Jerry Townsend April 27, 1943 - December 9, 2018
Native son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather; respected and admired friend; honorable Utah police officer and Sergeant of Robbery and Homicide for Salt Lake County; geology college student; master furniture builder; impeccable woodworker; professional saxophone musician; prolific watercolorist; creative jewelry designer; jokester with quick wit and humor; avid golfer and bowler; aficionado of hunting and fishing; lover of backyard birds, mountains and forests; and an adventurous world traveler. He died a happy and fulfilled man.
At the time of death, Jerry was residing in Sequim, Washington where he moved to September 2015. He is preceded by Lyle Beck Townsend (mother), Rex Leo Townsend (father), Kim Townsend (brother), Sharon Newbold Hiatt (ex-wife), Christine Townsend (daughter), Patricia Kilby Townsend (wife).
He is survived by Cynthia Herrick Townsend (wife), children Debbie (Steve) McColley, Jerry Lynn (Amy)Townsend Jr, Robert (Natalie) Hiatt, Nicole (Matt) Caroen, Danielle (John) James, Darrell Townsend (brother), Deb Myers (ex-wife); step-children Tiffany (Marilyn) Naylor-Weeks, Brian (Trish) Callister; grandchildren Forest, Aaron, Chandler, Aubrey, Avienne, Evan, Alyssa, Reilly, Devin, Abigale, Shelby, Isabella, Kiernan, Paityn, Adisyn, Breckyn, Zachary; and great-grandchildren Andre and Stevie.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held by family and close friends in Washington at a later date.
Services
Services Handled By
Life Story Info
Post Date
Personal Info
Born
Died
Cause of Death
Age
Gender
Religion and Beliefs
Occupation
Military Affiliation
- Army
Education
-
High SchoolMurray High School
I was so sad to hear of Jerry's death. I was his secretary at the Sheriff's Office when he worked Auto Theft. He was a great guy and we had some really good time bowling. He was such a good bowler.
From the first moment we met Jerry, as Cynthia's beaux at the time, we loved him! His sense of humor was so like my husband, Olin's, and we enjoyed the times that we spent with him! My husband worked out of state quite a bit, so he and Jerry did not get to follow through with their plans of golfing together, playing a little black jack and more travel. We lost him too soon.
The fun we had though, traveling through Paris and northern France together was awesome!! The times together were so memorable.
He will forever be in our hearts
Thanks for everything Jerry, you were a great mentor.
One of the finest people that I have ever worked with and known. A true friend and honest man. One of a kind. The very best kind!
Jerry was a great guy, always willing to teach and mentor anyone who asked. My first experience was when I was a young rookie at a crime scene. Jerry took the time to teach me what to look for and why things happened the way it did. Many years later he was my Sargent in the West Patrol and he never stopped teaching me or those around him. Thanks and rest in peace.
There are a lot of words that describes Jerry. He was someone who commanded and demanded the best of me. He was the most fair person I know and the best police officer I have ever been around. His memory was unbelievable and insight into people and situations was incredible. He was my mentor and friend and I will never forget the times we spent together during and after his career. I was able to spend the best part of my career around him and owe him so much from the lessons he taught. They weren’t always easy lessons to learn, but his fairness in teaching them made me realize his greatness. My condolences go to Jerry’s family and all that love and will miss him.
Jerry was a talented kind man. I was enjoying getting to know him and wish I had more time. My love and condolences go out to all suffering. May God grant hit peace and comfort in your time of need.