Midway, UT - Jeffrey Jay Romney was born June 2, 1955 to Jerry Elwood and Lola “Lucille” Green Romney in Salt Lake City, Utah. After 68 years of a life lived to the fullest, he passed away peacefully on August 19, 2023, surrounded by all his adult children, after succumbing to injuries incurred from a motorcycle accident.
Jeff was an adventurous and active boy that spent his childhood summers boating with his family at Lake Powell. Hiking, skiing, camping, and exploring the ever-changing shores and terrain of the lake turned into a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors. He grew up in Salt Lake City, attended Skyline High School and the University of Utah. Aspiring, ambitious, social, and outgoing, he enjoyed hosting and attending events where building connections often led to lifelong friendships! A fitness enthusiast at heart, Jeff filled his days with anything and everything to keep him on the go: tennis, basketball, biking, with the occasional catnap to revive him for his next great adventure!
He married Robyn Lombardi on December 14, 1983, and had two wonderful children, Sadie and Jantzen together who they adored. Though the marriage wasn’t permanent, they remained friends. On February 3, 1996, Jeff married Melinda Tuckett Harrison, joining her sweet 5-year-old daughter Contessa to the family. Jeff was overjoyed when he and Melinda added their darling daughters Taygen and later Jayde to complete their family.
Jeffrey loved unconditionally and wholeheartedly. With his enthusiasm and zest for life, he coached and supported his children and wife in all varieties of sports and interests. He was a hands-on dad that was involved in all aspects of their lives prioritizing his family by living the motto “Family First”. He and Melinda were rarely without their children or grandchildren and were inseparable, going on hikes in the mountains, side-by-side rides, boating, camping, and playing tennis.
A loyal friend, loving husband and father, and a prolific businessman, Jeffrey had an unmatched work ethic. He was the link that connected the right people to new and innovative ideas and projects. A remarkable man whose enthusiastic approach to life was unmatched in all aspects. Jeff was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he enjoyed serving in various capacities and callings. He especially enjoyed serving as a counselor in the Bishopric in his Midway Ward where he was able to help and touch many lives of the youth!
To our father, brother, son, grandfather, and dear friend, we will rejoice when we can be together again!
Jeff is survived by his children: Sadie Egan (Spencer), Jantzen Romney, Contessa Heaton (Kyle), Taygen Romney, and Jesse “Jayde” Romney; with three beautiful grandchildren: Oakley Heaton (6), Sterling Heaton (3), and Enzo Egan (2). He also leaves behind his father Jerry Elwood Romney, and his siblings: Jill Ence (Greg), Jan Romney (Stephanie), Jackie Peterson (Don), and Jennifer Sorensen (Severin).
Jeff is preceded in death by his wife Melinda Tuckett Romney, his mother Lola “Lucille” Green Romney, and brothers Charles Elwood Romney and Jerry Elwood Romney Jr.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Draper Stake Center at 13085 South 300 East in Draper, Utah. Visitations will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 South) in Sandy, Utah and on Friday at the Draper Stake Center from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (801) 571-2771. To view previously held services please click on the link provided https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/L2cY_56ToKx-djlgNZzwEjwFEVPPlXIFyir_XPoHauC-XSSrFifSrKkIo4x64zd7.3fXiItCUP2mVgiVl?startTime=1692981246000
Jeff’s children offer their heartfelt thanks to everyone who provided support for them at this difficult time of losing both their parents. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to financially contribute to help support young Taygen & Jayde Romney, ensuring that they receive the care and opportunities their parents envisioned for them, please visit: https://gofund.me/46895c6d
My sincere sympathy for your loss. The Romney family brings back many happy memories growing up in the Holliday neighborhood when we were kids. I remember Jeff forging his own path with innovation and laughter. I hope the happy memories carry you through this difficult time.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Melinda, and now Jeff. I have been praying for Jeff's recovery, but Heavenly Father had other plans for Jeff. I will miss his friendship and his love and support through my own trials. His infectious smile and personality will be missed tremendously. My condolences to their daughters and family.
We have lost a power couple in Jeff and Melinda. Because they lived life to its fullest, with a jest that can hardly be matched, the void is palpable. Our hearts are broken for their sweet daughters and family. God knows the prayers that have been offered in their behalf and He is mindful.
Jeff and I were in ward councils together and I was always amazed at his enthusiasm and energy. No pessimism there!! Always positive and upbeat. Melinda was the food storage specialist, at the time, who never once wavered in her commitment to find places to order food when supplies were scarce as we were the Covid RS!!
Only the fondest of memories linger gently on my mind. I was and am blessed for having crossed paths, on this earthly journey, with Jeff and Melinda. What a loving, joyful legacy you leave behind. ♥️🥰♥️
My sincere condolences go out to Jeff and Melinda’s entire family. Jeff is one of my favorite cousins. He had such boundless energy, a contagious smile, with a twinkle in his eye, always ready to laugh and spread joy. He was an athlete and sport enthusiast as we all know but also very kind-hearted. In our younger days, we shared mutual interests in sports and had fun adventures skiing, boating, waterskiing, running, and playing tennis. When I moved to NYC he visited several times. Since I have lived in NYC for many years, I have always tried to see Jeff, and Melinda when I came to Utah. Seeing them was always a highlight of my visits to Utah. I will miss him forever!!
Roxey Ann Holbrook
Jeff was so good with the youth. Always positive and encouraging and complimentary of each child. These traits were very apparent with his tennis coaching of the youth also. I will miss his tennis clinics for the boys at our house. He took an interest in each child and was their greatest cheerleader. He taught the boys tennis because he cared about the boys. Jeff’s positive energy and zest for life will be missed in our community.
My heart goes out to you girls and the rest of the family. Your parents, Jeff and Melinda, are wonderful people. I remember my children and I going out on the boat with you all, when you were much younger. It was a lot of fun. Another time your mum gave a talk in Sacrament meeting and shared their story - your story. I was amazed and warmed. They are a light, that will carry on.
Jeff and Melinda were such kind and loving neighbors and friends. He welcomed us to our new Ward in Midway, Utah. We had lived our entire lives in Provo and they were SO warm and friendly. Exactly a year ago we volunteered to make and bake Swiss Bread for Swiss Days in Midway. I stood across from Melinda as she braided the Swiss Bread like an expert. She told me that her father owned a bakery and she had learned her skill from him. I asked her if I could record her braiding the bread. I have the recording if any family members would like it. He called us to serve as Primary teachers and offered to substitute for us if we ever needed him. We ended up teaching their darling daughter Jayde before leaving on a Senior LDS Mission in May. We loved teaching Jayde. Jeff and Melinda did substitute for us when we needed to tend grandchildren for a week in Colorado in March. They brought us warm homemade rolls and homemade jam a few days before we entered the Provo MTC. They truly were SO full of life and enthusiasm for life!! I loved asking Melinda about her Ladies Tennis team which with Jeffs coaching....went to the National Tennis tournament last year!! Most of all, they LOVED their beautiful family!! They loved their children...and loved life!! We will miss them and wish we could be there to give Jayde a big hug! Please know that we love and care about you and hope we can see you when we return home from our mission in Denmark. Sending our love, Rick and Brenda Svendsen 💗💗💗
Your father was incredibly selfless. He reached out and helped me when my team went through a crisis, here in Montana. His heart was huge and he was unwavering in his emotional support. I will never forget the kindness and concern he had for others.
Jeff was in my pre-school class in Olympus Cove. We became good friends immediately. I always loved running into Jeff over the years and catching up on life. Jeff always was involved in great things. He was an inspiration to me in living life to the fullest. Last year I saw Jeff at Swiss Days. He was a volunteer (of course) and was telling me how much he loved his wife and his children and that he was serving in the Bishopric and loving his assignment. My heart breaks for his children, but the promise is that they will be reunited some day.