Laurence Ashdown, age 89, passed away August 2, 2024, at home in Cedar City, UT. He was born December 23, 1934, in Cedar City, the fourth son of Leonard and Thelma Gardner Ashdown, with siblings Leonard “Lee”, Murray, Brian, Celestia (Nichols) and Craig. Laurence grew up working on the family farm and ranches and spent his summers herding sheep on the mountain. He attended school in Cedar City where he excelled in academics, football, and basketball. He graduated from Cedar High as the class Salutatorian in 1953, attended the College of Southern Utah (forerunner to SUU) for 2 years, and completed his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and R.O.T.C. training at Utah State University in Logan, UT, in 1957.

Laurence married Diane Cooley, daughter of Hazen and Phyllis Johnson Cooley (also of Cedar City) in the St. George Temple on April 19, 1958. They became the parents of five children: Greg (Robyn), Boyd (Kristin), Nola Erickson (Reed), Neil (Andrea) and Clay (Laurie). The newlyweds’ first home was Misawa Japan, where Laurence served as a U.S. Air Force officer. In 1960, they returned to Cedar City for 7 years, except for a one-year stint in Las Vegas, NV. In 1967, the young family moved to Lander, WY, for what was intended to be a 2–3-year assignment at U.S. Steel’s new iron mine. In 1997 (30 years later), the couple said farewell to their long-time Wyoming home and many friends to return to Cedar City and build their retirement home on the same block where Diane was raised.

Early in his career, Laurence worked in a variety of mining engineering and surveying roles in southern Utah and the Atomic Energy Commission’s Nevada Test Site. In Wyoming, at US Steel’s Atlantic City mine, he progressed from engineering through multiple foreman and superintendent positions to eventually become Western Ore Operation’s Chief Engineer and General Superintendent. Laurence retired from US Steel in 1985 after the Atlantic City mine closed, but retirement at that point did not suit him well. He accepted the job of Director of Public Works for the City of Lander for an additional 10 years and ultimately retired in 1997. Outside of work, Laurence and his family enjoyed many outdoor and social activities in the community and nearby Wind River mountains. Back in Utah, Laurence enjoyed working on his farm and riding horses on the mountain until health issues required him to finally slow down.

A life-long, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Laurence served in numerous stake and ward callings. Following their retirements, he and Diane served for many years as ordinance workers in the St. George and Cedar City Temples. He also served in various civic responsibilities, including the Fremont County Airport Board and Southern Utah Water Conservancy Board.

Laurence was preceded in death by Diane in 2018 and their son, Neil, in 2016. In addition to their five children and their spouses, Laurence and Diane have 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Beyond being a diligent and caring father who set high expectations for his posterity, Laurence will be remembered as a leader, teacher, role model, and mentor. His guidance was typically short and simple, yet profound.

A visitation for Laurence will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 500 West 400 North in Cedar City at 11:30 am on Saturday, August 17 and will immediately be followed by the funeral services at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery.  Under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral in Cedar City, Utah.  The funeral services may be viewed virtually on his memorial page at www.cedarvalleyfuneral.com.

 

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Laurence Ashdown

Laurence Ashdown, age 89, passed away August 2, 2024, at home in Cedar City, UT. He was born December 23, 1934, in Cedar City, the fourth son of Leonard and Thelma Gardner Ashdown, with siblings Leonard “Lee”, Murray, Brian, Celestia (Nichols) and Craig. Laurence grew up working on the family farm and ranches and spent his summers herding sheep on the mountain. He attended school in Cedar City where he excelled in academics, football, and basketball. He graduated from Cedar High as the class Salutatorian in 1953, attended the College of Southern Utah (forerunner to SUU) for 2 years, and completed his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and R.O.T.C. training at Utah State University in Logan, UT, in 1957.

Laurence married Diane Cooley, daughter of Hazen and Phyllis Johnson Cooley (also of Cedar City) in the St. George Temple on April 19, 1958. They became the parents of five children: Greg (Robyn), Boyd (Kristin), Nola Erickson (Reed), Neil (Andrea) and Clay (Laurie). The newlyweds’ first home was Misawa Japan, where Laurence served as a U.S. Air Force officer. In 1960, they returned to Cedar City for 7 years, except for a one-year stint in Las Vegas, NV. In 1967, the young family moved to Lander, WY, for what was intended to be a 2–3-year assignment at U.S. Steel’s new iron mine. In 1997 (30 years later), the couple said farewell to their long-time Wyoming home and many friends to return to Cedar City and build their retirement home on the same block where Diane was raised.

Early in his career, Laurence worked in a variety of mining engineering and surveying roles in southern Utah and the Atomic Energy Commission’s Nevada Test Site. In Wyoming, at US Steel’s Atlantic City mine, he progressed from engineering through multiple foreman and superintendent positions to eventually become Western Ore Operation’s Chief Engineer and General Superintendent. Laurence retired from US Steel in 1985 after the Atlantic City mine closed, but retirement at that point did not suit him well. He accepted the job of Director of Public Works for the City of Lander for an additional 10 years and ultimately retired in 1997. Outside of work, Laurence and his family enjoyed many outdoor and social activities in the community and nearby Wind River mountains. Back in Utah, Laurence enjoyed working on his farm and riding horses on the mountain until health issues required him to finally slow down.

A life-long, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Laurence served in numerous stake and ward callings. Following their retirements, he and Diane served for many years as ordinance workers in the St. George and Cedar City Temples. He also served in various civic responsibilities, including the Fremont County Airport Board and Southern Utah Water Conservancy Board.

Laurence was preceded in death by Diane in 2018 and their son, Neil, in 2016. In addition to their five children and their spouses, Laurence and Diane have 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Beyond being a diligent and caring father who set high expectations for his posterity, Laurence will be remembered as a leader, teacher, role model, and mentor. His guidance was typically short and simple, yet profound.

A visitation for Laurence will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 500 West 400 North in Cedar City at 11:30 am on Saturday, August 17 and will immediately be followed by the funeral services at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery.  Under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral in Cedar City, Utah.  The funeral services may be viewed virtually on his memorial page at www.cedarvalleyfuneral.com.

 

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