Ronald Dillon Later

Ronald Dillon Later (89) passed into his Heavenly Father’s presence Saturday, May 20 2023 in Layton Utah surrounded by family and friends.

He was born the oldest son, January 28, 1934 in Venice, California to Dillon Wayne Later and Linda Ann Johnson. When his father finished college at UCLA with a teaching degree the family moved home to Rigby, Idaho, a place his grandfather helped settle. When a new governor of Idaho was elected Dillon moved his family to Boise, Idaho to work in the capital.

Ronald was a devoted husband and father to his wife Louise, his eight children and many other foster children. He met and married Louise Hall in Boise, Idaho after the two of them were banged up in a sledding mishap. While Louise was on crutches, he carried her books to class. They later married and recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

In 1962, Ron loaded his family up in the family station wagon and moved from Seattle, Washington to Anchorage, Alaska where he could indulge his pioneering spirit. He loved to hunt and fish and often took his family to remote locations to bask in God’s creations. A time or two the family got weathered in and he got to practice his survival skills as well. He loved Alaska and the wonderful people who lived there.

He loved fishing with family and friends. You could hear him a mile away when he hooked up, his cackle was loud and distinct. He probably spent more time untangling his kids fishing reels and lines than fishing. As a young man, he took his polio-stricken father fishing, loading Dillon on his back and carrying him to banks of a lake or stream where they could be together and enjoy their shared passion. All eight of his children grew to be accomplished fishers.

The family reluctantly left Alaska in 1976 and moved to Meridian, Idaho. They also lived in Davis, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and finally Layton, Utah after he retired.

Ronald was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in a Stake 70s quorum presidency, Stake Mission President, Bishoprics and as a Young Adult Ward Bishop, young men’s leader and too many other callings to enumerate. He loved the Lord and served with passion and dedication.

He was a dedicated leader in the Boy Scouts of America where he served as Scoutmaster, District Training Chair, National Jamboree Staff, and Woodbadge staff. He helped advance hundreds of young men through the scouting ranks, many who reached Eagle Scout. He also served on committees that developed scouting programs like Varsity Scouts. Any scout meeting dad was at you were sure to hear singing, it was just not a scout meeting without a song as far as he was concerned. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his volunteer work in scouting.

Ronald and Louise served a full-time mission in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission doing work for the Genealogy Department and teaching the gospel at every opportunity.

He worked in and served his industry for a lifetime, while continuing his education in Mechanical Engineering at several schools and colleges. He served as President of his industry organization in Idaho and continued teaching his trade even after retirement in a number of programs. He used his trade skills to help construct several chapels for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a Scout Counsel center.

Ronald Later was preceded in death by his brother Weston Later, his sister Sandra Aurich, his Son Mark Hall Later, granddaughter Amanda Elizabeth Later, and his parents Dillon Wayne Later and Linda Ann Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Louise Hall Later, his three daughters, Edna Ann Campbell (Dan), Kristen Louise Duke (Richard), Sharon Renae Later (Kyle), and daughter in- law (Cindy Later), his four sons Douglas Wayne Later (Becky), Kevin Ronald Later (Louise), Loren Curtis Later (Elisa), Peter Ryan Later (Charlotte), his brother Richard Later (Linda), and his two sisters, Carolynn Hussman and Laina Taylor.

Our amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather touched thousands of lives during his journey here on earth who all join the angels in heaven as we celebrate a life well lived.

Funeral services will be held Thursday June 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clearfield South Stake Center, 2186 S. 125 W. Clearfield, Utah. Friends may visit with family and friends Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road Layton, and Thursday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

Services will be live-streamed and may be viewed at: https://youtube.com/@coventryparkward5506.

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