Gaylen Thomas Lawyer

Our beloved father, Gaylen Thomas Lawyer, was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 1955 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Thomas Joseph Lawyer and Ellen Sarah Bowles. He married Diane Lawyer (née Burrup) in the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 24th, 1977. After a long fight and an unanticipated escalation with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), he returned to his Father in Heaven surrounded by those who love him most on December 29th, 2023.

A dedicated husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane, and their four children and families: Chris and Sarah, with daughters Kara and Aubree; McKenzie (Lawyer Davies) and Ryan (Davies), with children Adrielle, Ellis, and Scottie Grace); Austin and Bri, with children Holden and Emery; and Nate and Alexis. He was preceded in death by both parents, sister Deana, brother Kay, in-laws Percy and Ora Burrup, and sister-in-law Dixie Johnson.

A renaissance man known for his tireless work ethic, Gaylen was dedicated to education. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University (BYU). He was the first recipient of the Lennis M. Knighton Award from the Romney Institute at BYU. He led a successful career spanning multiple professions and industries – from printing, to wireless, home furnishings, and natural gas. His passions included cooking, landscaping, and BYU sports.

At his request, Gaylen was cremated. Gaylen’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at the Erkenbrack chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2168 S 140 W St, Orem, UT 84058). A friends and family visitation will precede the services from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. (The memorial service will be broadcast to all those unable to attend in person at: https://youtube.com/live/J5WMfvRk8YY?feature=share)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Perpetual Education Fund or APS research through the University of Michigan Division of Rheumatology at https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/327278.

Gaylen’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will forever be remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. His infectious smile will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.