Philip Graham Garn

Philip Graham Garn died July 15, 2025 at the age of 87 in Arizona. He was born July 10, 1938 in Salt Lake City to Philip James and Viola Graham Garn. He married Eleen Lula Collins in the Salt Lake Temple on November 8, 2006. Phil spent a precious 22 months with Eleen before she died with cancer in 2008.

Phil grew up in Salt Lake City and spent many happy hours playing with his neighborhood friends who became lifelong friends. He was an only child who was deeply loved and cared for by his parents. Phil graduated from East High school in 1956. Phil also graduated from the Church College of Hawaii in 1960, Brigham Young University in 1963 with a B.S. degree and the University of Utah in 1968 with a Master of Science degree. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1961. He worked as a biochemist in Medical Research for the U.S. Government for 13 years before becoming a private investor. Phil was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America for well over 60 years beginning in 1950. He loved serving and guiding boys throughout his life. He earned every honor available culminating with the Silver Beaver awarded to him in 1979 as well as the Distinguished Commissioner Service Award in 1998. Phil also received the Volunteer Service Award from the Veterans Hospital in 1997.

Phil loved the outdoors and hunting with the Blackhawk and Rudy Duck Clubs. He enjoyed fishing, backpacking and camping. Phil spent many enjoyable hours recording and searching in wilderness and desert areas for Native American ruins, rocks and artifacts. He was a founder and president of both the Utah Rock Art Research Association and the National Pictographic Society. Phil was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and upon becoming proficient in genealogy, published several books about the history of various branches of his family whom he dearly loved. Phil lived in Tempe, Arizona for almost 40 years of his adult life where he greatly enjoyed his adventures in the desert. It was in Tempe where he had many good friends and neighbors whom he loved serving.

There will be a Graveside Service for Phil on July 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The service and burial will be held in the Centerville City Cemetery located at 400 S. (Porter’s Lane) and 600 E., Centerville, Utah.