Gerry Tuft

Our dad, Gerry Wayne Tuft, was born on March 31, 1946, in Richfield, Utah, to Betty Lynn and Wayne Lynn Tuft. He passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Provo, Utah, at his Courtyard at Jamestown residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Dad grew up in Monroe, Utah, in a house built by his grandfather. He often told us stories of those early days—full of family, hard work, and laughter. Later, the family moved to Nampa, Idaho, where he continued his adventures with his siblings: Jeffrey, Jody, Courtney, Joanne, Jeanne, Candy, and Melodie. Each sibling held a special place in his heart, and family always came first for him.

He met and married our mother, Dorcas Ruth Hunter, on August 27, 1968 in the Manti Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life in Altamont, Utah and later Provo, raising their 6 children —Jennifer (Quentin) Maxwell, Trenton (Sarah) Tuft, Brenda (Ron) Hendrickson, Dustin (Susannah) Tuft, Kellie (Jerry) Asmus, and DeAnna (Bryan) Ashworth. Dad took great pride in his growing family: 27 grandchildren (one who went ahead to prepare the way for the rest of us), 15 great-grandchildren, and two more on the way. Mom passed just this last December, and we find comfort knowing they are together again.

Dad loved learning and teaching. He earned his degree in Geography Education, with a minor in Science Education, from BYU. For 21 years, he taught history, science, photography, and yearbook at Altamont High School, eventually serving as assistant principal. When we moved to Provo, he brought his passion for education to Lakeridge Jr High School, where he taught for another 21 years—history, geography, science, and especially the yearbook class. He poured his heart into everything he did and was recognized with several Jostens Yearbook Awards and the Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching. To support our family, he worked many jobs—cleaning businesses, custodial work for Altamont High School, stocking shelves at Mohlman’s, construction jobs, and working the family farm with his dad. His work ethic was unmatched.

Dad was devoted to Mom and to us. He could never pass up a good deal on groceries and was a lifelong Utah Jazz fan. There was always a basketball or football game in our house and a child standing in front of it. Dad’s faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was quiet but strong. He served in many callings, usually as a teacher or executive secretary, showing us the power of steady, consistent service.

One of Dad’s proudest accomplishments was seeing his legacy carried on—two of his children, two grandchildren, and three in-laws have chosen careers in education, following his example of service. Dad touched the lives of thousands of students including four of his own children and one grandchild, making learning something to look forward to. At home, he was always willing to help, whether it was a ride to various activities, listening without judgment, or making sure each of us felt equally loved. From him, we learned fairness, generosity, faith in God, and the importance of time together, especially at the temple.

We’ll gather for funeral services to celebrate Dad’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Lakeside 3rd Ward Chapel, 102 North 2400 West, Provo, Utah. Friends and family are welcome to visit from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. before the service. He will be laid to rest at the Provo City Cemetery. For those unable to join us in person, the service will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/gerry-tuft.

We invite you to leave memories and photos at www.bergmortuary.com to help us celebrate Dad’s remarkable life. Thank you to everyone who has shown us love and support—we feel Dad’s legacy in every kindness.