Hefin Jones

Hefin Jones passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of Sunday, May 14, 2023. Hefin had a joyful and happy personality and always kept a positive attitude, even in difficult circumstances. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed.

Hefin was born to Thomas Jones and Laura Owen on June 28, 1935, in the village of Edern, Caernarfonshire, Wales, in the United Kingdom. Hefin was the oldest of three children, but was predeceased by both his brother, Richard (Dick), and sister, Mary. Hefin was raised in Wales, but left his home at a fairly young age. He served in the British Royal Air Force and became a "Bobby," or policeman, in London. While in London, Hefin joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over his life, Hefin found so much joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and made the gospel the centerpiece of his life. Shortly after joining the Church, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, building chapels in Wales, Scotland, and England.

Hefin then decided to pursue further education in the United States at Brigham Young University. He had to work many odd jobs across Europe and Canada to fund his journey to the United States, but he was eventually able to meet his financial goals. He arrived in Utah in 1964, and met the love of his life, Edna Bates. They were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 30, 1965, and they have since spent a wonderful and fulfilling 57 years together.

Hefin graduated from BYU with an accounting degree in 1970, and later earned an MBA from the University of Utah. After finishing his education, he worked for the University of Utah, and then had a long career with the Utah State Board of Regents.

Hefin's passion throughout his life, but particularly in his retirement years, was genealogy. Hefin submitted more than 80,000 names to the LDS Church's genealogical databases. He was particularly anxious to "maximize the Welshmen in the Kingdom." His family knows he is continuing his work in the afterlife, and we know he is experiencing many joyous reunions with those who have gone before him.

Hefin is survived by his wife Edna and their three children, Laura Richardson (Steve), Thomas Jones, and Paul Jones (Chantelle). Hefin and Edna also have eight wonderful grandchildren - Matthew Jones, Andrew Richardson, Sarah Richardson, Kallie Jones, Daniel Richardson, Nicholas Jones, Kylee Jones, and Kameron Jones. Hefin was very proud of his grandchildren and loved seeing and hearing about their accomplishments.

Hefin's funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 4252 Bennion Rd., Taylorsville, Utah. A viewing will take place prior to the funeral from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. Hefin will be buried at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, Utah, shortly after the funeral.

The funeral will be livestreamed at the link below for those who wish to participate, but cannot attend in person:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1Ts1jtpny1w7kEuObPD2vKiF5Wzy34Anm/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword