Benjamin Thomas

Benjamin L. Thomas
1928 - 2018

Benjamin L. Thomas, 89, passed away peacefully Monday, July 9, 2018 after a brave battle with declining health. He nearly accomplished his goal of living to be 90 years old, but his tired body had other plans.

He was born August 4, 1928 in Malad, ID, to Henry E. and Marintha Pearl Ward Thomas. He was proud of his valiant pioneer ancestry and often reminisced about his happy days growing up in Malad in a loving and close-knit family. He graduated from Malad High School and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah before attending dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, graduating in 1953. He married Kathryn Roskelley in the Logan LDS Temple on August 20, 1951.

He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy, attached to the U.S. Marine Corps, based in Pyeongtaek, Korea. Upon his return, Ben established his dental practice in Salt Lake City in 1955 and retired after 45 years in 2000. He was meticulous in his work and had many loyal patients throughout his career.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including serving as executive secretary to three bishops. Ben and Kathryn built their dream home in Holladay in 1960 and were blessed to be surrounded by beloved friends and neighbors during the 55 years they lived there. He found great enjoyment in keeping an immaculate yard. His amazing lawn was like no other, and many people would comment that they went out of their way while out for a walk or jog just to admire his beautiful landscape. He had an exceptional ability to recall names, events, facts, and numbers. He was Google before Google was invented! Any day spent fishing with his dear friend Rodney Porter was a great day. He loved the simple pleasures of life- a good steak, a good book, and time spent with his wife, family, and many friends.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, beloved daughters Diane (Dan) Naylor and Marcie (Brad) Richardson, six adored grandchildren, and 14 precious great-grandchildren, with another due in September. He had a sweet tenderness for babies and little children and thoroughly enjoyed each new addition to the family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ward, Bert, and Rollin Thomas and sisters Shelba Thomas and Janice Colson.

The family expresses deep appreciation for the kind and compassionate care given by the staff and volunteers at Sunrise of Sandy and Brighton Hospice. Their expert help provided our family with peace of mind and quality time together.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Olympus 1st Ward chapel, located at 4100 S. Camille St., Salt Lake City, with a viewing prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Funeral directors- Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT. Obituary and online condolence book available at:  www.cannonmortuary.com.