Charles John Housley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles John Housley, affectionately known throughout his life as "John." Born on November 1, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, John was the son of Charles G. Housley and Isla Rich Housley, and the beloved brother of Geraldine Jensen.

His early years were spent on a farm in Morgan, Utah, with his grandparents, the Riches. These formative years deeply shaped John, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a profound love and respect for animals. He often shared fond memories of this time, including winning first place at the 4-H Club County Fair with his pig, Sue. After five happy years on the farm, John moved with his parents to Magna, Utah, where he completed his youth and schooling.

During high school, John met the love of his life, Marlise Holt. They married on January 9, 1959. Their first son, John Kelly Housley, passed away at birth. Five years later, they welcomed their second son, Eric John Housley. Eric and his wife, Lorey, later blessed John and Marlise with two granddaughters, Jessyca and Stephanie, and two grandsons, Evan and Elliott.

John graduated from Utah State University in 1964 with a BA in Commercial Art. He began his career with Proctor & Gamble as a sales representative in Wyoming and South Dakota, where he honed valuable sales and conversational skills. He then worked for Hunt Wesson, also as a sales representative. In 1972, John and Marlise established their own company, Maric Sales. He initially sold gaskets, seals, pumps, gears, and industrial products for the sanitation industry out of the truck of his car. As the company grew, delivering goods to five states, he secured the rights to sell Vac-Con sewer trucks, becoming one of their first distributors in the Western United States. Over the years, the business continued to expand with the addition of various supporting products. John became widely known and respected throughout the industry nationwide, forming lasting friendships with customers and colleagues alike. His remarkable "gift of gab" and extensive knowledge were always freely shared. Marlise was an invaluable partner in the business, managing most aspects beyond sales, a field in which John truly excelled. In 2006, he began training and mentoring his grandson, Evan, in both business and life. John and Marlise retired in 2019.

John and Marlise owned a beautiful property on 114th South in West Draper, where they graciously established a cherished Holt family tradition. Their backyard became the gathering place for countless extended family swimming parties and celebrations on almost every summer holiday. In 2019, they relocated to New Harmony, Utah, to enjoy their retirement in their beautiful log cabin home with their two beloved bulldogs, Ducky and Elvis.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Marlise, and their infant son. He is survived by a son, four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.