Aug. 27, 1955-July 25, 2022
Loy Dobson, our fun-loving husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend, passed away at age 66 from complications of recently diagnosed mesothelioma on July 25, 2022. He was surrounded by his family, known as his “Legacy of Love.” He was as unique as his name and often referred to as the best of the best, hero, boss, favorite, life of the party and the fun one.
Loy was born on Aug. 27, 1955, in Fillmore, Utah, to Lester Alton Dobson and Loy Jean Bartholomew Dobson. He was number three of five children. He was raised on the family farm in Holden, Utah, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility and problem-solving. He graduated from Millard High School, where he loved participating in many activities and sports. But most importantly, he started dating the girl who would become the love of his life.
They graduated together in 1973 and headed to Logan, Utah, to attend Utah State University. After a year of college, Loy left for Sydney, Australia, to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned from his mission on Sept. 18 and married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Penney, on Dec. 18, 1976, in the Manti, Utah Temple. His love for his wife and children was evident in all he did.
Loy graduated from Howdent Institute of Dental Laboratory Technology on Sept. 19, 1978. He then had a long and rewarding career in the automotive industry. He was not only passionate about cars but more importantly about people. His goal and desire were to have every employee leave a better person than when they arrived. He was more concerned about people than profits. He always stopped to help the person that was stuck on the side of the road. When anyone offered to pay for his service, he told them to pay it forward and help someone else.
Loy loved adventure and exploring. He appreciated the majesty of nature and the grandeur of the great outdoors. Many fun and memorable family outings were spent at Fish Lake, Lake Powell and Zion. He made sure he and Carolyn explored every dirt road in between. He was always known for taking the scenic route. There were many other vacation destinations, but the main thing was just being with the ones he loved the most.
Loy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many assignments throughout his life. His testimony was strong of our loving Heavenly Father and Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. He demonstrated his devotion by his many acts of quiet service.
Loy spent most of his life serving among the youth and especially loved serving in the Young Single Adult program with Carolyn.
Loy’s loves included: Carolyn, kids, grandkids, cars, hunting, boating and hiking. Carolyn always came first in his life, and they were always together. He loved fixing her breakfast in bed every morning and often had flowers delivered to her with tender notes of love. They were able to travel extensively and loved visiting many different countries, learning about their culture and mingling with the locals.
They enjoyed every trip they took not necessarily because of the location but because they were together. His kids and grandkids meant the world to him, and he supported each one in any and all ways. His 10 grandchildren were referred to as his “Top 10” and he had a strong love and connection to each one. His advice to them would be to pay it forward. Loy never thought the glass was half empty, nor half full; he always thought the glass was overflowing.
Loy is survived by his wife Carolyn and their three children Heather (Alex) Blazzard of Mesquite, Nevada, Denell (Jake) Durrant of Gilbert, Arizona, and Cody (Natalie) Dobson of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; his 10 grandchildren Mason, Taylor, Hattie, Lily and Davis; Delaney and Dane; Emmi, Conor and Ellis; eight grandpets, five turtles, two dogs and one hamster; and two siblings Leslie Williams and Jeff Dobson (Janese).
Loy is preceded in death by Lester Alton Dobson (father), Loy Jean Bartholomew Dobson (mother), Dennis Lester Dobson (brother) and Juliann Dobson (sister).
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 5, 6-8:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary – 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. James Chapel, 1095 E. St. James Lane, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to services 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to click here to view the funeral service.
All are welcome to view the tribute video for Loy by clicking here.
Interment will be at the Springdale City Cemetery, Springdale, Utah.
Loy’s family wishes to express gratitude to all of those who held a special place in his heart. Loy’s request to all would be to pay it forward.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Loy’s online guest book.