Zan Longstroth

MENDON, UTAH - Just as the Sun’s rays illuminated the peaks above Mendon on Tuesday, November 17th, Zan Longstroth slipped away peacefully at his home and into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Zan finally lost a valiant 2-year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Zan loved life, hard work, and the beauty of nature. In his own humble way he would be the first to reach out when someone was in need. His countenance drew people to him and his humor helped solidify their relationships. Those who knew Zan knew he was loving and caring, and he would go out of his way to make sure others were happy. His heart was huge and his love was vast.
Zan was born April 28, 1941 into the home of William and Delpha Smith Longstroth. Helping his dad milk cows and farm the land, Zan developed a genuine devotion for hard work. Roaming the foothills of the Mendon Mountains, Zan gained an appreciation for nature, becoming an avid outdoorsman. As a boy, Zan was also active in scouting and earned the rank of Eagle.
After serving his nation in the Army (becoming one of the service’s best baseball pitchers), Zan attended USU where he studied forestry. Before graduation however, a career in the construction industry beckoned where he found his niche in life- becoming a general contractor and building hundreds of homes and businesses over the course of the next 45 years. Zan was always very proud of his career, and was always willing to share with others the skills required to create some of the valley’s most beautiful homes. Over the years in what little spare time he had, Zan served for a time on the Beaver Mt. Ski Patrol and as president of the Brigham City Gun Club. Zan was an avid hunter and very accomplished trap & skeet shooter. At the time of his passing, Zan was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed his calling as a home teacher.
Zan married his best friend and eternal companion Vicki Hale (along with her four sons) on June 2, 1990. They were later sealed for eternity in the Logan Temple. Zan and Vicki shared many of the same passions, including animals of every kind and size. Zan always had at least one well-trained black lab with which he enjoyed spending time with in the field. Zan loved his family deeply. They, as well has his extended family and friends will miss his companionship and wit. Previously in life, Zan had also been married to Kathy Dawson (divorced) and then Julie Rohloff, who succumbed to cancer in 1989.
Besides his companion, Zan is survived by two sisters; Eva (Bert) Rohwer of Mendon and Glenda (Paul) Keetch of Dingle, ID and also four sons; Zeke Longstroth, Jeremy (Krista) Wooden, Wesley (Megan) Wooden, and Jason (Karina) Wooden. Zan temporarily leaves behind seven grandchildren, whom he adored and always sought to be around; Braken, Angela, Daniel, Mekell, Bailee, Josh and Kinlee. And then there are the many animals whom he cared for and loved very much.
A deep, heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors who selflessly came to Zan’s aid in this final chapter of his life. Hundreds if not thousands of volunteer hours were donated toward his final, crowning earthly achievement- the house above Mendon he leaves his wife. Many sincere thanks to Dr. Ali Ben Jacob and his caring staff and Alpine Hospice nurses Jeremy and Courtney, and all the others who worked to make his last weeks more tolerable.
Zan’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 21st 2009 at 12:30pm in the Mendon Stake Center at 425 S 100 E Mendon. There will be a viewing prior, starting at 10:00am, also at the Mendon Stake Center. Internment in the Mendon Cemetery will follow the conclusion of the services. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net . Zan requested in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Cache Humane Society Shelter on Valley View Highway.