In Loving Memory: Kindness

Saturday, March 19, 2016

I've only gotten to know Grandpa Jensen over the past few years. My memories of him are limited, but carry a common theme: kindness. From the first time I met him as Karl's fiancé, to the last time we spoke in person, Grandpa was unfailingly kind to me -- which is something I don't think I can say about anyone else I've ever known.

Over the past several days I've heard so many stories about Grandpa Jensen's vibrant life that I feel I've gotten to know him better now than I was able to over the past few years. I hope that this blog will be a place for you to share your memories and thoughts about this truly remarkable man.

-Kristen

Obituary

Richard Ronald "Dick" Jensen returned home on March 10, 2016 following a valiant battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Dick was born November 17, 1935 in San Diego, CA to Ronald C. Jensen and Helen A. Mills along with his twin brother Robert (Bob). He attended Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. He married his college sweetheart, Marion Gerda Stout 59 years ago. They were sealed in the Logan Temple.

Dick enjoyed his many interests and hobbies: camping, fishing, golf, scuba diving, swimming, waterskiing, water color painting, jewelry design, woodworking, home remodeling, and a particular passion for building and flying radio controlled model airplanes. He always had multiple projects ongoing.

In his many years of service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he particularly enjoyed his years leading young men as Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Explorer Leader. He was a leader of young men wherever he lived; from Price, Utah, to Morris Plains, NJ, to Holladay and Sandy, UT. His Troop 342 was twice honored as being one of the Top 50 Scout Troops worldwide. During a period of time, every young man in the Troop attained the rank of Eagle Scout! He also served as an Instructor, High Priest Group Leader, Sunday School President, Prison missionary, and Temple Worker.

Professionally, Dick was a design engineer who helped to pioneer Missile technology in the early 1960's and was associated with the original seven Mercury astronauts. Later in his career, he was involved in environmental protection efforts in the mining and refining industry.

Growing up in Southern California, he enjoyed many wonderful experiences: riding and showing matched horses with his twin brother; having the opportunity to ride horses in parades with the Cisco Kid, and taking riding lessons with Elizabeth Taylor as she trained for her role in National Velvet. One of his favorite memories of his early life was learning to Springboard Dive with John Wayne. He was also an avid skin diver and fisherman.

Dick also loved his pets; several Tommies (all of his cats) and a variety of dogs – Angel, Sam, Gus, Punkin, Rowdy, Freddy, Gusser, Bubbles and Riley.

Dick is survived by his wife, Marion; two sons, Richard R. Jr "Rick" (Pamela), and Karl D. (Wendy); eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and twin brother.

In Loving Memory

Sunday, November 17, 1935 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

Kindness

Saturday, March 19, 2016

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