Gary D Loveland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Gary D Loveland. On April 23, 2026, in Logan, Utah, Gary passed away as the result of a serious fall the previous week while attending one of his beloved festivals.

Gary was born on June 19, 1937, in Deweyville, Utah. He was the youngest of four siblings. His early life was spent in Deweyville. His family later moved to Brigham City, where he lived the remainder of his life. In high school, he was introduced to a slightly annoying girl, Pamele Richards, and they were sealed in the Logan temple on May 1, 1959. Gary and Pam welcomed six children into their family and stayed actively involved in their lives.

Gary was the first employee hired for what became Smith’s grocery stores, and he remained a loyal employee for 45 years. Service was important to Gary. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held multiple callings, he served as a worker in the Ogden temple for many years. He was also a member of the local Kiwanis Club.

Scouting was also a huge part of his life. Serving as a Scoutmaster for many years led to work with the Boy Scouts of America at the district level to help organize jamborees and other events. A lifelong camper, he and Pam would pull their trailer up the canyon for the summer while he commuted to work. After retirement, Gary and Pam became world travelers.

Gary’s true passion in life was his hobbies—and there were many. Fly tying, egg decorating, coin collecting, lapidary, silversmithing, barbershop quartet (listening), candy making, and Dutch oven cooking were some of his areas of expertise.

Wood carving became a special passion and led him into a happy retirement. He learned the art of spoon carving at the American Heritage Center where he volunteered for 18 years. Known as “Spoontree,” he was a regular on the festival circuit. Carving spoons on his shave horse and interacting with the public kept him busy and happy for 20 years. He always said that he would “…rather die on the horse than sit around waiting for death to knock on his door.” He spent the day before his fall on the horse, interacting with his festival family.

Gary is survived by his children Lance (Ruth), Lyle (Wendy), Lara (Chris), Lynn (Claudia), and Lana (Johnny); 25 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Pam; his daughter Lisa; and his daughter-in-law BettyAnn.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Brigham North Stake Center.  Friends my visit with family at Gillies Funeral Chapel, Friday, May 1, 2026 from 6-8PM, or Saturday May 2, 2026 from 9:30-10:30am at the Brigham North Stake Center.  Interment, Brigham City Cemetery.