Welby Neal Jensen MD

On Thursday, August 30th, 2018, Welby Neal Jensen, loving husband and father of five children, passed away at the age of 60. He was doing what he loved despite the tragic way he died.
Welby was born on January 10th 1958 in Richfield, Utah to Arnell and Norine Jensen. He received his bachelor's Degree in Psychology and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then went on to Medical School at The University of Utah Health Sciences Center, where he continued his internship and residency in Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry. Welby has practiced psychiatric medicine for 31 years, serving as medical director for a geriatric psychiatry unit and Medical Director of Kodiak Mental Health and Counseling center. He also traveled to outside Alaskan communities, offering treatment and services.

On March 18, 1983, he married Lissa Anne Woodbury. They raised two sons, Brandon and Garrett (Stephanie), one daughter, Candace (Alec), and are currently raising twin sons, Spencer "Max," and Tanner "Alex."

Welby had a passion for fishing.  From his earliest years with best friend, Robert Salisbury in Southern Utah, to current Alaskan adventures with son, Brandon, he always had a grin a mile wide as he would pull in his latest prize from both salt and fresh water locales. Dr. "J" loved to putter around the house and was known to save money by keeping older vehicles running well past their prime. An aficionado of basketball, Welby was the perfect Center at 6 feet 10 inches. He was All State in High School and played college ball at Snow College. He served a voluntary two-year mission to Rochester, New York for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. He adored the Utah Jazz and, with his son, followed them for years.  People from all walks of life loved Welby. He could chat engine problems with his favorite mechanic, fishing with the saltiest of boat captains, and chair an executive meeting of health care professionals.  A man of few words, he had a quiet wisdom and gentle spirit. He loved his wife and supported her through countless musicals and plays through the years. Always in the background, he was her "rock" and biggest cheerleader.
    
Welby is preceded in death by his father, Arnell, his mother, Norine and brother, Gardell. He is survived by his wife, Lissa, his five children, Brandon, Garrett, Candace, Max and Alex. He is also survived by sister, Valine and brother, Leland. He has several cousins, nieces and nephews; he was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild in February.

A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, September 6th at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium in Kodiak.  

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Dr., Bountiful. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful and again Thursday morning 9:30-10:30 am prior to graveside.