M Wayne Easthope Sr.

Wayne Easthope Sr. passed away shortly after midnight on December 21, 2021. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 5, 1934, to Joseph H. & Ruth Marie Easthope. He had multiple brothers and sisters and attended West High School. He spent his whole life in Salt Lake City where he was able to see all 87 years’ worth of changes to the valley. It always fascinated him to see the areas develop over time. In his early 20’s he met the absolute love of his life Barbara June Smith after being set up on a blind date. They married on December 8, 1955, and on June 10, 1960, they were Sealed for all time and eternity, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

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They built their lives together in the 55yrs they were married. They worked, traveled the world, and had 4 boys: Merle Jr., Mickey, Mitchell, & Matthew. Their 2nd child passed away a few hours after childbirth. They loved their boys more than anything and would do anything in the world for each of them. Wayne spent years working at Rubber Engineering and later retired between 1998-1999. His work however wasn’t done, and he spent time devoted to the LDS Church where he and his ‘Junie’ would serve multiple missions. He spent a lot of his time at Welfare Square assisting those with things they were in need of and guided them through the process of seeking permanent shelter, food, clothing, etc. He truly enjoyed the time he spent there and would later go on to serve at Silverado Senior Living.

He loved Visiting Teaching and doing work in the different Temples with his wife and continued doing so after her passing in 2011, for as long as he was able. His wife and sons were the highlight of his life and becoming a Grandparent was something he said was his greatest blessing. He was so happy to have been involved with his 6 granddaughters and have a relationship with each of them while they were growing up. I believe they made it their absolute mission to be the best Grandparents humanly possible.

After losing the love of his life, he struggled to know what his life would be like and felt like so much of him died with her. Having Great Grandchildren to be around during that time really helped him find his ground and figure out how to move forward. He kept up with them just as well as they kept up with him. He loved that role and fit it perfectly! He took people in as his own without claiming any titles. That’s just who he was. Everyone who knew him knows just how much he’s cared for those in his life and how deeply he loved his family. He was proudest to be a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, and Bonus Grandfather. And we are so thankful and proud that he was ours. He will be missed deeply but we know he is with the love of his life and at peace.

Wayne is survived by his son, Matthew Todd Easthope, 6 doting granddaughters, Nikki Easthope, Spring Easthope, Samantha Johnson, Shannon Riddle, Amber Gardner, Amanda Chavez, several bonus grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren Ellie; Annabelle; Clodia; Coraline; Haakon; Oliver; Finnick; Devin; Jaxon; Brayden; Kyle; Teagan; Aldo; Richard; Payzlee; & Albert. He is preceded in death by his wife, B. June Easthope; 3 Sons, Mickey; Mitchell; Merle Jr., and a daughter in-law, Ellen Easthope (Wife of Merle Jr.) His beloved parents, grandparents, all his siblings, 1 Great Granddaughter, and many other family & friends.

Due to Covid, a private viewing will be held for family only.