Galen Gene Lord's Obituary
Galen Gene Lord, 69, died peacefully on June 19, 2020 from complications of diabetes.
Galen was born on September 16, 1950 to Gene & Aline (Maw) Lord. Galen grew up in Plain City, spending many hours working on the family sugar beet farm or with the dairy cows. He gained his work ethic early in life, following in his parents’ footsteps. Galen spent many hours in the bowling alley where his mother worked and learned his love of bowling from his father. He graduated from Weber High School and loved to make sure that people knew he had attended the “Old” Weber High.
He was employed by the federal government, retiring after 36 years of service. It was while he was working that he met his future wife’s parents. They introduced him to the love of his life, Beverly Jean Porter. Galen and Beverly worked together for many years and she loves to remember that Galen would often bring her a peppermint patty--sometimes leaving it as a surprise on her desk--just so that she would know that he was thinking of her. Galen made many friends at work and cherished the memories made there.
Galen married his sweetheart on May 17, 1974 in the Ogden Utah Temple. Galen and Beverly were blessed with four children, two girls then two boys. Family time was the highlight of their life and they spent many hours together at the bowling alley and at the baseball and softball fields.
Galen loved to explore the great outdoors with his family. They would pile into the car headed on road trips to Bear Lake or Yellowstone and would always stop for a raspberry shake along the way. Friends and cousins were usually brought along for the ride. He loved to hunt and fish and was often deer hunting with his brothers-in-law or rabbit hunting with the boys. He taught Gina to fish and even convinced her to bait the hook.
Galen was one of the founding members of the Plain City Fire Department. He loved the community and was fondly known as “Maynard.” Galen’s kindness was legendary and through his first responder service he impacted many peoples’ lives. He served faithfully for 30 years and counted himself blessed to have successfully performed CPR on multiple occasions.
As part of his service with the Fire Department, Galen drove the yearly Independence Day Wake Up Wagon, starting at 6:00 AM. The Fourth of July became a family affair with Beverly and the kids helping with the community dinner, manning the fundraising booths, and cleaning up after the fireworks. Galen loved driving the firetruck in the parade and once added extra realism to the lights and sirens as he produced his own cloud of smoke when he forgot to release the emergency break on Engine 2 before leaving the station.
Galen was an enduring sports fan, faithfully following everything from football, baseball, and basketball, to bull riding, bowling, and golf. He was a die hard Rams, Jazz, and BYU fan, but would root for the underdog no matter who was playing.
Galen was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings and loved missionary work and scouting. One of his favorite callings was coaching the ward’s basketball team. He was proud that each of his children followed his example and chose to be sealed with their families in the temple.
Galen and Beverly were blessed to spend time living with each of their adult children. His children and grandchildren loved the time that they spent with him and gained much from his wisdom and patience, and from his mischievousness. Galen never met a joke that he didn’t like, and loved April Fools’ Day. Although he struggled with many health issues later in life, Galen always met his challenges with optimism, faith, and truly endured to the end.
Galen is survived by his wife Beverly; children Gina (Vince) Brewer, Aaron (Aubrey) Lord, & Brison (Kathi) Lord; grandchildren Jonathan & Lydia Brewer, Catherine & Christopher Lord, and Jefferi Lord; and his mother Aline; and siblings Duff (Susan) Lord, Monette Panter, & Patti (Kent) Booker, and many other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Jodi, father Gene, and father- and mother-in-law Kenneth C. & L. Garnet (Beck) Porter.
The family would like to thank the staff and healthcare workers at Avamere at Mountain Ridge assisted living and Inspiration Hospice for their friendship and loving care. Galen loved speaking with everyone from administrators, to nurses, to housekeeping staff, and they made Galen’s final days magical with a special fishing trip. He formed a particular friendship with Debbie, Lexie, and Kyle who became an honorary part of the family. Their kindness truly touched Galen forever.
A socially-distanced visitation is planned for Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Plain City 2nd Ward Chapel, 2952 N 4200 W, Plain City, UT 84404. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM at the Plain City Cemetery with interment to follow.
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