Jeffrey Alan Warren

Jeff Warren was born August 22, 1953, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah to Shirley (Cain) and James Warren. The first of eight siblings, Jeff spent his early years in Spokane, Washington and Riverside, California before his family settled in Reno, Nevada. Jeff attended Reno High School and was the Class of 1971’s Student Body Vice-President.

Jeff began his career with American Bank Stationery (Harland Clarke, Clarke American) in 1971. He retired as a Senior Manager/Senior Account Executive in 2012.

In 1974, a blind date would lead to Jeff meeting the love of his life, Janet Dover. The two of them would marry January 10th, 1975. They would later seal their marriage for eternity in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple November 22nd, 1977. June 1975, Jeff and Janet welcomed their first-born child Megan, followed by Heidi, Seth, Erin, and the rockstar of the family - Josh.

Jeff and his family relocated to Centerville, Utah in 1989, and resided there until he was called back to Heaven on Thanksgiving Day, 2023.

In 2000, Jeff was diagnosed with Stage IV head and neck cancer; a virtual death sentence. With a strong love for family and, perhaps unknown at the time, a higher purpose, Jeff endured two surgeries to remove part of his throat and a tumor at the base of his tongue, followed by 38 consecutive sessions of radiation and chemotherapy. In late 2001, Jeff left Huntsman Cancer Institute with no detectable traces of cancer. Jeff was a survivor and a fighter. In his words, “I kicked cancer's butt”.  From this point forward, Jeff lived by the phrase, “It’s a great day to be alive”, and would often respond with this when asked how he was doing on any given day. The phrase was an embodiment of his attitude towards life and his gratitude towards Heavenly Father, the doctors, and nurses who kept him alive.

Jeff felt a debt of gratitude to the doctors and specialists who saved his life. He developed an intense hatred of cancer, and profound love for those affected by it.

In 2002, Jeff hatched the idea to ride his bicycle from his home in Centerville to his hometown of Reno, Nevada 667 miles away. Jeff solicited pledges per mile from family, friends, and associates to donate to cancer research. Supported by his ever-loving wife, Janet, and son Josh, Jeff accomplished this. It became an annual event for the next 18 years and thus the Ride From Reno was born.

“It was a way to send a message to those mutant cells that I’m not going to take it anymore”. “I just took off on my bike.” - Jeff Warren

Jeff’s story was inspirational. His zest for life was undeniable. His quest to defeat cancer was unstoppable. The first Ride From Reno event happened in 2006 and continued yearly until 2019. Over the years, many other cyclists would make the grueling ride from Reno to Huntsman Cancer Institute with Jeff, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of cancer research. The last leg of the event, Delta to Salt Lake City, became the renowned Huntsman 140, which hundreds of cyclists participated in.

Jeff’s last Ride From Reno in 2019 was dedicated to the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. Jeff referred to his son Josh as “the glue that held our world together”. He would explain that Josh, who has Down Syndrome, was the lucky one; he’s never judged or spoken ill of anyone; he’s never had an unkind thought in his life. Josh’s superpower was an extra chromosome. Jeff was right. Jeff and Josh were two peas in a pod. You did not get one without the other. The unwavering love, patience, and comradery the two of them shared was undeniable and inspiring.

On all his rides, Jeff would carry with him the names of people afflicted with cancer, and later Down Syndrome. The effect Jeff had could never be measured by the amount of money he raised, which in itself is utterly impressive. Jeff motivated and inspired people. Whether it be to get cancer screenings, improve their health, or value their relationships- Jeff’s story and advocacy improved and saved lives. A teammate cycling uphill into a headwind on Day 4 or a scared cancer patient facing a deadly disease, Jeff and his example gave people hope and the will to keep going.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeff embraced his faith with fervor. Throughout his life, he held numerous callings and found fulfillment in serving his community and fellow church members.

Jeff, affectionately referred to as “Papa” by his grandchildren, loved his family and enjoyed traditions. One of these was the reading of “That Thine Alms May Be In Secret” by George Durrant followed by Luke 2:1-20 (“the birth of Jesus”) every Christmas Eve to his kids and grandkids. We often would wonder how far he would make it before crying each year. Jeff’s faith was strong, and his family takes solace in knowing they will see him again.

Jeff Warren leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Janet, his mother, Shirley Cain (Orem, UT), father, James “Jim” Warren (Virginia City, NV), children Megan Warren, Heidi (Paul) LaBounty, Seth (Savanna) Warren, Erin (Jacob) Herrin, Joshua Warren, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Sisters Nikki (Dennis) Olsen, Lori (Mike) Nelson, and brothers Brad Warren, Greg Warren, Coleman (Ann) Warren, Clay (Judith) Warren and Derek (Gayle) Warren.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 1^st, 2023, from 06:00-08:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.

Funeral services will be held December 2^nd, 2023, at 01:00 p.m. at the Centerville First Ward Meeting House, 160 South 300 East, Centerville, Utah.  A viewing and visitation will be held from 12:00-12:45 p.m. prior to services.  Following the funeral services, interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.