Leland Nephi Preece

Leland Nephi Preece

Leland Nephi Preece passed away peacefully at Sunshine Terrace on the afternoon of May 4, 2013 after spending a precious week with dear family and friends.
He was born January 22, 1934 in Vernal, Utah to John Ronald and Clara Noel Preece. These goodly parents taught him to love the Lord and to work with diligence on their ranch. Lee’s happy childhood included helping his father raise cattle, tending a garden with his mother, and contentedly playing on the red rocks with his siblings. At family gatherings, the topic of discussion always went back to those memorable days in Ashley Ward.
Lee attended Utah State University for one year before serving a mission to the Netherlands from 1954 to 1957. He graduated in Sociology in 1960 and completed a Master’s Degree in 1962. He then attended Brigham Young University, receiving a Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1968.
While serving a mission and attending Institute classes, Lee found that teaching the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was satisfying to him. He was hired as a teacher in the L.D.S. Church Education program in 1962. He taught at West, Pleasant Grove, and Provo High School seminaries and Institute classes at the Podiatry, Dental, and University of California Medical Schools in San Francisco. He was Division Coordinator in the Rocky Mountain Division from 1968-1976. He then moved to Utah where he taught at the Logan Institute of Religion until his retirement in 1994.
Lee met his sweetheart, Kathleen (Kathy) Ellis, in 1962 while speaking at a fireside for Young Adults. They were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on August 23, 1963. They enjoyed nearly 50 adventurous years together while raising 10 children.
Lee served in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a Bishop, Scout Master, Teacher, and Patriarch. His testimony of Christ remained dear to his heart throughout his life and sustained him through times of physical difficulty. Reading the scriptures with his wife and children was a habit he formed from the beginning of his family.
Lee loved his “Little Dew Ranch” and constantly improved and beautified it. He taught his children to milk cows, buck hay, and work the land.
He was an expert at finding the perfect place to camp and hike with his family. Many happy memories were made on both sides of the Rocky, Teton, and Uinta mountains.
Lee’s children are: David (Leslee Tolman), Diane (Scott) Barfuss, J. Cameron (Misty Crawford), Trulan (Lisa Swanson), Kayloni (Greg) Hansen, Coray (Anya Heminger), Jaynalee (Kris) Peterson, Aaron (Teisha Nelson), Daniel (Annie Morgan), Landon (Marci Malone). Thirty-five Grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandchild.
Lee is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his sisters Barbara Barrus and Adoree (Korth) Bingham and his brother, Stuart (Vicki) Preece.
Thanks to the staff of Sunshine Hospice who gave tender care, especially Shalise, Dennis, Tim, Adam, and Jake. Also special thanks to the nurses and staff at Sunshine Terrace Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 11th at noon in the LDS Chapel located at 130 West 2600 South, Nibley, Utah. There will be a viewing that morning prior to the services from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to contribute to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Internment will be in the Millville, Utah Cemetery.