a stake patriarch. But his favorite calling was that of a father. His seven children, twenty-seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. Gary was preceded in death by two very special grandsons, Philip and Matthew. In his spare time, Gary loved hiking and camping (especially along the Oregon coast) and going for walks with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed reading and listening to music. The family would like to give special recognition to the residents, caregivers, and LDS branch presidency of the Pheasant Run Alzheimer’s Facility and also to Inspiration Hospice. The kindness and care they gave will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Jordan Oaks Stake Center, 8117 South Leslie Drive (3905 West), West Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.