Lawrence Jay Weist

Lawrence Jay Weist, known to family and friends as Larry, passed away peacefully at his home in Bountiful, Utah, on May 5, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born on January 28, 1945, in Pomona, California, Larry spent his early childhood in Camas Valley, Oregon, before the family relocated to Danville, California, where he completed his education, graduating from San Ramon Valley High School in 1963. Following graduation, he worked alongside his father at the family’s Mobil Oil service station near Walnut Creek, California.

From 1964 to 1966, Larry fulfilled a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission. Upon his return, he again joined his father in the family business before being drafted into the United States Army in June 1967.

Larry served with distinction in Vietnam from December 1967 to February 1969, assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, and later to the Headquarters and Headquarters Companies of both the 2nd Battalion and the Division itself. Larry was wounded twice in combat, including in a helicopter crash. After being wounded a second time, he transitioned into the role of Battalion Public Information Officer. In this capacity, he developed a foundation in journalism and photography that would shape the course of his professional life. He subsequently served with the Division Public Information Office and extended his tour of duty by three months at the request of the Commanding General.

Among the military honors he received were the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the latter awarded collectively to the 25th Infantry Division on his birthday in 1969, a ceremony he had the distinction of photographing as Vietnamese General Van Tri presented the honor to Major General Ellis Williamson in Cu Chi. Of all his commendations, Larry held the Combat Infantryman's Badge in the highest regard, a distinction he wore proudly on his lapel in later years.

Following his honorable discharge, Larry joined Ironworkers Local Union in Oakland, California, contributing to the construction of the BART transit system and Bay Area freeways. In 1970, he pursued higher education, enrolling at Diablo Valley College before transferring to Brigham Young University, where he majored in journalism and earned his degree in 1973.

In September 1971, Larry met Margaret Davis and quickly knew she was the one. The couple married on January 29, 1972, in the Idaho Falls Temple, and together built a life marked by faith, dedication, and family. They are the loving parents of four children: Michael, Andrea, Cathy and Hilary.

Larry enjoyed a career in journalism spanning several decades. He served on the staff of the Deseret News from 1977 to 1990 and again from 2000 to 2008 and held the position of News Director in the Public Relations Office at the University of Utah for nine years. He also contributed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Price Sun-Advocate, and the Provo Daily Herald.

A devoted veteran and advocate for his fellow servicemen, Larry served as President of the 25th Infantry Division Association from 1996 to 1998. He also served for many years as the association's scholarship chairman, taking great personal satisfaction in supporting the educational pursuits of the children and grandchildren of fellow members. Larry also served on the board of directors responsible for building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Utah State Capital.

Larry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a High Priest throughout his life. His unwavering faith in the atonement and resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ brought much comfort to Larry. While he was loathe to depart this life and his family, he felt joy at the hope of reuniting in the next life with his loved ones and the fallen soldiers from his youth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orley and Enid Weist, and his beloved sister, Karen Weist. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret; his four children and daughter-in-law Erin; his sister, Jane Tuckett (Bob); his nieces and nephews; and his five cherished grandchildren, John, Emily, David, James, and Andrew.

Larry Weist lived a life of service — to his country, his community, his faith, and his family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the LDS Chapel located at 165 Monarch Drive, Bountiful, Utah 84010. A brief viewing will be held at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at the Memorial Lakeview Mortuary & Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah.

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

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Intermountain Health Home Services and hospice nurses Kristy and Nicole for their compassionate care and support.