OBITS: The Spectrum 5 Jun 2005; St. George, Washington co., Utah text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ut/utfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: St. George The Spectrum http://www.thespectrum.com Trenten Cox Johnson Trenten Cox Johnson, 23, started his journey into eternity when he accidentally slid over the spectacular falls at Gunlock Reservoir on May 30th. Although a tragic accident, Trent is no doubt gleefully pressing forward on this grand new adventure, his love of life and service undiminished. Trent's earthly journey began in Okinawa, Japan as a 10 lb. 4 oz. baby born to Harry and Demaree Johnson on January 5, 1982. He spent his 23 years in high gear and experienced everything with a fervent, passionate love and zeal. He had an unquenchable thirst for learning and spent his life cultivating friends, family, mentors and bright people from whom he learned and who he taught in return. Trent's early childhood was spent in Arizona, Alaska and Florida and finally St. George in 1993 where his family still resides. His young memories were full of fishing trips, soccer games, and track tournaments. At age 13 he set the state and regional record in the standing long jump in the Hershey's Track Meet and attended the national meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania where he placed in that event. He spent his high school years at Snow Canyon High involved in the academic decathlon team, the debate team, the soccer team, the track team, and the literary journal staff. He represented Snow Canyon as the Sterling Scholar in English. From 2001-2003 Trent served an honorable, full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fortaleza, Brazil. Trent graduated with his Associate's Degree from Dixie State College in 2003 where he worked as a tutor in the Writing Center. He received his Bachelor's Degree in English with a minor in philosophy from Brigham Young University in April. During his time there he turned heads and touched lives with his witty conversation, unique fashion sense, and his warm, loving nature. At BYU he was a member of a close-knit writer's group called April, a founding member of the Forum for Artistic Discussion and a staff member of Inscape, the on-campus literary journal. At the end of his senior year, Trent's writing and creative savvy earned him the honor of presenting his poetry portfolio at the 20th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. An Honorable Mention for the Ethel Lowry Handley Poetry Prize from The Academy of American Poets was presented to him at the English Department Awards Banquet at BYU. After graduation he was invited to teach as an adjunct professor at Dixie State College and had plans to travel before returning to work on a graduate degree. Trent spent the early summer months this year with his family and friends in St. George and Salt Lake. He is survived by his parents Harry and Demaree Johnson, brothers Sam (Jill), Cedar City, Tyler (Amy Jo), Ivins, Bobby, sisters Andrea (Cole Mayhew), Cambree, Amie, all of St. George, grandma Alta Pierson, Ivins, girlfriend Kristen Eliason, Sandy, many aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Thorley and Grandma Virginia Johnson, Henrieville, Pete Pierson, Ivins, Carl (Doc) Lusty, Salt Lake, and our beloved dog, Begal. On Saturday at 4 pm we invite those friends and family members who have a "Trent story" to join with us at the Dunford Auditorium at Dixie State College. We'll share stories, pictures, hugs, tears and lots of laughter. Bring some food and we'll eat afterward when we're too exhausted to continue with the stories. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 6, at 12:00 pm at the Green Valley Stake Center, 545 S. Valley View Dr. A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 5, at the Green Valley Stake Center 6-8 pm and again at the stake center on Monday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held at the Ivins City Cemetery following the service. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary: Richfield, Salina and Gunnison. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Trent Johnson Memorial Scholarship at Dixie State College. Originally published June 5, 2005 Bonnie Lynn Simon St. George, Ut - Bonnie Lynn Simon, 58, of St. George, passed away on June 3rd in her son's home from a long battle of Renal Failure. She was born November 27, 1946 in Gunnison, Utah to Mr. Jabez Walser Durfee and Evelyn Virginia Casteel Durfee. In 1965 she graduated from Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also attended Dixie College. She was married in October of 1967 to Gary Simon who later divorced. She was a member of the LDS Church. Bonnie will always be remembered for her enduring strength. She loved life and especially her Grandchildren. Our Mother and friend will be deeply missed. Her father preceded her in death. She is survived by her Mother, Evelyn Durfee, son Nick Simon and wife Wendi of St. George, daughter Bobbie Heywood of St. George, three grandchildren Barry Heywood, Nicole Simon, and Sean Simon, two step grandchildren, Shawn Snow and Ashley Snow, five brothers and five sisters. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd. A visitation will be held Monday, June 6, from 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday, June 7, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the mortuary. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221. Condolences may be sent to the family through Metcalf's website at www.metcalfmortuary.com. Originally published June 5, 2005