Raymond Jay Garn

Raymond Jay Garn, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 2, 2024, at the age of 78. Born August 13, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Horace and Emmadean Garn. As a child his family moved to Rockland, Idaho where they lived for six years before moving back to the Salt Lake Valley. It was there that Jay settled and lived the majority of his life. 

Jay graduated from West High School in 1964, where he lettered in wrestling and excelled in the dramatic arts. After high school, Jay enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was trained as a tunnel rat to serve in the Vietnam War, and although his company was not deployed he continued to serve as a reservist until 1971. 

Jay married Janice Hardy in 1967. Though they later divorced, they remained dedicated to raising their daughter together. In 1985, Jay married Sonja Butler, later divorced. Jay then reconnected with a special friend from his past, Tina Thompson, and they shared a meaningful chapter of life together. In his later years, Jay and Janice developed a strong friendship, enjoying family gatherings, vacations, and the joys of grandparenting together. 

In the early years of his career, Jay worked for Samon’s Do-It-Yourself Center’s in Utah and South Dakota, where he held several roles, ultimately serving as President of Advertising and Marketing. His strong business acumen, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial spirit led him to successfully open and operate multiple businesses over the years. 

Throughout his life, Jay had a passion for both the visual arts and literature. He wrote several short stories, books of poetry, and screen plays. Known for his creativity and eclectic style he spent his retirement years indulging in his love for woodworking, painting, and sculpting often using unconventional materials and methods. He loved nothing more than gifting his creations to family and friends. 

Jay will be missed by all who knew him and lovingly remembered as “DAD!”, “Daddio”, and “Grandpa with the cane””. 

Jay is survived by his daughter Jenni (John) Trentman, Grandson Anthony (MacKenzie) Hoskins, brother Stephen (Linda) Garn, sister in law Chris Garn, two great grandsons, and several nieces and nephews. Jay is preceded in death by his brother Robert ‘Mike’ Garn, and his parents. 

Services will be held October 15, 2024 at Larkin Memorial Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy Utah. A visitation will held at 9:30 AM, with chapel services and interment at 11 AM. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to charity in Jay’s name.