Albert Leon Thayn’s life story is one of hard work, endless curiosity, and love for his family. Born September 15th, 1928 in Wellington, Utah to Albert and Laura Thayn and passed peacefully August 5, 2016.
Leon Thayn grew up working on the family farm and as a young man worked in the coke mines in Columbia, Utah. Even as a young man he possessed great intellect, curiosity, and a talent for writing. He won local essay contests and was selected by the 4-H association 1949 as a finalist in the National Farm Youth Exchange project. In 1950 he enlisted in the Army and became one of the early members of the newly-formed United States Air Force while he was stationed in Germany, where he worked as an airplane mechanic and attained the rank of Sergeant. After being discharged, Leon returned to Utah and married his sweetheart Dixie Wilstead on October 2nd, 1954. He and Dixie took on the family farm, got into the cattle business, and raised three children: Lori Thayn, Cheryl Wilcox, and Mark Thayn. With his family, Leon expanded his operation to include the Thayn Ranch Meats Packing Plant in Wellington. His sense of community is evident in his service; as a part of the Advisory Board of the First Security Bank of Price, Utah and the Utah Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee he worked to ensure that everyone in his community could support each other in times of drought and share the bounty of times of plenty. After 1979 Leon and his brother Lee Thayn partnered together and bought a farm in Green River, Utah where they raised watermelons, feed, and cattle. Never satisfied to simply do as others have done, Leon worked to innovate his farming process to be more efficient, sustainable, and fiscally sound. He also worked with his brother Lee to build a hydroelectric power plant on the Green River, which is at this moment producing power for the state of Utah. After he retired he moved to Price where he served his community through Price Chapel and as a member of the Gideon society.
More than any of his accomplishments, Leon’s gentle spirit and endless joy are what his family and friends admire the most. He was always quick to forgive, but quicker to make a joke. He described his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Death: August 5, 2016 the most wonderful thing he has been a part of and always had a place in his home for his family. He encouraged all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to pursue their passions and to live their lives fully. Even in the most challenging circumstances, he found a way to bring laughter and comfort to the people he loved. Leon’s legacy is more than deeds, but is an enduring curiosity and patient love that nurtured his fields and his family alike.
He joins his wife Dixie, his brother Paul, and his grandson Thayn Michael in their eternal rest and lives on in his three brothers, two sisters, four children, nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
Albert Leon Thayn’s spirit of joy and commitment to humility, honesty, compassion, and integrity endure in the memories of his friends, family, and community.
Funeral service, Tuesday, August 9, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Price Chapel-Christian Missionary Alliance (611 West Price River Drive) in Price. The family will receive the friends at the Price-Chapel Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to services. Interment, Wellington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Leon online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net