Douglas Leland Jorgensen

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Douglas Leland Jorgensen—our beloved husband, father, grandfather, hero, and friend—died at age 87 on January 19, 2022, leaving a legacy unmatched. Never was a man so honored, so respected, and so revered by his family. He will forever remain alive in the memories and hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing, loving, and adventuring with this great man.

Doug was born on April 5th, 1934, in Logan, Utah to Relda Fuhriman and Leland Jorgensen. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and a master’s degree from Brigham Young University. Upon returning to college after serving in the Korean War, he met the love of his life, MaeRene Barney. They were married on August 10, 1956, and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah temple. Doug always said marrying MaeRene was the best thing he ever did, and—after a love story spanning over 65 years—that certainly proved to be true.

Doug accepted a job at Central Utah Vocational School (later Utah Valley University), which resulted in a very successful teaching career of thirty-three years where he chaired the drafting department for over twenty years. He was instrumental in starting the school’s snow ski program and became a well-known ski instructor at Sundance, Snowbird, and Canyons. A teacher during the school year and a construction worker in the summertime, Doug found deep satisfaction in his career where he formed many close associations that blessed the rest of his life.

Doug worked hard (he could outwork anyone), and he played hard. He had a passion for adventure and filled his life with snow skiing, water skiing, boating, river running, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding—a love of which he passed on to his posterity. A jack of all trades, he could single handedly build or fix anything and “for a fraction of the cost.” A skilled craftsman, he enjoyed designing and building homes and cabins. He was an expert gardener and a cowboy at heart. Known for his sweet tooth, he always had room for dessert; he would never pass up strawberry ice cream or a caramel. No one enjoyed a practical joke more than Doug. He had a contagious laugh and an optimism that shone through no matter the challenge. His entire life was one of service. He was a friend and mentor to countless individuals. If there is one phrase Doug was known for it was simply, “What can I do for you?” He exemplified that to the very end of his life.

Doug was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in Sunday School, bishoprics, young men’s, primary, high council, scouting, student wards, and more. He and his sweetheart had quite the adventure serving a church education mission in Samoa and later hosted several students from the island.

To Doug, family and friends were everything. His life was filled with deep and lasting relationships. Doug is survived by his five children: Pam (Kerry) Welch, Lori (Val) Kofoed, Kent (Margie) Jorgensen, Brad (Apryll) Jorgensen, and Rick (Kristen) Jorgensen, 29 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings: JoAnn (DeVerle) Hoth, Jay (Ida) Jorgensen, and Mary (Gordon) Stephenson.

On behalf of the entire Jorgensen family, we thank you for your love, support, and prayers as we mourn this great loss. Because of our Savior Jesus Christ, we joyfully look forward to a heavenly reunion.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 28th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview 16th Ward Chapel (1260 W. 1150 N. Provo, Utah). Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Nelson Family Mortuary (4780 N. University Avenue Provo, Utah) and Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the chapel prior to the funeral services. The burial will take place at the Orem City Cemetery immediately following the funeral. Funeral services will also be streamed live at: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Player?eid=45657.

In lieu of buying flowers, take someone skiing. The family would also appreciate hearing any memories of Doug.

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