Heaven just got busier, and a lot more productive. When Neil transitioned into the next phase of his eternal existence on April 9, 2016, he took with him committed desires to both accomplish much and help others. Joyously freed from the bonds of Alzheimer\s, we expect he is already engaged in a myriad of projects, and wish the angels well in keeping up with him, since we never could. Lorin Neil Rasmussen was born on November 22, 1931, the youngest child of Lorin Neils (Dutch) and Anna LeIsle Phillips Rasmussen. Work became a settled value at an early age, and he came to appreciate both its processes and its fruits. After graduating from South High School in 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force, and was always anxious to remind us that he served for "three years, eight months and sixteen days."
The best decision he ever made was to marry Sally Ann Anderson in the Salt Lake Temple on April 10, 1953, and their relationship became an example of love, commitment, ice cream-making, and working together towards eternal goals. Neil was the first college graduate in his family, earning a degree in business from the University of Utah, and, together with two partners, successfully operated Salco, Inc., a wholesale window coverings business, for over 30 years.
Active in, and firmly committed to, the LDS Church, Neil served in many callings, including as Bishop (where, among many other things, he took charge of enlarging the building for the Imperial Wards), High Councilor, Young Men\s President, Branch President, Temple Worker, and Temple Square Guide. One of the highlights of his, Sally\s, and their daughter Jessica's lives came when he presided over the California Anaheim Mission from 1999-2002, where he made indelible marks for good on the lives of his missionaries and others. Also, and in accordance with Mission Rules, he kept the missionaries away from Disneyland, for the most part.
Neil threw both his heart and his best efforts into everything he did. Always active in the community, he served as Little League President, spent 30 years in the Salt Lake Rotary Club 24, and worked with the Olympus High School Foundation, during which time he spearheaded, by force of will, the installation of lights at the football field. Grateful for both his blessings and the opportunities to share them, he was a tutor at Franklin Elementary for many years, and helped out with innumerable charitable events.
Intensely dedicated to his family, Neil is survived by his wife, Sally, and children: Scott (Mary Ann), Howard (Liz), Bruce (Kellie), Lorraine (Alan) Thatcher, Clark, Dwight (Shanelle), and Jessica, 24 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren with more on the way, and sister-in-law Linda. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Virginia, Phil, Meg, and Dona. The family expresses its unbounded gratitude and love to the caregivers at Sunrise of Sandy and Brighton Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate, cheerful care. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the LDS Church Missionary Fund or Perpetual Education Fund.
Come share memories and joys with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 13, 2016, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), in Sandy, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 14, 2016, at the Brighton Seventh Ward, 2895 East Creek Road (8115 South), at 11:00 a.m.
