Graydon Jay Briggs

Graydon Jay Briggs, age 66, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2013. He was born in Cardston, Alberta to Don Hardy and Arlyne Cahoon Briggs on January 4, 1947.

The oldest of six children, Graydon grew up in the Cottonwood/Holladay area and graduated from Olympus High School in 1965. Following his LDS mission to the Gulf States, Graydon attended dental school at USC.

Early in his career Graydon partnered in the first 24-hour emergency dental clinic in Utah. Continually perfecting his skill in the art of dentistry, he took great pride in the quality of his work. Graydon created a niche for himself as Utah's first traveling dentist, performing thousands of root canals across the state of Utah and in Las Vegas.

In his professional life, he was often referred to affectionately as "Dr. B." But outside the dental office, Grady took on numerous other roles, including restaurateur, musician, logger/builder, and artist, to name a few. He had a passion for woodworking, specifically using large timbers and logs, which he personally harvested. Eventually he built his dream cabin in Southern Utah.

During his nearly 20 years in Wayne County, Graydon made many close friends and thoroughly engaged in the community there. He was kind and generous and would often barter dental work for local services simply to help a friend in need.

Graydon was a spirited outdoorsman and adventurer. By bicycle, motorcycle, or dirt bike, he toured the beautiful countryside of Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and Canada. One year he challenged himself to ski a Wasatch peak each month, including August! Whether he was skiing, backpacking, or rafting, the great outdoors was undoubtedly Graydon's second home.

He loved spending time with his daughter and her family in Seattle, and playing the guitar with his son, anywhere. Graydon's beautiful singing voice melted hearts all around him. And in his spare time, he could often be found on his backhoe moving big logs and boulders around his property in Grover, Utah.

A creative, caring and gentle soul, Graydon touched the lives of countless people with his passion and inspiration. He continually strived to live a kinder, more meaningful life in every way. Graydon was preceded in death by his parents Don and Arlyne Briggs, his brother David Briggs, his former wife Debra Walker Briggs, and his step-son Spencer Pierson. He is survived by his children Erin (Clayton) Greenleaf and Patrick Briggs, grandsons Koen and Finnegan Greenleaf, siblings Kerry Briggs, Brenda Keller, Kim Briggs, and Jeff Briggs, and twelve nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the employees of CareSource Home Health and Hospice in Holladay, Utah. Their tender care and genuine compassion for Graydon during his final weeks will never be forgotten.

Memorial services will be held Friday, December 13, 2013 at Noon at the Parleys 1st Ward, 2255 South Wasatch Drive (approx. 2700 East) Salt Lake City, where friends and family can visit one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, it was Graydon's wish that donations be made to the CareSource Charitable Foundation, 1624 East 4500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84117, for people who could not otherwise afford such an invaluable service.