Arvel Hemenway

Arvel Lee Hemenway, beloved father, husband, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, at the age of 86. Born in Pioche, Nevada, on December 18, 1936, Arvel was the son of Wenzel Hemenway and Marva Adair Hemenway. Arvel was one of five siblings, including his brothers Dale Hemenway and Deloy Hemenway, and sisters Donna Thompson and Linda Williamson.

Arvel grew up in Provo, Utah, where he was a talented athlete, playing basketball, football, and track through high school. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he played in the band and sang in the choir.

After serving a mission in Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he attended Snow College on a football scholarship and transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU), where he met the love of his life, Karen Ostler. He graduated from BYU with degrees in history, geography, and psychology. Arvel also pursued further education and obtained a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from Chadron State College. He then went on to receive his Ph.D in Education Administration from Gonzaga University. 

Arvel's passion for teaching led him to become a seminary teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various locations, including Brigham City, Utah; Pembroke, North Carolina; Pine Ridge, South Dakota; Cardston, Alberta, Canada; Wenatchee, Washington; Cheney, Washington; Roseburg, Oregon; and Salt Lake City, Utah, where he retired in 1999. Over his 36 years of teaching, Arvel touched the lives of thousands of students, teaching them how to find answers for themselves and helping them develop a love for the gospel.

Arvel was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  With his passion for sports, he loved attending each game of all the different sports his kids played and their other activities. He rarely ever missed their games or activities whether he was coaching, cheering, or recording the game. He often times would come home and watch them over and over until the next game came. 

One of his other favorite things to do was do magic shows. He was also a talented magician, performing shows for his children and others under the name "Arvel the Marvel."

Arvel loved his faith and served in various callings throughout his life, including as a Patriarch and Sealer in the Temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was blessed with the opportunity to give several of his grandchildren their patriarchal blessings and perform their marriages as a Sealer. 

He and Karen served multiple missions together, including opening the Nauvoo temple and serving in Accra, Ghana, and at BYU Hawaii.

Arvel Lee Hemenway is survived by his wife, Karen Ostler Hemenway, and his 8 children: Valorie Atwood (Matt), Kathy Waderich (Dale), Curtis Hemenway (Sayda), Gregory Hemenway (Darcy), Edward Hemenway (Katie), Bradley Hemenway (Jessica), Christina Orth (Trent), and Kimberly Cram (Jeremy). He is also survived by his 28 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren (and counting). He was preceded in death by his parents, Wenzel and Marva, and his two brothers, Dale and Deloy.

A viewing will be on Friday, May 19, 2023, between 6-8 pm at Anderson & Goff Mortuary (11859 S. 700 E., Draper, UT 84020). Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on May 20, 2023, at  2450 West 10400 South, South Jordan, UT 84095. A viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate the life of Arvel Lee Hemenway. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the teachings he shared.

The services will be livestreamed at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/91767311168?pwd=UVVqTzF4ekNudXljdmZXS0lLcjh6UT09

Meeting ID: 917 6731 1168
Passcode: 105073