Don Naser

Don Naser

Richfield, Utah

Don L. Naser, age 71, quietly passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 5, 2021 after a 3-year trial with pancreatic cancer.  Don was born on March 31, 1949 in Richfield, Utah.  He is the son of Lawrence J. “Zonie” and Rula Jean Naser.

Don had a wonderful experience growing up with his family.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, water skiing, riding horses, basketball, scouting, swimming, and water fights.  He graduated from Richfield High School in 1967.  During those years he also worked hard hauling hay, thinning beets, and plowing gardens.

Soon after graduating from high school, Don found his eternal sweetheart, Marylene Jensen. They courted three years and were married and sealed in the Manti Temple on March 20, 1970.

Don attended Utah State University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1971.  He took his first job with Canyonlands Engineering in Richfield (later Valley Engineering).  He spent much of his career as an engineer for Hales Sand and Gravel (now Staker Parson). Don enjoyed his side business, Naser Engineering, where he spent many weekends working with his children.  Through this, he taught them the importance of work and fun. Many projects and buildings throughout central Utah have his stamp of approval on them.

Don was grateful for the many opportunities he had to serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A few of his callings include: Scoutmaster, bishopric counselor, Elders Quorum president, stake high councilor, bishop and stake presidency counselor.  He loved teaching and serving others especially when it involved the youth.  He found so much joy serving as an ordinance worker and sealer in the Manti Temple.

He served the community in many ways including 12 years on the board for the Sevier School District.  He was also involved for many years on the Richfield Planning and Zoning Committee.

Don often said that engineering was his work and his hobby because he loved to design and figure things out.  Outside of work, he looked forward to being in the mountains, hiking, camping, boating, sailing, swimming, snow skiing, water skiing, golfing, and hunting.   The highlight for him was sharing these hobbies with his family.  He loved the holidays and traditions, especially those surrounding Christmas. He enjoyed cooking and barbequing.  He also thoroughly enjoyed photography and travel and found beauty in destinations both near and far.

He loved and supported his children and grandchildren in all that they did.  He played with them and worked with them.  He loved people and showed it through his kind and selfless service.  He was a dynamic leader, captivating storyteller, and friend to all.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Marylene. In March 2020, Don celebrated 50 years of marriage to his best friend. Children: Justin (Diana) Naser, Wellsville; Christopher (Camila) Naser, Providence; Holly (McKay) Parrish, Plain City; Amy (Brent) Schmidt, Richfield; Spencer (Jessica) Naser, Richfield; Michael (Cassie) Naser, Richfield; 24 grandchildren. Siblings: Linda (Fred) Spencer, Sandy; John (Kristine) Naser, Salt Lake City; Chet (Shelley) Naser, Syracuse. Preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel in Richfield, where friends may call Sunday evening from 6-7 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Don’s obituary. Due to COVID-19, all attendees are required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

Don’s family would like to express gratitude to all the friends, neighbors and medical professionals who have been so kind and helpful during his illness.