Jon Colin Elder

April 17, 1951 ~ May 7, 2013
Jon Colin Elder, 62, passed away peacefully with his loved ones holding him early May 7, 2013. He was born April 17, 1951, to Janet Buehler Richardson and Wendell C Elder. He had a wonderful childhood with his brothers and sisters, especially when his family grew with 2 loving Stepparents, Owen Richardson and Mona Elder. 
Growing up, he enjoyed roaming Provo and Midvale, house boating in Lake Powell, and spending time with his large "mine, yours, and ours" family. He served his country in the U.S. Army for a total of 6 years stationed in the US and Germany. He married his high school classmate, Teresa, and they enjoyed raising their daughter, Sarah Maria, while continuing to frequent Lake Powell with family and friends. He later remarried his eternal sweetheart, JoAnne. Together they traveled the world including Europe, the Caribbean, and sailing the coast of California. It is certain in his last hours she was there to take him into the afterlife to continue their travels hand in hand. Jon was known as a man of all trades in his careers and at home and 'the handyman' to call. He was an active man that loved to snow ski, slalom water ski, gold pan, and most of all, sail. He was also a wonderful artist, making beautiful creations with copper, steel, and wood. 
His true passion was spending time with his children. The past 2 years since his wife passed away, he has lived with Sarah and her husband, Mike, spoiling her 3 young children, Jackson, Landon, and Mikayla. Along with Sarah, he was a kind and loving stepfather to Trisha (Tim), Gregg (Sunshine), Philip (Sharon), Melissa (Jason), Elizabeth (Bryon), David, and Anna. In all, his children blessed him with 13 grandchildren. Jon survived by his parents, Wendell (Gerrie) Elder and Janet (Owen) Richardson and siblings, Jana, Wendell, Stuart, Kim, Alan, Paul, Anne, Randy, Leah, Pat, Doug, and Kathy and their spouses. 
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnne, Stepdaughter Anna, Brother Tom, Cousin and best friend Ken, Stepmother Mona, and Stepsister Connie. 
His life will be celebrated at his home on May 11 from 12-6 and again on a sailboat in California by his children and grandchildren this summer. Flowers for Jon can be purchased through Passion Flowers in California to be scattered with his ashes in the Pacific Ocean by calling (805) 641-1076.
 

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