Gary Ray Bascom

Gary Ray Bascom, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed peacefully September 13, 2026, at age 93, after an eight-year struggle with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

Gary was born January 6, 1933, in Menan, Idaho, to George Henry Johnson and Thelma Emma Livermore. After his father died when Gary was an infant, he and his two siblings were lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, Acel Bascom, whose kindness and example influenced the kind of stepfather Gary later became.

Growing up in Menan, Gary developed a lifelong love of family, hard work, service, and the outdoors. He often spoke of childhood adventures swimming in the canal, camping in the orchard, and exciting scouting activities. He earned his Eagle Scout Award and credited Scouting with teaching him lifelong values of honesty, integrity, and service. He was always a hard worker and earned money for clothing, school supplies, and dating by working in the fields for neighboring farmers.

After graduating from Rigby High School, where he served as student-body vice president, Gary attended the University of Idaho, working to pay his own expenses. It was there that Gary met and dated Arlene Larsen. Though life took them in different directions, Arlene remained close to his heart, and Gary carried her picture while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Great Britain and Ireland.

After his mission, their paths miraculously crossed again as Arlene was going through a separation and divorce. They began dating again, fell in love anew, and were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on September 24, 1957. The story of how the Lord brought them back together again became a treasured love story they enjoyed sharing throughout their 69 years together.

Their marriage formed an instant family with Arlene’s two sons, David and Robert Whittle, and they were later blessed with five more children: Loree, Jana, Julie, Michael, and Holly. Their growing family became one of the great joys and purposes of Gary’s life.

Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in botany from Brigham Young University and later a master’s degree in public administration while balancing family, Church, and work responsibilities. His career included 22 years at BYU, where he served in various administrative jobs. Early in his career, he served as administrative assistant to Stephen R. Covey while Covey was a vice president under President Ernest L. Wilkinson. Gary was known for his integrity, dependability, and kindness. He spent his final 11 working years as a career counselor at the University of Utah, a role he especially loved.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gary served in many callings, including as Scoutmaster three times, stake high councilor twice, and as a member of a bishopric. His mission influenced every area of his later life, and after retirement he and Arlene served three senior missions together in Kirtland, Ohio; Ireland; and Orem, Utah.

Gary loved people and made friends easily. He had a delightful sense of humor, was a master of “Dad jokes,” and had a gift for storytelling. He loved gardening and camping with his family. His grandchildren especially remember his abundant garden and fruit—and Arlene remembers him keeping her busy harvesting and processing all he grew.

Together with Arlene, the love of his life, Gary built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, sacrifice, and service.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene, who faithfully cared for him throughout his illness; his children Dave Whittle, Loree (Bill) Bennett, Jana (Ron) Tuttle, Mike (Jen) Bascom, and Holly (Tom) Brandner; 27 grandchildren; and 42 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his children Rob Whittle and Julie Dyson; his parents, Thelma and Acel Bascom; his brother and sister; and several beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Though Gary will be deeply missed, we find comfort in the beautiful memories he gave us and in the promise that he is finding purpose again on the other side.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dignity Hospice and to the caregivers, family members, and friends whose compassionate care and loving service brought comfort during Gary’s final months.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 990 North 100 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will precede the service from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment and a graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah, 84097.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary below.

Gary fought a good fight and remained valiant and faithful to God and his family throughout his life. His family will always be grateful for his example.