Don Chinn

Our loving Patriarch, Don John Chinn, graduated from this mortal life on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in his home surrounded by his children and angels. Born August 1, 1934, to William John Chinn and Alverna Rachel Watkins in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the youngest of two sons, preceded in death by his brother Bill.

He married his South High School sweetheart, Joyce Ackerman, February 19, 1955, and was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 4, 1969. Their family includes Debbie and Bob Stringfellow, 5 children, spouses, and 15 grandchildren; Christy and Dave Heywood, 6 children, spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild; Toni and Grant Martin, 4 children, spouses, and 8 grandchildren; Jeannie and Doug Thomas, 3 children, spouses, and 7 grandchildren; Mike and Jamie Chinn, 4 children, spouses, and 10 grandchildren; Matt and Kelly Chinn and 3 children. Dad was loved by 39 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. A few weeks ago he was thrilled to hold his first great, great grandchild.

Nearly two years ago Joyce, Dad's eternal companion of 69 years, paved the way for him to return home. His daughter Toni, son-in-law Dave, and great-granddaughter, baby Jo also preceded him in death.

Over the years grandma and grandpa were actively involved in all of their grandchildren's lives. They changed diapers, chauffeured, fed, traveled with, cheered on, cried with, laughed with (at), offered unfiltered advice to, but mostly loved.

Anyone who knew Dad cherished his ability to make you feel important and loved during time spent in conversation. Dad didn't know strangers, everyone was his friend.

The Ackerman clan eagerly welcomed him as one of their own and Dad found it to be a great privilege to be part of their big family. These relationships helped shape him into the fun loving Dad that we all know..

Dad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings. Ministering wasn't approached as an assignment but was a part of who he was. Dad found great joy teaching about the Temple, attending and escorting those he taught. You could find Dad serving in many welfare assignments, including changing water at the farm, working at the cannery, building chapels and pavilions. He also loved serving as an elders quorum president and serving with the young men. Dad was quick to recognize Heavenly Father's hand in his ability to financially support 3 of his children as they served full time missions.

As a young man, Dad was encouraged by his Uncle Al to learn the masonry trade in order to take care of his mom due to his dad's passing. He continued to learn the trade coming up through the ranks of hod tender, bricklayer, and eventually a contractor owning his own business.

There wasn't a vehicle, appliance, project, piece of equipment or problem, even life's problems, he couldn't fix. A source of pride for Dad and his entire family was designing and constructing the family home together.

Dad was a lifelong learner with a thirst for knowledge and an ability to retain. His joy came from searching for answers and sharing. As far as Dad was concerned, taking his children on vacation was a far greater education than having them in school. He never missed an opportunity to teach about the things we were seeing, experiencing and doing; always pointing out Heavenly Father's creations. Some of his favorite places were Yellowstone, Strawberry Reservoir, Co-op Creek, Alaska, any ocean, Scripps Institute of Oceanography and any lake with a dam.

"It's All Good!"

Visitation will be held Friday March 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Roxborough Park Ward 3120 W. 4700 S. West Valley City, UT 84119. Services to follow at 12:00 PM.

Interment at the West Jordan City Cemetery 7925 S. 1300 W. West Jordan, UT 84088.

Those wishing to livestream the service may do so at the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/4ZOxfy1Pez0?feature=shared