Russell Carl Jensen's Obituary
Russell Carl Jensen
Feb 26, 1931 - April 22, 2019
I remember the gravy you made, and how wonderful it was. I remember you teaching me how to make gravies and sauces. No one I know makes gravies and sauces as good as mine (and yours). Even when other people cook the meat dish, they ask me to make the gravy!
I remember when you took Todd and me skeet shooting for the first time. That day, you'd brought some freshly picked tomatoes and some salt. I had always hated fresh tomatoes, but you talked me into trying it, and when I bit into that vine-ripened, lightly salted tomato, I was introduced to the wonder of a fresh tomato for the first time in my life.
I remember you showing me how to cast flies in the front yard at Nila Way. I lacked technique, and the flies kept snapping off the end of the line, but I had a great time.
I remember the Everclear you brought home so Mom could make cordial liqueurs.
I remember when there was a total eclipse, you made shields for us so we could watch it without damaging our eyes. I think you used polarized film, set two pieces at right angles to each other, and then sandwiched them between pieces of cardboard from photographic slides. They worked great!
I remember the rocket fuel you brought home. You shaved some off and stuffed it into a spent CO2 cartridge, then lit it. The cartridge ZOOMED around the parking lot! On the second or third try, though, it didn't get far. The cartridge had apparently had enough, and it exploded. Even that was cool, though, because it's the only time I've ever seen metal curl up the way it does in the cartoons when a musket backfires.
And the laser you brought home! Watching through the binoculars as you aimed it across the gully at that couple eating dinner. Quickly turning it off when they noticed the red dot. What a blast!
I remember your angelfish, your kestrels, the humid smell of the fabulous incubator in the basement of the Womack's house.
You have always been a huge, positive part of my life. I greatly respect your intellect, I enjoy your sense of humor, and I admire your fundamental kindness. I'm very thankful that you are my father.
I love you very much, Dad.
Russell Carl Jensen greeted this world on February 26, 1931, in Midvale, Utah, already in possession of an insatiable curiosity that lasted throughout his life. His passion for knowledge took him through his doctorate degree at the University of Utah, and on to Yale University, where he was an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department. Russell moved back home to Utah so he could work on various aspects of missile systems at Hercules Bacchus Works, where he stayed until retirement. After retirement from Hercules, he continued to work as a contractor, designing optics testing facilities until 2008.
Russell loved to cook and enjoyed learning new techniques and recipes. He loved his family, and enjoyed sharing with them his passion for hunting, fishing and many other outdoor activities. Throughout his life, nearly everything he did was accomplished with a sense of fun and humor, and was informed by his fundamental kindness.
Russell is survived by his children, Todd (Kim) Jensen, Laura (Dean) Workman, and Kim Rioux, his stepchildren, Randy (Chris) Dayton, Brad Dayton, Denise (Robert) Wiley, and Mark (Deanne) Ashbocker, and his sister Carol Smith. He is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Maxine, parents Arthur and Lodema Jensen, and brothers Gordon and Clair.
A viewing will be held at the LDS church 5605 S. Vine St., Murray on Saturday, April 27 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held 12:00 PM at Midvale Cemetery, 471 W. 6th Ave. Midvale. Following Interment there will be a celebration of his life 1:30 PM at 741 E. Verona Meadows Ct., Murray.
Please share your photos and memories and view an extended obituary at www.premierfuneral.com
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