1953 – 2021
Byron “Lynn” Tuttle passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, following a courageous, eleven-year battle with prostate cancer. His death came after a magical Christmas weekend with his family, for which we are eternally grateful. He faced his fight with faith and dignity, and he never lost his renowned sense of humor and love of life.
Dad was born to Dean Lindley and Ann Adamson Tuttle on August 12, 1953, in Spanish Fork, Utah. He joined two doting older sisters, DeAnn and Marie, who provided love and wonderful examples. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood. Dad regularly joined his father (Grandpa Dean) on a Meadow Gold Dairy milk route, through which Dad developed many friendships in the small, family-owned grocery stores throughout southern Utah County. With his father as scoutmaster, and friends in the Palmyra Stake Tenth Ward by his side, Dad made terrific memories scouting and earned his Eagle Scout Award.
Grandpa Dean died when Dad was only 16, and Dad grew up fast as a result. He was hired by his uncle Bert Hansen to hoe beets, clean ditches, and haul hay. Dad continued in his father’s tradition of buying and raising steers and pigs while also working part-time for Meadow Gold Dairy. He took pride in helping maintain the yards of the home he and his mother lived in as well as the yards of his grandparents and the family’s rental units. This tireless energy and work ethic stayed with him throughout his life. He could always be found fixing a roof, splitting wood, or working in some yard somewhere. It was often said, “If Lynn isn’t overworked, he finds something else to do.”
He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1971. Even while very ill, he proudly attended his 50th Class Reunion this past July. After finishing high school, he attended Brigham Young University. From 1973 to 1975, Dad served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Texas Mission (currently the Texas Dallas Mission). This service was a highlight of his life and a true blessing.
On February 18, 1977, Dad married Mary Jane Hanson in the Provo Temple. Early in their marriage, Dad was simultaneously studying finance at BYU, fully employed at Meadow Gold, building houses with Curtis Young Construction, and was the proud owner of 500 pigs. Ultimately, he would focus primarily on his journey as a “milk man” for Meadow Gold. His career path from the loading-dock worker to delivery driver to salesman to general manager took him throughout Utah (Orem, Richfield, Salt Lake City). In 1988, Dad moved his young family to Boise, Idaho, where he served as sales manager and general manager. Things came full circle when he returned to Utah in 1997, serving asGeneral Manager of the Orem Ice Cream Plant, GM over Utah, and a Regional VP for Dean Foods. He found wonderful, life-long friends everywhere he went.
Never one to slow down, or shy away from digging in the dirt, Dad’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a side business, L&L Campground Management, which supported the US Forest Service in maintaining campgrounds throughout the U.S. This afforded his growing family countless opportunities to camp and work hard very, very hard.
Dad had great faith and a deep desire to both learn and teach. He loved to learn about history and the scriptures his teaching style turned him into somewhat of a celebrity as a Gospel Doctrine instructor in his local wards. His service in the Church included additional callings as Young Men’s President, counselor and advisor in his wards and stakes, employment specialist, Ward Missionary, Bishopric Counselor, BYU Institute Teacher, Provo YSA Bishop, and Branch President’s Counselor at the Provo Missionary Training Center. He loved to serve, and he loved to share his time, his knowledge, his home, his favorite restaurant…everything!
Despite everything he had going on, Dad always had time for his family. He held his family as his greatest treasure. Dad continued to help his mother with the upkeep of her home and yard throughout her life, and the bond they shared (together with his sister Marie) was very special. He was always present for his kids. He very rarely missed one of our many ball games or recitals and supported us in everything we did. Despite consistent prodding from his five children to choose a favorite, Dad stuck to his guns that he loves his children equally. And he would do (and did) absolutely anything for each of us. But Dad did play favorites; his beloved bride “MJ” was the light of his life. Mom and Dad were always slow dancing around the kitchen or giggling on a dangerous (borderline irresponsible) jeep ride in the mountains. We would constantly marvel at how two people could sustain the “puppy love” stage of their relationship for so many years (more than 51 to be exact). He was smitten. Mom was there by his side through good times and bad, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for her.
Dad loved old movies, rock music, BYU sports, and a juicy steak. His passion for life was contagious and lives on through those whose lives he touched. He was a dreamer and a doer. A force of nature. Most of all, he was a great man. The impact he had on others is immeasurable, and we will love him forever.
Dad is survived by Mary Jane – Orem; sister Marie Tuttle – Orem; and children and grandchildren, who he dearly loved, Matthew Lynn (Kathryn) – Deacon, Kyla, Aurianna – Lehi; Jeffrey Dean (Jessica) – Dean, Viktoria – Sandy; Mark Lindley – Spanish Fork; Bradley Hanson (Mallory) – Ellis, Byron, Marigold – Orem; and Shannon Marie (Weston) Gadd – Sloane – West Jordan; also, in-laws Shirley Daley-Sandy; Duane (Phyllis) Hutchings Spanish Fork; and Boyd (Diana) Hanson Novato, California.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister DeAnn Tuttle, father and mother-in-law Mark and Sadie Hanson, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Dad especially looked forward to hugging his father at their long-awaited reunion and being hugged by the Savior.
The Tuttle family wishes to express gratitude to family, friends (especially Richard, Steve, and John for weekly movie visits), former coworkers and associates, and ward members for eleven years of prayers, concern, service, and support. We are grateful for excellent medical care from numerous doctors and caregivers, including but not limited to Dr. Ronald Oldroyd; Dr. Ashish Kamat and Dr. Paul Corn, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Dr. Neeraj Agarwal and staff, Huntsman Cancer Institute, SLC, Utah; and Monique and Corey, Symbii Hospice.
Dad contributed financially to cancer research funding and was a pioneer, participating in clinical trials and other drug and DNA studies. Causes dear to Dad’s heart, if considering a donation include: Dr. Neeraj Agarwal Research, GU Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, SLC, UT; Dr. Paul Corn Research, GU Oncology, MD Anderson, Houston, TX; or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.
Friends and Family may visit at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah on Friday, January 7th 6-8:30 PM, and on Saturday, 9-10:30 AM at Windsor Stake Center, 60 East 1600 North, Orem, Utah, prior to Dad’s funeral, which will be held at 11:00 AM, at the Stake Center. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork.
Please wear masks to gatherings.
Dad, your work clothes are worn out. Put them aside, leave your weary body and soar! Be joyful, free, and at peace until we meet again.
Condolences may be sent to the family at walkermemorials.com.