Lynn Pett

Former Murray Mayor Lynn Frank Pett died Sunday, September 17, 2017 after a long battle against Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was 76. Sunday dinner at 5 pm was Lynn’s favorite time of the week because his family was all together, so it was no coincidence that he passed at 5 pm with his family by his side.

Lynn was born in Payson, Utah December 20,1940 to Victor Gladstone Pett and Artie Matilda Brady.  He was the youngest of six children.  Lynn and his siblings were the epitome of a family who loved each other and valued the importance of spending time together.  Lynn’s first home was in Eureka, Utah which he often referred to as “God’s Country.” At age 10 the family moved to Murray where Lynn stayed to raise his family.

According to Lynn, the most important moment of his life was in the 7th grade when a classmate declared: “There is a girl who always comes by here to see if you are here and she tells everyone that you are her boyfriend.  You just don’t know it.” Kathleen Huetter was the girl who never let him go. They have had a wonderful life together traveling the world, attending football games and watching their family grow. Lynn and Kathleen recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Kathleen was a devoted and loving care giver, who held his hand until his final moments. Lynn and Kathleen had two children, Bryan and Allison.

Lynn graduated from Murray High School where he played football and was involved with student government. His only defeat in politics was when he ran for Student Body Secretary and lost. The next year, however, he was elected Senior Class President. Lynn was given a scholarship to the University of Utah where he completed his education. An avid Ute fan, Lynn was a football season ticket holder for more than 50 years. He attended every game until his health declined.

As a youth, Lynn worked a short time for the Murray Theatre and The Disney Company, which started the family’s obsession with Disney. He took his first of many trips to Disneyland in 1957.

Lynn began his career with Murray City in 1956. He was head of the Murray Parks Department  for 25 years.  During his tenure, he over saw the development of Ken Price Ball Park, the Murray City Park and his beloved Jordan River Parkway. Walt Disney said “if you can dream it, you can do it.”  This was Lynn’s motto as he saw his dream of the Murray City Parkway Golf Course come to a reality. In September 2000 Murray City honored Lynn by re-naming its golf course to the Lynn F. Pett Murray Parkway Golf Course. Lynn, his son’s and grandson’s created many memories on the golf course, where he taught all them all how to play.

Lynn was a large man with an even larger heart.  He was passionate about many things and he put his whole heart into everything that he did. He loved meeting new people and genuinely cared about everyone that he met. He never judged anyone and was a friend to all.

Lynn was compassionate. In the early 1960’s while working for Murray City,  Lynn assisted with the organization of the Murray Boys Club so children would have a safe place to go after school. In January of 1967, he was instrumental in the newly organized Murray Boys and Girls Club. Lynn supported the club his entire life and was fond of the countless volunteers that made it possible to keep the club open.

Lynn went on to be the Administrative Assistant to two Murray mayors and then served two terms as Mayor himself.  During his time as Mayor he worked tirelessly to get the old smelter site cleaned up to prepare for the future IMC Hospital. Following his terms as Mayor, Lynn served on many committees and the IHC Board of Directors. He was recognized as playing a crucial role in bringing public agencies and elected officials together to build the IMC Hospital.

When asked words to describe their grandfather and great-grandfather, words the Pett children said were “leader, strong, family, supportive, respectful, happy and brave.” Lynn was truly a friend to everyone and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.

There will always be a void at the head of Pett dinner table on Sunday at 5 p.m., but we will continue to carry Lynn’s great legacy in our hearts and strive to be more like him every day.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Kathleen;  two children, Bryan (Brenda)Pett;  Allison (Bob) Toone; seven grandchildren, Brady (Brittney) Pett, Lindsay (Kasey) Lords, Abby (Kurt) Bettfreund, McKay Pett, Cambree Toone, Dawson Toone and Easton Toone; five great-grandchildren who loved their Grandpa and were blessed to have precious moments with him; Ezra, Isabelle, Baylee, Eli and Charlotte; sisters, Elaine Nielson and Helen (Bud) Miller; and everyone that knew him and called him a friend.

Lynn is preceded in death by his parents, brother; Robert, sisters; Kathleen and Betty .

The Pett family would like to thank the doctors and the entire staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving care and compassion. Thank you for treating our sweet Lynn with respect and kindness. A special thank you to Dr. Patricia Nelson and her nurse Judy for their unwavering and devoted service.  Thank you to our angel Jenny for her guidance through Lynn’s final moments and helping our family through a difficult time. She was truly sent from Heaven to our family on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake. https://bgcgslorg.presencehost.net/donate.html

Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Riverview LDS Ward, 5550 S. 1327 West, Taylorsville, Utah 84123. Friends may call at the church Wednesday 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at the  Murray City Cemetery. Services under the direction of Brown Family Mortuary, Santaquin ,Utah.