Gary Lynn Stone's Obituary
On December 12th, 2024, Gary Lynn Stone suddenly passed away in Lehi, Utah. Gary lived a life that was a testament to his faith, his abundant heart, and his unwavering commitment to his family.
Gary was born to loving parents Nila Jean Johnson and Lewis Kay Stone on September 5th, 1963 in American Fork, Utah. He later gained a loving step-mother, Sherlean Norman Stone after the passing of his mother. He grew up in Lehi, Utah. As a teenager, he gained two surrogate-sisters, LoRee and Margie when his parents welcomed his mother’s youngest sisters into their home. He graduated from Lehi High School, where he participated in theater and performed as a member of the jazz band. He later pursued higher education at Weber State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. He had a 35 year career as a critical care respiratory therapist at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah. There, he was a caring champion for his patients, always advocating on their behalf and providing them with the best care possible.
From 1982 to 1984, Gary served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portugal, where he developed a deep love for the Portuguese people and their culture. Shortly thereafter, he met his forever sweetheart, Karan Busby, at a dance in Provo, Utah. They established their family when they were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 3rd, 1987.
Gary and Karan welcomed four children into their family: Michael (Becca) Stone of Green River, WY; Kaitlyn (Ethan) Brouwer of Dugspur, VA; Miranda (Matt) Paulson of Springville, UT; and Jamie (Gilbert) Burns of Glen Burnie, MD. His legacy continues through his eight treasured grandchildren: William Stone, Thomas Stone, John Stone, Lewis Stone, Hyrum Brouwer, Sage Brouwer, Garrett Paulson, and Merrick Burns.
Gary made many beautiful memories in his lifetime. When he was not working tirelessly at the hospital, he could often be found tending to his garden, earning the nickname “Farmer Gary” among his neighbors. A man of bottomless generosity, he often gave away bushels of apples, peaches, or his famous homemade bread. Gary was happiest in the great outdoors or else in the “happiest place on earth”, taking many trips to Disneyland, particularly with his sweetheart, Karan.
Some of his favorite moments were spent in nature with his family, especially at Yellowstone National Park and Strawberry Reservoir. He was a skilled fisherman and in July of 2021 completed his lifelong goal of taking an all-inclusive fishing trip to Alaska. He, of course, had to bring home two coolers of fresh fish so he would have enough to distribute to all the neighbors. He also inherited from his mother a passion for family history and ensured the stories of past generations would not be forgotten. In 2010 after much research he compiled the history of the Stone Family in the book Genesis of the Stones.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother Nila Jean Johnson, his step-mother Sherlean Norman Stone, his sister-in-law Carla Stone, and his aunts Margie Johnson Halling and LoRee Johnson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karan; his father, Lewis Kay Stone; his brother, Jay Stone; his children; and grandchildren.
The impact of his remarkable life cannot be measured.
An open house will be held in his honor at the Highland 8th Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 10390 North Alpine Highway, Highland, UT 84003, on Friday, December 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A second open house will be held at the same location on Saturday, December 21, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Highland City Cemetery, Highland, Utah.
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