John Bradford Romney

1939 ~ 2022

John Bradford Romney passed away peacefully the day after Christmas with his wife and children by his side. Known affectionately as “The Fox” to those who loved and adored him, John was a friend to everyone he met. He lit up every room he entered.

Born December 5, 1939, to Vernon Romney and Anna Lois Bradford Romney, John was dearly loved by his angel wife and precious teammate Cheré Henriksen Romney. His children, Tiffany Romney, Heather (Nate) Dallimore, John (Jennifer) Romney, Libby (Justin) Peterson, Melyssa (Aaron) Suzuki, and Scott (Kalani) Romney loved him dearly. He delighted in his 15 grandchildren: Paige, Marcus, Libby, Romney Fox, Anna Joy, Sawyer, Grace, John, Lauren, Mary Cheré, Capri, Summer, Tatum, Miles, and Rubey. He considered each one a glorious package of potential.

The youngest of eight children, John grew up on Yale Avenue and attended East High. He pursued his education at the University of Utah, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He later studied at Brigham Young University and the George Washington University.

John excelled in every stage of his professional life. After graduation, he worked in the CIA as a Cold War Russian analyst. His young family then moved from Washington, D.C., back to Utah. He joined Terracor, a land development company with projects such as Bloomington, near St. George. He greatly admired his Terracor colleagues. Later, he joined his brother Keith in pioneering the new field of condominium development. He and his family relocated to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico. John was the founder and principal broker of Romney Real Estate. He went on to join the Huntsman Corporation, where he served for many years as Jon M. Huntsman’s executive assistant. He travelled extensively to promote numerous projects and initiatives. He never sought personal credit, but loved to compliment the contributions of others.

John served faithfully in the British Mission. He remained dear friends with many of his fellow missionaries. He enthusiastically served in various callings in the Monument Park Stake. He taught his children the gospel of Jesus Christ through his example.

His entire family revered John’s sage advice and gentle encouragement. Grandchildren looked forward to "Grandpa School," where life lessons were conveyed with his trademark “onward and upward” optimism. Annual family trips to Bear Lake and Newport Beach highlighted each summer.

John and Cheré were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1964. They joyously explored every corner of the globe together--from Africa to Asia to his beloved England. They frequently reminisced about and planned new family adventures to Michelin-starred restaurants, Wimbledon, the Masters, and countless college bowl games.

John’s perfect example of kindness will live on. The Fox will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

John is preceded in death by his brothers Vernon, Ralph, and Keith, and by his sister, Rowena Maher. He is survived by his sisters Yvonne Dixon, Beverly Cutler, and Geraldine Busath.

He loved every moment of his life and generously made sure everyone around him loved theirs, too.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Monument Park Stake Center (1320 S. Wasatch Dr. in Salt Lake City). A public viewing will be held earlier that day from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.


Guestbook/Condolences

John and Family,

I am so sorry for the passing of your father. My thoughts are with those you love and loved him.

Your friend,

Annie


- Annie Thompson Reeves

Sending condollence to the family of John Romney. We lived many years across the street and our children where friends and our families were neighbors for many years. It was our privilege to share our neighborhood with the Romneys and we love their children. Thinking of your family at this time and sending our love to you. John was such a good man and we love his wife and children. May the peace of the Lord be with you at this time.

Darlene Whitney-Morgan and family, Tyler, Adrienne, Annmarie, Brigham and Sarah


- Darlene T. Whitney-Morgan

I was so happy to be able to view the funeral on zoom since I live in Missouri. Uncle John was a hoot. I remember when he was a bus driver and one time he drove a bus to our house. We all got on and went for a ride. I also appreciated his mission stories and was grateful to follow in his footsteps and serve in England also. Although I haven't been around him in many years I will always remember the fun times we had. He will be greatly missed.


- Rebecca Maher Chaston

Nobody ever had a better friend than John Romney


- Dan Miller

I was so sad to read of the passing of another friend. I worked with John all the years that the Huntsman Senior Games held the Cycle time trials and races in Enterprise, our community appreciated his efforts on our behalf and I enjoyed knowing and working with him. I am sure your family knows how much we respected, enjoyed and learned from him. I am grateful that we know that his absence is only for a while. My prayers for your peace are with you.


- Gayle L Rohde

My dear best friend since early childhood, I am so saddened by your passing from mortality. So many fond memories from trips to Fish Lake, street football on Yale Avenue, walking to the U of U football games, baseball games at Derks Field, The greatest gift you and Chere gave me was introducing me to my soulmate and eternal companion, Joan. You have fought courageously through many challenges the past several years with your sweet companion, children and grandchildren by your side God bless you dear friend. I will miss you so much.


- Phil Hayes