Jeffrey Cornell Mendenhall was born on June 19, 1952 to Robert Cornell Mendenhall, and Mary Ann Murdock Mendenhall. He died peacefully June 1, 2014. Jeffrey was a gentle soul who believed and testified of prayer, redemption and recovery, and our Lord's love for us. He had the gift of seeking after, understanding, and embracing truth, light, and goodness in many forms. In his own words, Jeffrey noted that, "Learning is a lifelong -- eternity-long -- process, and learning is but one component to wisdom. To which must be added experience, reflection, prayers, enduring faith, and hope and courage." He spoke of, "Viewing our lives, the \"full catastrophe\" -- all of this -- as a process, not an event or achievement". Jeffrey loved and lived the Ugandan proverb, "Looking backward makes one blind today and tomorrow." Jeffrey struggled mightily with his demons; and chose to look and to walk forward every day, one step at a time with hope and faith in Christ.
Jeff loved his family deeply, especially his son Josh, whom he truly cherished and was very proud of. He treasured special memories of happy times with family members and friends, and these brought him a deep and lasting joy.
Jeffrey found succor and peace in the world's beauty. He took solace in Southern Utah, the ocean, birds, and lovely gardens. Music was Jeffrey's passion, comfort, love, and conduit for sharing his beliefs and deepest feelings. He shared this love of music with his mother and found great joy in singing throughout his life, most recently finding a special musical family singing with the First Presbyterian choir of Salt Lake. He said that, "Sacred music is an open window to what is beautiful and holy in our universe." Jeff was an extraordinary writer who reached out to others with reflective and thought provoking letters and notes of encouragement. He was a compassionate hospice nurse, a gifted athlete, and a patient teacher.
Survived by his son, Josh Mendenhall; brother Chris Mendenhall, sisters Tina Krakunas and Robin Mendenhall, California; dear friends and former wives Shirley Ostertag, Connecticut, Cathy Mendenhall, California, along with many beloved family members and friends. Proceeded in death by his father Robert Cornell Mendenhall, his mother MaryAnn Mendenhall, and his brother Tony Mendenhall.
Jeff loved the African proverb, "The inside of a person is a sacred text.\" He would challenge us all to write the chapters of our own lives with love, hope, and courage. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 12 C Street, Salt Lake City.
