John Darrell Hortin

John Darrell Hortin passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in Salt Lake City, UT.  After suffering a stroke on Wednesday morning January 4^th, in his typical style, he quickly rallied and showed improvement, but then experienced complications with his heart.  During his final days he had a warm smile and an “I love you” for each of his family members which will always be a cherished memory.

John was born in Wanship, UT on December 8, 1927, to Arthur Charles and Hazel Jane Hixon Hortin.  He attended school in the old Wanship Elementary through grade 7 then attended North Summit High School graduating in 1945.  After high school, he worked various jobs to help support his mom and younger brother Frank after the passing of his father during his senior year of high school. 

John was proud to serve his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sgt First Class.  After his service in the military, he returned home to Wanship and began his career as a heavy equipment operator, later joining the Operators Union.  His work in construction took him to job locations throughout Utah and Wyoming.   He always returned home on breaks between jobs and on weekends.  During one of those breaks, he attended the Fisherman’s Dance in Coalville, UT.  While at the dance, he met Cleone Richins for the first time.  After a short romance they were married in the in the Salt Lake Temple on November 20, 1959.  After their marriage, they made their home in Wanship next to his childhood home, where they have remained for all these years. They continued to enjoy dancing together for years, and taught each of their four children, Brenda, Russell, Lyle, and Shawn how to dance.  While John and Cleone raised their children, he continued to travel with construction jobs to support his family, due to this time away during the busy construction season, it was always important to John and Cleone that the holidays were a very special time spent with family.

After his retirement from construction work, John continued to enjoy working into his late 80’s.  He could be found every morning behind the counter at the Rafter B, which quickly became a favorite stop for many on their way to work. After finishing up his shift at 9:00 am he would often go load up his horse and head out to gather cows for a friend.  During the winter months, he spent many evenings driving a team of draft horses with a sleigh full of visitors in Park City.  Even with all his part-time retirement work, he always found time to help family or friends in need, and attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, rodeos, and dance competitions.  There was never any question that family was John’s priority. 

John truly honored his Savior Jesus Christ through his actions.  In his quiet unassuming way, he served others, was a friend to all and loved you unconditionally.  He provided comfort when needed and advice when asked.  We will miss him but find peace in knowing that he has joined other family members who passed before him.  We also know that he will continue to provide comfort to each of us as he has always done.

John is survived by his wife Cleone and his children Brenda, Russell (Sue), Lyle (Christa), and Shawn (RaeShel).  Also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Ed Street, two sisters Margret (Jim) Hennek, Lorraine (Vern) Young and two brothers Arthur “Chuck” (Diane) Hortin and Frank (Mavis) Hortin. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the local first responder teams and the many doctors and nurses at the University of Utah Hospital Neurological Critical Care Unit who provided such compassionate care for John during his final few days. 

A viewing will be held Thursday January 12, 2023, from 6-8 PM at the Wanship LDS church.  Services will be Friday January 13, 2023, at 11:00 AM with a viewing prior from 9:00-10:45 AM at the same location.  Interment will be in the Wanship Cemetery with military honors.