Cary Dee Jones, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly from sudden cardiac arrest on Saturday, September 14, 2024. 

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Cary was a fiercely kind friend to all who were fortunate to know him. His generosity and commitment to his community extended far beyond his immediate circles, as he was an active supporter and committed advocate for many charitable, educational and cultural organizations throughout Utah and California. Cary's life was a testament to his belief that "love" is not merely a feeling but an act—a verb—expressed through continuing and unwavering kindness and “showing up” to care for others.

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He was born on February 1, 1952, at the Park City Miners Hospital to Alfa Virginia Johnson and Robert Jones of Park City, Utah. He was raised in Salt Lake City, and attended Olympus High School and the University of Utah. He built a beautiful and joyful family, despite facing a deep loss of his own. At the center of his heart was his loving wife of thirty years, Kristin Hopfenbeck; his devoted daughters, Molly Cooper and Megan Alfa Jones Shiotani (Dru); and his beloved granddaughter (and his biggest fan), Mori Cooper Shiotani. Cary is preceded in death by his own parents and his wife Susan Cooper Jones, mother to Molly and Megan. He is also survived by his brothers, Dane (Susan) and Tad (Michelle), his aunt Kathy Jones-Price (Harry) and a close family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

A lifelong Ute football fan, Cary was deeply connected to the University of Utah and SJ Quinney College of Law, where he generously contributed to its community throughout his remarkable career. As a Senior Partner at Snell & Wilmer, he was a mentor, leader, and advocate for countless clients and generations of lawyers, guiding them with wisdom and integrity. 

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Cary’s smile and sincerity were infectious. All those who loved him are left heartbroken, wishing they could turn to their dearest and most steadfast friend in this time of grief. Cary would have met their sorrow with an open ear, a thoughtful letter, and a gentle reminder that it’s okay to cry, and to care for one another.

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Cary, Dad, Papa, Sverre… you are missed beyond measure. Your spirit of love, service, kindness and joy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you.

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A celebration of Cary’s life will be held on October 25th for family and friends to gather to honor the remarkable life he lived. Please visit the Memorial portion of this site for details on the event as they are finalized, and to share your memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Cary’s memory to any of the following organizations, which Cary supported during his life:

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• Rowland Hall -St. Mark's School (http://www.rowlandhall.org/giving/)

• University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law (https://www.law.utah.edu/give/) 

• The Sharing Place, Grief Support for Children (www.thesharingplace.org).

• The Huntsman Cancer Institute Susan Cooper Jones Endowed Fellowship in Cancer Research (https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/)