Brian Keith Horton

Brian Keith Horton, devoted husband, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, September 8th, after a courageous battle with cancer. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Heather, and their four children, Zach (Krista), Colby (Erin), Jacob (Elle), and Aleah (Brady), eight grandchildren, four living siblings, his mother Mildred, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Ralph Maurice Horton, brother Carl Horton, and nephew Tyler Horton. Brian was born in Pullman, WA on April 23, 1962, as the first child of Ralph and Mildred Horton. He was a dutiful son, and although caring, was a very authoritarian babysitter to his younger siblings. They have fond memories of being sent to bed early so Brian could enjoy the rest of the evening to himself. He spent much of his childhood camping and hiking in the Grand Teton Mountains or fishing on the Snake River. He was an avid scout and earned just about every award possible, from Eagle Scout to the Silver Beaver. Brian married Heather Little on October 5, 1985, and they were later sealed as a family in the St. George Utah Temple on April 22, 2006. He fiercely loved his wife and built strong relationships with each of their children. Early fond memories like playing classic rock guitar music on tennis rackets, wrestling on the floor, grilling ribs while cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, playing games, and laughing together, helped develop a strong connection with each child. He loved his role as Grandpa (aka Lolo) to: Finnley, Rowan, Isla, Eloise, Beckett, Logan, Kennedy and Noah, and enjoyed spending precious time with them fishing, swimming, learning about their lives, or just snuggling; naptime being his favorite. Brian loved being outdoors. As he grew older, he joined his grandfather, father, uncles, brothers, and later his own children, on the annual Horton Backpack. This trip often included hiking 50 miles through mountainous backwoods. As a scout master he was able to share these skills and enthusiasm for the great outdoors. Brian also loved outdoor sports–especially with family and friends–from football to golf to swimming and even a bit of rugby. Later in life he found a passion for biking and distance running. He ran the St. George Marathon three times, loved to ride his Harley motorcycle and pulled his camp trailer to many amazing destinations. “Anything to get me outdoors,” he would often say. Brian was a hard worker. He was governed by principles. Those who knew him were gifted, and very possibly, required, to read Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, followed by a test of knowledge. He started his career in food service at a young age, and through integrity and a strong work ethic, was often promoted quickly to leadership roles. He worked for Godfather’s Pizza for twenty-four years where he managed stores, districts, regions, and eventually his own franchise. When he and Heather sold their business, he worked for Sysco Foods and, once again, became a trusted manager and leader. He was often referred to as a mentor and friend amongst his clients and colleagues. Although Brian enjoyed a successful career, working hard in his own home and family was his most passionate profession. Brian and Heather achieved great success through building businesses, houses, backyard paradises, and rental properties. But building a successful family was his greatest accomplishment. Working alongside Brian was always a lesson in responsibility, integrity, and hard, honest work. Brian recited the Serenity Prayer daily. “Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time.” became his daily mantra. Brian overcame many trials that he used to teach and serve others. He served quietly in positions of leadership in his church, community, and even for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah. As he battled cancer, he possessed the serenity to accept the disease's rapid progression, exhibited courage to continue creating memories and moments with his family and shared his wisdom to the end. He passed away as he had lived– “enjoying one moment at a time”. The family would like to thank Dr. Haslem and his amazing team at Intermountain Health for their endless compassion during this journey, the skillful hands of Dr. Daneshmand at USC and his medical staff, Zions Way Hospice, and for the loving hospice angel Michelle who was a true gift to the family during his final days. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 1:00pm at 630 Riesling Avenue in Santa Clara, UT. Individuals wishing to give condolences to the family may arrive at 11:30. A A private family graveside service will be held following the memorial. To join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99813206945?pwd=eLi73dLt5naEyY2OerIWWPN9t6lQvS.1 Meeting ID: 998 1320 6945 Passcode: 631713 Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, (435) 986-9100.

Brian Keith Horton

April 23, 1962 - September 8, 2024