Jan Dean Hales

Jan Dean Hales, 79, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on August 30, 2017 after enduring a long battle with esophageal cancer.   Jan will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, joyful countenance, contagious laugh and his enduring faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Born July 13, 1938, Jan learned to work hard to support his dear mother, Phyllis and their family.  Growing up in the avenues of Salt Lake City, he had many grand adventures including skiing down steep roadways and sneaking up the dome of the Utah State Capital building.  He enjoyed summers on the farm in Northern Utah with his aunt, uncle, cousins and Grandma Lizzy. 

Jan had much success in his business, Hobart Sales and Service.  He was known for going above and beyond, providing quality products and service with a smile.  His clients continued to call on him well into retirement and Jan always delivered.

Jan served in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster for 30 years. He helped to establish Troop 884 in North Salt Lake. He received many scouting awards, most notably the District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver. His dedication and love of service influenced countless young men to be valiant and upright citizens.

Jan served in many leadership roles in the LDS church. His most treasured service included 7 years as an Ordinance Worker at the Bountiful Temple and 2 years as a Welfare Missionary with his sweet wife. 

Jan’s green thumb was one to envy.  He maintained a beautiful yard and home that showed his love of flowers, nature and sunshine.  Reading, boating on Willard Bay and Bear Lake, snowmobiling in Yellowstone Park and cruising in his perfectly polished Corvette were a few of his favorite hobbies. 

Jan’s greatest achievement was his family. His dear wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Snelson Hales; children Scott (Jill) of Wellsville, Ron (Becky) of Morgan and Susan (Tim) of Bountiful; and 9 grandchildren Logan, Sarah, Tanner, McKenna, Reganne, Porter, Sophia, Grace and Maxwell. He is preceded in death by his son, Paul Dean Hales.

A heartfelt thank you to McKenzie and Quality Hospice for their tender care in Jan’s final months and days.

Friends and loved ones are invited to remember and celebrate Jan’s life at a funeral on Friday, Sept 8 at 11 am at the Sterling Heights Ward, 165 West Monarch Drive, Bountiful Utah 84010. To honor Jan’s love of service and Scouting, please wear any scouting neckerchiefs or pins with your regular funeral attire. Viewings will be held on Thursday, Sept 7 from 6-8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful, and Friday morning 9:30-10:30 am at the church prior to services.  Interment, Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S 200 W Bountiful.