Steven Thomas Densley
1947-2021
Steven Thomas Densley, 74, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2021, Pioneer Day. He was grateful for his pioneering legacy and often repeated the quote: “The world we live in is a legacy of those who have gone before. The world of tomorrow will be the work of our hands. Let them tell you that we’ve done all we can. “
Steve was born on February 21, 1947 in Murray, Utah. He attended Jordan High School, where he served as sophomore and senior class president, and was honored as a high school All-American in both basketball and football and an all-state in baseball. He later received the Jordan High School Honorary Alumni Award in 2012.
After being recruited by schools across the country to play soccer and basketball, he accepted a BYU scholarship. He played on the undefeated BYU freshman team from 1965, where he set a new running record.
He chose to leave athletics behind to serve an LDS mission to the East Atlantic states in Washington DC. He served in various leadership positions and was asked to serve as a companion to the mission president and assistant to the president for seven months.
He later met his wife Colleen Taylor at BYU. It was love at first sight, and they were married six weeks later on July 23, 1968 in the Logan Temple. Steve graduated from BYU in three years and worked in Chicago for a year before deciding to return to Utah. Steve then bought a company called Intermountain West in Provo and later changed the company name to Kodiak Inc. Steve expanded the company to six different locations nationwide and sold the entire group in 1982.
Always looking for ways to serve the community, Steve ran for the Utah State Senate, US Congress, and Utah Lieutenant Governor in 1992 with writer Richard Eyre.
In recognition of his business experience and desire to serve the community, he was elected President of the Orem Chamber of Commerce in 1983. Under his leadership, the chamber merged with Provo and later became the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. He was twice elected President of the State Chamber and served on the Board of the State Chamber for over 15 years. He eventually became the second longest incumbent chamber president in the state’s history.
Because of his knowledge of the community and his generosity with his time and talents, Steve has served on over 50 boards and councils. For his services, he has received the Medal of Honor from the Mayor of Provo City, the Boy Scout’s Silver Beaver Award, and the BYU Distinguished Service Award.
One of his favorite ways to touch people’s lives was through speaking and writing. He hosted three radio shows and a talk show on Provo local television. He is the author of a book on Utah Valley, has worked on other authors, and has written columns for several publications, including a weekly column for the Daily Herald, for over 30 years.
Steve believed that Latter-day Saint Church of Jesus Christ is the greatest force for good in the world today. He has held numerous church offices throughout his life, including several terms as bishop at BYU and branch president at the Mission Training Center.
The greatest legacy Steve left behind is his family. He leaves behind his wife Colleen and six children: Steve Densley (Heather), Tiffany Bennion (Chuck), Landon Densley (Amy), Marianne Melvin (Jim), Wendy Wight (Travis) and Logan Densley (April), 30. two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His brothers Randy Densley (Jean), Troy Densley (Tandi) and sisters Alison Seal and Maradee Henrie (Paul).
His father and mother, Vere Thomas and Mary Lou Bodell Densley and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Floyd Richardson and Mary Lou Dixon Taylor, and a grandson, Daniel Heiselt Densley, preceded him in death.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hills 5th Ward Hillside Chapel, 1960 North 1500 East, Provo. The tour will take place on Friday, August 6th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, August 7th, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the same location before the services. The burial takes place in the American Fork Cemetery.
To send condolences, please visit https://www.bergmortuary.com/obituarie
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