Earl Chantrill

We are saddened to announce the passing of Earl Preator Chantrill, age 82, of Draper, Utah, who passed away due to complications from cancer on September 5th, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Salt Lake City on June 30th, 1943, to his parents, Claytor Earl Chantrill and Elva Preator Chantrill. He married Diana Carol (Farley) Chantrill on May 14th, 1966.

Growing up in California were some of Earl’s favorite memories. He graduated from Sunnyvale High in 1961. He attended Ricks College in Idaho for a year before he served a mission in Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1962 to 1965. He learned to read, speak, and write Japanese. He developed a deep love of Japanese culture, people, food, and art. Something he loved sharing with his family and friends.

Earl was an avid runner; he ran over 25 marathons, qualified for Boston at least 24 times. He also enjoyed cycling, swimming, and was a lifeguard and swim instructor in Sunnyvale, California. He ran track,was on the wrestling team, and was on the debate team in high school. Earl also received his Eagle Scout. In his free time, Earl was a voracious reader and would read anything from historical readings, to fictional novels, to religious and scriptural readings. Another important part of his life was art; he loved to create and study art. His favorite mediums were sketching, watercolor, pastels, and pen and ink. Earl was a talented singer; he sang in the church choir most of his life, and he was a member of the Jay Welch Chorale for 5 years. Earl loved to listen to many different genres of music.

Earl graduated from San Jose State in California with a Bachelor's of Education and a minor in Political Science in August 1968. He earned his teaching credentials from San Jose State in 1975. After graduation, he accepted a teaching position in 1976 at Edgemont Elementary in White City, Utah. He spent most of his 15 years teaching third grade, which was his favorite grade to teach. He loved helping his students learn cursive, art, sharing his love of reading, and making his classroom a visually enriching place, displaying his art. He started a running club for students after school to share his love of running and physical fitness. Earl went back to school at the University of Utah and received his High Honors Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 1996. He worked with patients in the hospital setting, nursing homes, but his favorite time as a Speech-Language Pathologist was working with children on Fort Lewis Military Base in Washington State.

Earl served in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout most of his life. His faith was a cornerstone of his life right to the very end.

Another important interest of Earl’s was politics and current events. His education in Political Science gave him a lifelong interest in volunteering for political campaigns as well as volunteering at voting sites.

One of Earl’s favorite roles was being a father, but he seemed to love being a grandpa even more. He left his grandchildren with a large library of children’s books as well as other books, and passed his love of reading on. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them to the park, for walks, playing games, going swimming, to the Zoo, museums, and the Aquarium. He also loved to read bedtime stories to Keltie and Brennen from the time they were babies. Earl had a great sense of humor and loved making his grandchildren laugh.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Claytor Earl Chantrill and Elva Preator Chantrill, his older brother James Arlan Chantrill, and he has especially missed his little brother Eugene Preston Chantrill, who passed away suddenly when Earl was serving his mission in Japan. Earl was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dennis John Rowley.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Diana Carol Chantrill, his daughter Michele Chantrill Rowley, his granddaughter Keltie Michele Rowley, and his grandson Brennen John Rowley. Many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many other family members and friends. Earl has also left behind his faithful canine companion, Lily, who stayed by his side to the end, even when Earl could no longer take her for the walks they both loved so much. She brought him so much joy and comfort as he battled cancer.

His family will be celebrating Earl’s life and remembering the hard working, kind, and loved person he was. They invite you to join them for a viewing at Larkin Sunset Gardens on September 19th, 2025, between 6 pm and 8 pm. A viewing will be from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, followed by a celebration of his life at 11 am, on September 20th at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah, 1950 East 10600 South. A graveside will then follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. To virtually attend the funeral service, please press the "Watch Service" button at the appropriate time for the service.