Bryan Charles Stephenson

On Tuesday January 18th, 2022, Bryan Charles Stephenson's mortal journey came to a peaceful end. Surrounded by his children, and next to his loving wife, Bryan quietly succumbed to the health complications brought on by his battle with leukemia.

Bryan was born in Salt Lake City in the summer of 1953 as the second child and first son of Russell and Clara Stephenson (who preceded Bryan in death in 2002 and 2018 respectively). Bryan lived a joy filled childhood being raised on his parents' humble family farm in Draper, Utah, that he often spoke of with loving memory.

Being the son of a carpenter and shop teacher, Bryan was also taught how to work with his hands and became a proficient carpenter and all around handyman. Gardening, especially growing beautiful flowers that were admired by many, as well as creating other things of beauty would become a hallmark of Bryan's life all the remainder of his days.

Living a worthy gospel centered life, Bryan prepared for and served a mission in Northern England where he turned his heart to the Lord and learned to teach the gospel with humility and power. Being a master teacher would become a trademark to all who ever heard him teach in the years after.

Bryan attended Utah State University where he graduated in the spring of 1979 with a degree in Organizational Communications. While at Utah State University, Bryan was introduced to his sweetheart Naomi Nelson. Bryan and Naomi were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 7th, 1979.

Bryan, alongside his wife, raised six children in Draper where Bryan passed on the tradition of gardening and hard work. Starting his professional career as a humble custodian, Bryan would go on to work for 36 years as a project manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Even when diagnosed with leukemia, he never stopped trusting in the Lord and always returned his thanks to God for what he had been given. His faith was at the center of all that he did and believed. On his last Sunday in mortality, he testified that the Savior was "[his] best friend." Two days later, Bryan would be taken home to the loving arms of his best friend, leaving a testament and example written on the hearts of his children and dear wife.

Bryan is survived by his wife, Naomi, their children: Christina (Nathan), Spencer (Melynn), Amanda (Andrew), Mary (Beau), Russell (Kara), Ryan (Brynn), and his 23 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Marla (Dean), Tamara (Jim), Sterling (Lori), Lyle (Lori), Cherryl (Norm).

Funeral Services will be held on January 28th, 2022 at the Draper Second Ward Chapel located at 1617 East 12700 South, Draper, Utah. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, with a viewing preceding the service from 10:00 am to 11:45 am (there will be no viewing the night before). Following the funeral service Bryan will be laid to rest in the Draper Cemetery alongside his parents.

The family requests that in consideration for the safety and respect of all those who wish to attend these services, that facial masks are worn at all times, and Covid guidelines be followed.

If you are feeling sick we ask that you refrain from attending. However, we want all to be able to participate, so a live broadcast of the funeral service may be viewed Online January 28th at noon.

https://youtu.be/4fjzBvjjb7k