Brad Leon Beutler

Brad Leon Beutler, 75, of Sandy, Utah, passed away on September 20, 2026, just two days before his 76th birthday, following complications from Lewy body dementia.

Brad was born on September 22, 1950, in Ogden, Utah, to G. Leon Beutler and Jeanne Trimble Beutler. The family lived in Dragerton, Utah before moving to Smithfield, where Brad and his brother, Paul, grew up next door to their grandparents, George Leon Beutler and Venna Nielsen Beutler, and their uncle, William “Bill” Beutler.

An only child until age 12, Brad grew up especially close to his parents and grandparents and had an idyllic childhood in Cache Valley. He spent long summer days fishing and golfing with his father and grandfather, developed an early love of cars, and enjoyed the kind of close-knit family that he valued throughout his life.

Brad graduated from Sky View High School and went on to attend Utah State University, where he played on the golf team and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies. It was during those years in Cache Valley that he met Susan “Sue” Parker. They married on July 1, 1970, in Brad’s parents’ backyard and would share 55 years of marriage.

After college, Brad received several job offers and chose an opportunity in the Salt Lake School District. He and Sue moved to Sandy, where they raised four children, David, Shelley, Jon, and Steven, and made their home for more than 50 years. Their family eventually grew to include six grandchildren, and Brad and Sue made spending time with them an important part of their lives. Sandy became not only their longtime community but the place their children and grandchildren knew as home.

Golf remained one of the defining passions of Brad’s life. He spent 27 years as Head Golf Professional at Cottonwood Country Club, where he created and oversaw tournaments and golf programs, including a junior golf program that grew steadily under his leadership. He passed his love of the game on to his own children and grandchildren, and many of the programs he helped establish at the club continue today.

Throughout his years at Cottonwood Country Club, Brad continued the career in education that originally brought him to the Salt Lake Valley. He spent his entire 34-year career in education as a Library and Media Specialist at Clayton Middle School in the Salt Lake School District, teaching thousands of students, becoming a valued part of the school community, and forming some of his closest friendships there.

Not one to sit still, Brad began a new career in residential real estate after retiring from the school and country club. The flexibility gave him more time for family and travel while still allowing him to do something he enjoyed: meeting and helping people. He became a trusted resource for family and friends buying, selling, or improving a home.

His interest in homes was personal as well as professional. Over the years, he and Sue built or finished three homes in Sandy, thoughtfully shaping each one together. Brad took particular pride in maintaining them, spending countless hours on what was always the best yard in the neighborhood. His cars were just as meticulously maintained.

Brad also loved music, Broadway, theater, and sports. A devoted Utah State Aggies fan, he was a longtime Utah Jazz season-ticket holder. He and Sue traveled the world together, taking many cruises and creating lasting memories with family and friends along the way. He loved experiencing new places with Sue and was always looking forward to where they might go next.

But wherever he traveled, Brad remained closely connected to his family. He was a constant source of advice, encouragement, and practical help for his children and grandchildren, always willing to lend a hand with a move, a home project, or an important decision. He made a point of being present for the lives of the people he loved and could always be counted on when he was needed.

Brad’s love for Sue was equally enduring. She remained at the center of his life and cared for him with great love and patience throughout his illness until her passing in November 2025. Their separation lasted less than a year. Brad was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his family takes comfort knowing that he and Sue are together again.

Brad is survived by his children, David; Shelley (Zac); Jon (Mara); and Steven; his grandchildren, Sam, Abi, Lexi, Zoe, Mitch, and Louie; and his brother, Paul. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue, and his parents, Leon and Jeanne Beutler.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Northridge Ward, 11196 South Wasatch Boulevard, Sandy, Utah 84092. The viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest beside Sue at Smithfield Cemetery in Smithfield, Utah.

Brad’s life was marked by loyalty, hard work, friendship, and commitment to the people he loved. His influence lives on in his family, the students and golfers he taught, and the many people fortunate enough to call him a friend.