Jeffrey Ogden

JEFF OGDEN BOISE, ID -- Jeffrey Lynn Ogden passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, after being life-flighted from injuries sustained in a skiing accident in Sun Valley, Idaho. He was 53 years old. He was born on August 9, 1956, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Myrlin D. Ogden and Hazel Marie Sizemore Ogden. Jeff was the older of two sons. To his younger brother Shawn, who was born with down-syndrome, Jeff was his hero. Growing up, their family moved all across the United States for his father’s employment, and no matter what would happen, Jeff was there to protect his little brother. Jeff is still Shawn’s hero. He graduated from Bonneville High School in 1974, where he excelled in football and baseball. During his senior year Jeff was named MVP of his football team and also held the school’s Stolen Bases Record for over twenty years. He later attended Ricks College and Idaho State University. In 1977, Jeff married Starla, whom he loved more than life. They soon started a family and welcomed their twin sons, Zach and Tyler, and their daughter, Tawny, into the world. Jeff worked during the day and went to school at night to become an electrician. After many years of being mentored by his father, Myrt Ogden, founder of Intermountain Construction, Inc., a construction firm based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jeff was offered the opportunity to pursue his dream of owning his own construction company. He bought Intermountain Construction in 1998. A combination of Jeff’s enthusiasm and his father’s life lessons helped him to begin living his dream of building custom homes and ski lodges. Some of his accomplishments include River Run Day Lodge, Warm Springs Day Lodge, Seattle Ridge Day Lodge, Dollar Mountain Day Lodge (Carol’s Lodge), the Sun Valley Nordic Center, the Sun Valley Pavilion, and John Paul Lodge at Snowbasin (home of the 2002 Winter Olympics) in Huntsville, Utah. To all of Jeff’s clients, he was more than just a contractor, he was thought of as a close friend. In 2005, Jeff and Starla built a second home in Ketchum, Idaho. Jeff enjoyed spending time outdoors and he and Starla took advantage of all the different sporting activities the seasons had to offer over there. One in particular was skiing and snowboarding on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley, Idaho. Jeff was more than a father to his children, he was their best friend. In many ways he was a child himself, living life through their eyes. He loved rock and roll, hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his family on the lake for a day of wakeboarding and surfing. He was fearless about life and lived life to its fullest. In his last years he enjoyed spending time with Starla at their Sun Valley home, having long talks with his mother about his dad and the construction industry, and playing “monster” with his grandchildren. Jeff was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He took pleasure in reading the Bible and Book of Mormon, and studying the scriptures. He taught the High Priests in the Iona 1st Ward and enjoyed doing that. Jeff was passionate about life and probably lived more in 53 years than most of us will in a lifetime. We were all privileged to have him be a part of our earthly lives. He is survived by his mother, Hazel Marie Ogden, of Idaho Falls; his brother, Shawn Ogden, of Idaho Falls; his wife, Starla Ogden, of Idaho Falls; his two sons, Zach Ogden (wife, Maren Ogden, grandchildren, Charlize - 5yrs, Benson – 3yrs, Ledger - 1yr,) of Idaho Falls, Tyler Ogden (wife, Christine Ogden, grandchildren, Reece - 4yrs, Tristan - 1yr) of Idaho Falls and Tawny O’Donnal (husband, Daniel O’Donnal, grandchildren, Berkley - 3yrs, Lolla - 2yrs, Lennox - 2 weeks,) of San Antonio, Texas. The family expresses their deep appreciation to the Sun Valley Ski Patrol, St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center for the care that was taken to try to save Jeff, and to all those who lovingly shared their time, energy and love with him throughout his life. They would also like to thank their family and friends who have made their lives so rich with great memories. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Sun Valley Ski Patrol, P.O. Box 10, Sun Valley, ID 83353 Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the Iona LDS Stake Center, 55th East and Ririe Highway, with Bishop Kim Ryan of the Iona 1st Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home East Side and from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Deidra Mickelsen I am so so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. His obituary fits him very well though about living life to its fullest, and he was Zach and Tyler's best friend along with all of their friends. He was an amazing father and person. You are all in my prayers. Deidra The A.C. Houston Lumber Co. mlakey@houstonlumber.com Our deepest sympathy is extended to the entire family, business and community of Jeff Ogden. Kirk Clark What a shock to hear of the passing of a wonderful friend and team-mate. I have such fond memories of playing both football and baseball with Jeff. I just marveled at his speed in running the bases. Even though it's been a few years since I last visited with Jeff. I can remember we talked about family and friends. And of course, he made me laugh out loud as if we back at BHS. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and his wonderful family. Mable Zeek bemrzeek@aol.com My prayers are with the family. Marie we all love you so very much and are so sorry for your loss. When you want a friend please call me. Prayers. Mable Steve & Sherry Randolph Our deepest sympathy in the passing of Jeff. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love, Steve & Sherry Randolph Dot Eaton dote19@yahoo.com Starla & Family, My heart and prayers go out to your family. Jeff was most kind and caring. Thank you for being part of my life. Dot Eaton Robert Blake sixblakes@byu.net The obituary for Jeff was a beautiful tribute to a great soul, and I'm grateful to have known him. Last summer we had a baseball reunion for those early years of Bonneville baseball and it was so much fun to see him and hear about all of his adventures since high school. He was a remarkable fellow who touched many lives for good. My deepest sympathies go to his family and friends at this time. Kerry Mangum hjcinc@cableone.net I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. While doing infusions with him, He was so interesting to talk to. I enjoyed the time I was there and briefly getting to meet your children. You must be a strong woman, Starla to endure these last years and then lose Jeff like this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Jim F. May jim@eurostonetile.com My condolences go out to Jeff's family, for their great loss. I worked with Jeff for many years, on many projects, including his own home. I considered Jeff a friend (I think a lot of people did), in fact, he called me Jimmy, which is what my friends & family call me. Jeff would always take the time to visit with me when I stopped into his office, or saw him on a job site. Most of the time, these conversations were more about family & fun, than they were about work. I know from these conversations, how much he cherished his wife Starla & his kids. I remember meeting Jeff in Malad one night, to drop off a trials motorcycle I sold him. My wife, Diana & I sat in the parking lot of a gas station, for over an hour, talking about our families & how much fun he was going to have with his boys riding this bike. When we were done, Jeff paid me for the motorcycle plus an additional $100. I protested several times & tried to give the money back, but Jeff would say, "No, I think this is a good deal & I want you to have the extra money. I think that showed me what great character Jeff had. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Jimmy May Ned & Anna Jean Sweat ned.anna.sweat@gmail.com After reading Jeff's Obit, we just wanted to comment on how nice of a tribute that was. He did accomplish a lot in his 53 years. What a nice guy. Good luck with the funeral. We wish we could be there. God bless. With the love from the Sweats. Greg and JoAnna Armstrong armstrong19@msnom Starla and family, we haven't known you long but wanted to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Greg knew of Jeff through the construction business, he was well respected. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you. Greg and JoAnna Armstrong (Kylee's parents) Jill Payette & Marc Corney redcanoe@sunlink.net Starla & family, We are so sorry for your loss. We worked with Jeff through the years from the SV Lodges to the Clubhouse. Every time we walk through those places we will be reminded of Jeff's ability to lighten the mood in a trailer full of stressed-out subcontractors. :) Jeff's generous spirit will be greatly missed. Jill Payette and Marc Corney Greg Maeser I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. He was always fun to talk to and full of enthusiasm. We had a great time playing baseball all those years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless. David Higham dhigham99@yahoo.com So sorry to hear about Jeff's passing! I admired him very much. I played American Legion baseball with Jeff, and when my children were teenagers, I told them about how Jeff spent so much time with his Downs Syndrome brother. Shawn was even in the dugout with us most games. I thought Jeff was a great example to share with my kids. Damon Anderson damon.c.anderson@gmail.com The Anderson family sends their love and condolences in this time of sorrow. Jeff was a great man and was looked up to by many. He led by example and his spiritually strong family confirms his leadership and love. Jeff will be greatly missed and we are saddened at the fact that we won't be able to enjoy his company during our planned visit to Idaho next year. We send love and prayers to the family. We miss you and love you! God Bless, Sincerely, the Anderson family. Cliff, Shannon, Angie, Travis and Damon..... Bobbe Flint mothercub29@hotmail.com Dear Starla and Family, What a beautiful telling of Jeff's life. My thoughts are with you, Starla. You were always so precious to Jeff. John Green, Lauri Frost & Sagen Howard Lauri520@cox.net Starla and family - our hearts go out to you at this time. You know we all loved Jeff -- he was the best boss and friend and so good to John & Sagen for all the years with ICI. His humor and kindness will be missed, as well as the big-kid we all love so much. From the San Juan Islands -- Hugs. Kim & Jan Hall kim.hall@bateman-hall.com Starla, we cannot begin to tell you how surprised and saddened we are to hear about Jeff. We knew you both were having your trials the last couple of years and were happy to here that you were doing better. While we haven't seen either of you much the last few years, we always heard how Jeff was doing and that he was starting to back away from work to have more time for the two of you. We will all miss Jeff and his zest for life and pray that the Lord will bless you and your family at this time. Kim & Jan Wendy, Stafford & Mariah McDaniel Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love, Wendy, Stafford & Mariah McDaniel Jerry Bugge jbugge@sunvalley.com Words are never easy to speak during these times. I wanted all the family to know that I cared for Jeff; he always took time to hear what I had to say. Besides having a work related relationship, we always had a chance to talk about family. I appreciated that in Jeff because it told me that life and family was very important and not everything had to be about work. Jeff will be truly missed here at Sun Valley. I wish that there were more words to express the sorrow that all of us here feel. I will truly miss Jeff. He always had a way of making me laugh and then at the same point kept things serious. Memories of Jeff will always be with me. My heart goes out to all the family and I am truly sorry for your loss. Gaylen and Susan Stucki gslgroup@ida.net Starla and family, We want you to know how much we care about you and what a great friend Jeff was to us. His enthusiasm was contagious and when you were in his presence, the sky was the limit. We will be leaving town today and will not have the honor of paying tribute to you and him at the services, but want you to know we will continue to pray for your family. Gaylen and Susan Stucki Carl Bullen My sincere condolences to all Jeff's family. He was a good friend during those years at Bonneville High School. I am inspired by the wonderful life he led, and all he was able to accomplish. Till we meet again. Gary & Wendy Norbom wjnorbom@me.com Starla and family, Jeff was an incredibly generous and big hearted man. I got to know him well while working with him on various projects at RLB. His friendship, love of family, and joy of life was a treasure and I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to you all. You are in our prayers. Alvin & Jessie Taylor Taylorqc@aol.com Starla, So sorry to hear about Jeff, he is the true spirt of living life to the fullest, it is so hard to believe. Our family will keep you and your family in our prayers, Alvin is so blesesd to have had worked with Jeff just starting out as laborer's with Ferguson and Sons, he taught him so much. Marcy To Jeff's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I helped take care of Jeff in the ICU, and it was evident that he was a great guy, and loved very much. I know that was such a hard time, and I have been thinking about you all. Becky (Manwaring) Ward kbward02@Hotmail.com We were so sad to hear of your loss. You have constantly been in our thoughts since we heard about the accident. We are thinking of you and praying for you. I never knew your dad, but he sounds like a great person who many people cared for and loved. He has left behind some great kids who I am sure will do his name proud. Thinking of you, Kevin and Becky Ward Tanner Acker (Dom. Rep. Santo Domingo East Mission) tanner_acker@yahoo.com Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find peace and comfort in the promise that families can be together forever. Rick Carosone poormanslam@yahoo.com Starla and Family, I met Jeff when I first moved to Idaho Falls in 1988. We played on a city league basketball team together. I have never known a nicer person or one that cared for his family as much as Jeff. I had not seen Jeff in years and thought our paths would eventually cross again. I am saddened that did not happen but I feel blessed and grateful just to have shared some life with him. My heart goes out to your everyone in your family. Jeff Anderson/Anderson Insulation betheball@cox.net Our heartfelt condolences to the Ogden Family. Jeff was always friendly, kind and generous. He respected loyalty and gave it without hesitation. The world has lost a wonderful man. The Irick Family idahoiricks@yahoo.com Starla, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Jeff's name in the paper. I cant image how you are doing. I haven't seen you guys for a couple of years, but I love and miss you. Jeff is a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend--we were all blessed to have had him in our lives. If you need anything, please let us know. I was unable to come to the funeral; we left Wednesday for Washington where the girls were swimming in a 10 state meet. I said a special prayer from there to you and Jeff and spoke with him all week. I have lots of family in heaven and asked them to show him around after he settled in with his friends and family. We will miss him badly and heaven is a lucky place. We are leaving again this weekend for Tom's Dad's 80th birthday party. I truly would love to see you and get a hug when you have a moment. All my love Debi,Tom, Jessica, and Jade. The girls will always remember their rids in his GTO on Sundays after his massages. What a sweet thing that was for him to do. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Thadd Blanton idblanton@cox.net Dear Jeff, The thought that you are gone and won’t be in the room again is so hard for me to process into a new reality. I find myself thinking it’s about time you came around the corner again with your genuine smile, your genuine personality and your genuine friendship . . . no holds barred; tell it like it is; concerned and attentive to my life’s condition; and willing to share your own doubts and desires concerning this thing we call life. And that laugh . . . what can I say. I know I am a better person for having known you and I truly believe I had an influence on your life as well. I feel as though we grew up together – and who we ultimately became was in part to having known each other and having traded life lessons. Goodbye, my friend and thank you . . . I will truly miss you. Thadd Blanton idblanton@cox.net