07/02/2026
Roger Dean Farnworth
The journey of Roger Dean Farnworth began on September 24, 1941, and came to its earthly end on June 30, 2026. Like every journey, it was filled with both joys and hardships, triumphs and trials. Roger's life was no exception.
Roger was born to loving parents during a time when devotion to family and country was considered a sacred duty, regardless of the sacrifice required. Early in his life, his father was drafted into the United States Army and served three years during World War II in the Pacific and Japan. The lasting effects of that war would shape not only his father's life but also the lives of generations that followed.
Roger's childhood was marked by the contrast of a loving, selfless mother who sacrificed greatly for her children and a father struggling to carry the invisible wounds of war. Those early experiences profoundly influenced Roger. He made a quiet but unwavering decision that violence would never define his own home or family. Especially toward those he loved most, he chose gentleness. Those who knew Roger cannot recall a time when he intentionally hurt another person. It is rare for children to grow up without memories of their father yelling in anger or losing his temper, yet that is the legacy Roger left to his family.
Roger proudly served four years in the United States Air Force, an experience that helped shape the man he would become. After his military service and a few years of searching for the right path, he was introduced to Margene Hurst on a blind date. It was during those years that Roger's character became unmistakably clear. He dated Margene for four years, faithfully caring for her two young daughters while she attended college and built a future for their family.
Family stories tell that on his wedding day Roger developed cold feet and briefly considered running. Thankfully, with some encouragement from his parents, he honored the commitment he had made. That decision became one of the greatest blessings of many lives. When Roger and Margene were married for time and all eternity, he instantly became the father of two daughters. Together they welcomed five more children into their family, and from that day forward his family became the center of his life.
It would be impossible to count the adventures Roger shared with his family throughout the mountains and deserts of Utah. Whether hiking, fishing, camping, or searching for rocks and minerals, he found his greatest happiness outdoors with those he loved most. Those moments became treasured memories for his family and, no doubt, for Roger himself.
Roger was a devoted husband and father and a devoted provider. He worked his entire career in the autoparts world and loved every minute of it, especially all the friendships it brought
Roger will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Those he leaves behind carry with them countless memories of quiet kindness, steady devotion, and a life lived without seeking recognition.
Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margene, and his daughter, Kelly Harden. He is survived by his children, Teri, Darin, Becky, Ryan, Kristy, and his angel daughter, Hillary.
Our family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the Central Utah Veterans Home for the exceptional care and kindness they showed Roger during the final chapter of his life and also, his amazing hospice nurse Leslie.
For more than four decades, Roger faithfully took his evening walk. Nearly every night after dinner, he followed the same two-mile route, finding peace in the simple rhythm of one step after another. Wherever Roger went, there was often a whistle accompanying him-a quiet melody that became part of who he was. As dementia slowly took hold, it stole both his steady stride and the whistle that had so naturally filled the air. But death does not have the final word. Because of the Savior and His Resurrection, we know Roger has found his legs and whistle again. We like to think that somewhere beyond this life, he is once again walking familiar paths, with a joyful whistle on his lips, just as he was always meant to.
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