Jon Henry

Jon Henry, 70, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2024. He was born on June 26, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edward Charles Henry and Verla Kay Henry.

Jon graduated from Highland High School in 1971. During that time, he found his love for motorcycles and started racing. His dad began selling parts at Jon’s races out of the back of their van which grew enough to open the shop on Ironwood Drive in Salt Lake City, creating the family business, Competition Products. All three girls enjoyed working side by side with their dad and grandpa answering phones, doing inventory, delivering parts, and running the business. Competition Products was in business for a little over 30 years before closing their doors in 2000. Soon after Comp—as it was known to many— Jon saw a need in the market for whip flags and began Whip it Flags in 2001. Jon was very passionate about running his businesses even though he jokingly called himself the founder/slave. He had just recently got a custom license plate “FLAGMAN” of which he was so proud.

Jon married Kathy Thatcher in 1976 and had three beautiful daughters, “The Henry Girls”. They enjoyed spending their time at the desert races (Team Vaseline), on their boat at Lake Powell, or at their family cabin; they divorced but remained friends. Later he met Laura Dewhurst and they recently celebrated 26 years together. They enjoyed running Whip It Flags, going to the cabin, gambling in Wendover, yearly trips to the Florida Keys, Europe, and cruises. His other loves included dirt bikes, racing, and all things off road. He raced desert, and flat track, and often took first place or finished top 3rd in his class. He eventually began riding his first Harley with close friends and his daughters. He leaves behind the gift of his love and loyalty to all who knew him and his late-night calls and texts will be terribly missed by his girls.

Jon has left behind many friends and family who are heartbroken at his sudden passing. He is survived by his partner Laura Dewhurst, his first wife, and mother of his children, Kathy Thatcher. His daughters; Kimberly (Reed) Goodrich, Corinne (Jason) Morton, and Breanna (David) Escobar. “Adopted” daughter Delainna (Tom), as well as Laura’s son Kody (Sarah) Jones. His beloved grandkids; Alexis, Makayla, AJ, Ellie, Hailey, Jane, Sterling, and grand dogs. And many treasured friends and business associates.

Please help us celebrate Jon’s life on June 8, 2024, from 4-6 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. The family hopes all and any who would like to attend will come help them celebrate Jon and the legacy he created in the Utah motorcycle industry. In lieu of flowers, please share stories, memories and photos with Jon’s family. In memory of Jon, his family hopes you’ll enjoy riding your motorcycle, ATV, UTV, boat, or anything in the great outdoors.