Boyd Vernal Jensen

Boyd Vernal Jensen, 93, of Hyrum passed away Sunday October 6, 2024. He was the 7th of 8 children born to Jesse N. and Lola Checketts Jensen on September 24, 1931 in Providence, Utah. 

Boyd spent his early years growing up in Providence, attending Providence Elementary School and graduating from South Cache High School, where he rode the train daily from Providence to Hyrum. He spent his childhood outdoors, herding the cows for a local farmer down the dirt road, known as Providence Lane. After graduating high school, Boyd enlisted in the US Navy, where he served in the Korean War. Upon returning from service, he enrolled at Utah State University and graduated in 1957. 

Boyd married Carolyn Nielsen on December 27, 1951 in the Logan LDS Temple while he was home on leave from the Navy. The couple spent the following years traveling, living in Florida and California before returning to Utah. They had two children; Randall Wayne and Catherine Lynn. 

Boyd began his teaching career in Malad, Idaho teaching English at Malad High School. In 1960, the family moved back to Cache Valley where he spent the next 28 years teaching English and History in the Cache County School District. While there, he helped implement the Title One Reading Program, which is still being used in local schools today. He retired from teaching in 1988 at the age of 58. 

Boyd was a member of the Cache Sheriff's Posse and the Hyrum Saddle Club for many years. He loved horses, caring for them, and riding them for many hours of his life. He looked forward to driving the cattle to the canyon every spring and rounding them up again every fall. He loved going on horse, jeep, and four wheeler rides through the canyon. He once took a horse ride all the way to Yellowstone National Park. He was a true cowboy. 

Boyd was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all his life and held many callings in his younger years. He enjoyed visiting with home teachers and also enjoyed working with the youth in mutual callings. 

Boyd spent his retired years being a grandpa to his four grandchildren, and then later ‘grandpa next door’ to his great grandchildren. Every summer night was spent playing badminton in his yard until it was too dark to see the birdie, throwing the football over the garage, shooting hoops in the driveway, cookouts, jeep rides up the canyon, never EVER missing that famous Preston Night Rodeo, carnival and parade. Grandpa was at every sporting and school event he could be at for us. There is no better grandpa than the one we got, and for that we are very grateful. 

Boyd was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Nielsen Jensen; his parents; sisters June Low, Donna Margene Jensen, Colleen Anhder; brothers Romain, Klane, and Lynn Jensen. 

Boyd is survived by his daughter & son in law Cathy & Doug Leatham; grandchildren Jessica & Kevin Johnson, Lindsay & Tony Meier, Benjamin & Lauren Leatham, and Stephanie & Jarmin

Greenlee; 13 great grandchildren: Kaden & Kaylynn, Tyler, Emily & Gavin, Jacob, Rachael and Adam Johnson, Hallie and Gunner Meier, Will, Zack and Jett Leatham, Madison and Hudson Greenlee; son Randall (Melanie) Jense; brother Dennis (Lorna) Jensen and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank Buffy Rose and the staff at Blacksmith Fork Assisted living in Hyrum for their loving care and patience with Boyd the last 9 months. We grandchildren would also like to thank our parents Cathy & Doug for the selfless, loving care they’ve provided both of our grandparents over the years, but especially the care they’ve given Boyd over the last few years. 

Honoring Boyd’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. 

Graveside services will be held at noon on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Providence Cemetery. A viewing will be held at Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center, Logan that same morning from 10:30-11:30 am prior to the graveside service. 

It looks like it’s your move, Grandpa. We’ll see you in a bit.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.