John Lars Myrup

John Lars Myrup, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Lewiston, Utah on July 31, 2026.

John was born on September 5, 1945, in Salt Lake City to Jerome Lars and Elizabeth K. Brunisholz Myrup. John grew up in North Salt Lake and graduated from the University of Utah in 1969 with a degree in biology. Although he studied science, he chose to pursue art as his profession. A self-taught painter, he held his first public exhibition in Park City in 1971 and spent the following decades refining his craft and sharing his vision with others.

Known for his strikingly realistic oil paintings, John's work can be found in private homes and public collections across the United States and around the world. He was especially celebrated for his breathtaking portrayals of the rural American West and The National Parks. He would take his camera and hike to remote places in order to create many of his works. He would draw a detailed map on the back of his paintings to show you exactly where he had traveled. His paintings reflected not only the places he visited but also the deep respect and wonder he felt for them.

For the past forty-five years, John made his home in Lewiston, where he continued to paint. He chose the peaceful seclusion of his rural home, deliberately distancing himself from others by planting an unusually large number of trees to shield his property from neighbors and those passing by. Towards the end of his life, he developed close friendships with a few of his neighbors. We, especially, want to thank Matt and DeAnn for their friendship and watchful eye!

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jaelene Val Myrup. He is survived by his brother, Edwin J. (Diane) Myrup of Murray; his nieces and nephews, Erik (Cheryl) Myrup of Lexington, Kentucky; Gregg (Mindi) Myrup of Toano, Virginia; Kristin (Jason) Covili of Salt Lake City; Emily (Steven) Morrison of Memphis, Tennessee; and Mathew Myrup of Salt Lake City; as well as 16 great-nieces and great-nephews who will cherish his memory.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. at the Farmington City Cemetery, Farmington, Utah.

John, I touched you last!

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81210112703