Newell “Lynn” Barlow

Newell “Lynn” Barlow, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on September 7, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Newell Hjorth Barlow and Ruby Alice Barlow, he grew up alongside his seven siblings: Roger, Brian, Merlin, Robert, Philip, Paul, and Diane. During his early years in New Mexico, he became fluent in Spanish, a skill he carried throughout his life.

On January 12, 1959, Lynn married the love of his life, Marilyn Jenkins. Together, they shared 66 years of unwavering devotion, raising four children: Debbie, Russ, Ken, and Chris. Marilyn and Lynn lived a full and vibrant life together with such love and sweet devotion especially in his final days.  He was a dedicated grandfather to 12 grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to 18. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Lynn had an insatiable thirst for learning and adventure which is hard to fully encompass all that he achieved and all of his interests. He was a very unique and interesting man. He was a voracious reader who loved diving into books on a wide range of topics, ensuring that he visited the library often for his latest read. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and was a proud member of the Union Local 3 Operating Engineers. He also successfully ran Discount Travel and Tours out of his home for many years as a part of his passion for travel and adventure.

A passionate adventurer, Lynn obtained his pilot’s license and flew his own Cessna—purchasing the plane even before he was officially licensed with help from a friend. His children remember these flights fondly and not so fondly.  A lifelong basketball fan, he held Utah Jazz season tickets for 45 years. He was an avid skier, continuing to hit the slopes well into his 80s – “skiing is free at Alta once you hit 80!”. His love for travel took him to all 50 states, with special fondness for Hawaii and Florida and many other places as long as it was shared with others and his wife Marilyn. He also made many trips to the Grand Ole Opry, as he had a deep love for bluegrass music.

Lynn found joy in the outdoors. He was an enthusiastic hiker who explored countless trails, always appreciating the beauty of nature and sharing it with others. He also had a love for gardening, taking pride in growing fruit trees and fresh vegetables.

Beyond travel and sports, Lynn was a meticulous family historian, preserving memories through countless photo albums, he was constantly found taking photos wherever he went and got the photo regardless of any hurdles he may have faced. He had a deep love for animals, he and Marilyn cared for many pets, including many cats, dogs, frogs, birds, ferrets, fish, and even a magpie named Maggie. His athleticism extended beyond skiing—he held a brown belt in Judo and introduced his sons to Judo which extended to grandkids and great grandkids as well,  and competed as a college wrestler. He and Marilyn cherished their time at their condo in Mesquite, NV.

As a father, Lynn always put his children first. Though he disliked fishing, he still took his sons on fishing trips, always putting their happiness before his own. He created unforgettable family road trips, including a drive from Salt Lake City to Mexico and back. He was a very supportive, patient and loving father which they remember fondly. He was a true patriarch of the family.

As a grandfather, he was simply the best. He taught all his grandchildren how to ski, took them to Jazz games, and created lifelong memories through travel and adventure which was no small feat with 12 grandkids ensuring that everyone had amazing experiences. Each grandchild had a unique and special bond with him, and he took immense pride in his role as a grandpa. The foundation of who we are was laid by our grandpa, and we hope to share that with our own kids and grandkids. Even as a great-grandfather, Lynn remained actively involved in his family’s lives, showing his love and presence across generations.

Lynn had a rare gift for making everyone feel like part of his family. His kindness, generosity, and warmth left a lasting impression on all who met him. He found his greatest happiness in family, especially in Champagne Sundays and the simple, beautiful moments spent together. Above all, his most cherished roles were as a devoted husband, a loving father, and an extraordinary grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers, and his son, Russell. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his beloved cat, “his little girl” Boo Boo; his children, Debbie, Ken (Susan), and Christina (Jay); his grandchildren, James, April (Jeremy), Marissa (Charles), Monique (Sean), Casey (Brinkley), Aaron, Amber, Autumn, Rickey (Julia), Andrew, Sabrina, and Jaydon; and many beloved great-grandchildren.

His legacy of love, adventure, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Stark Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and the entrance located on the north side of the building.