DeWayne Boyd Glazier

DeWayne Boyd Glazier, lovingly known as “D,” passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at 8:49 p.m. in Salt Lake City, Utah; just three hours shy of his 81st birthday. He fought valiantly to stay with us, but his body had grown too weary.

He was born on April 8, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Boyd Glazier and LaVon Neff. As a young boy, D spent countless hours on the Neff Turkey Ranch, located where South Towne Mall would later be built. A plaque honoring the pioneer Neff family, who settled the area and built the historic Neff Mill in Millcreek, still stands there today.

When D and his younger sister, Gaye, were still very young, the family moved to Hollywood, California. There, D became fascinated by the movie industry surrounding him. He even watched scenes from Spartacus being filmed near his home. Movies remained a lifelong passion. At just 10 years old, through his childhood best friend’s family, D had the unforgettable experience of attending and running through the ribbon cutting ceremony of the grand opening of Disneyland. It was a story that never failed to delight his children, nieces, and nephews. As a teenager, D worked as a runner at the Hollywood Bowl. He once accidentally stepped on John Wayne’s toe, and profusely apologized. Mr. Wayne patted D on the shoulder and said, in his famous voice, “That’s okay son, I’ve got another”. As he grew older, D spent summers in Lake Arrowhead golfing, water skiing, and running the lake snack bars with his family.

D graduated from Hollywood High School in 1962 and attended UCLA before transferring to Brigham Young University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in school psychology. It was also at BYU that he met and married the love of his life, Jeanette Johnston, affectionately known as “JJ.” Together, they welcomed two children, Jared and Kira, into their family. These three remained the light of his life until the very end.

D devoted his professional life to serving children and families. He worked for 17 years in northwest Kansas and then for 27 years with the Jordan School District. His dedication to children with special needs, and to the teachers who served them, was tireless. Known to many as “Mr. D,” he made a lasting difference in countless lives.

D also served nine years in the National Guard, with assignments in Idaho, Utah, and Kansas. During one active-duty summer in Italy, he complained about the food being served. His commanding officer told him that if he thought he could do better, he should prove it. So he did. His meals were such a success that for the remainder of his service, he cooked for the men in his unit.

Along with being a great cook, D truly loved good food; but what he loved most was sharing it with the people he loved. He delighted in taking his kids, nieces and nephews, and grandkids out for donuts, whether it was to celebrate an achievement, mend a tender heart, or simply because it was Saturday. He believed, and lovingly passed on the philosophy, that donuts could fix just about anything. We can only hope there are donuts in heaven.

D was deeply creative and brought beauty into everything he touched. His yard became a living canvas of trees, flowers, and carefully chosen plants. Throughout his life, he painted, built, and designed countless creations that enriched the homes and spaces around him; from illustrating a cookbook to creating artwork and lovingly maintaining his beloved blue ’66 Corvette in pristine condition.

D was also known as quite the jokester. D loved telling jokes, planning pranks, and sharing his gentle sense of humor with everyone around him. It helped him connect with the children he worked with, and he often taught them jokes of their own. One of his favorite holidays was April Fools’ Day, and his family knew to stay on guard for whatever playful trick he had in store.

D studied history and philosophy in college and carried a lifelong fascination with the world. He was especially captivated by his time in Italy. Years later, after retirement, he returned there with his wife to revisit the places he remembered and loved. Together they also traveled to Paris, London, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Egypt, Mexico, Cuba, Alaska, Hawaii and the Holy Land.

D had a lifelong love of sports, both as a participant and as an avid fan. He learned to golf from his father, a golf professional, and carried that passion throughout his life. While living in Kansas, he kept a golf cart at home and would drive back and forth with the kids to the nearby course. He also loved attending games in person, and at home the television was often tuned to football, basketball, boxing, golf, or the Olympics whenever they were in season.

Above all else, D’s greatest joy was his family. As a father, he loved teaching his children new skills, the value of hard work, and the pride that comes from accomplishment. He was always there to encourage, support, and lend a helping hand. That generosity extended beyond his immediate family to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need.

D was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had many callings. He had a testimony of the gospel which buoyed him during the toughest times. He had unwavering faith in our Savior and did not fear death. He found peace in knowing that one day we would all be reunited for eternity. He has gone ahead to join his family and prepare the way for the rest of us—perhaps even putting a down payment on a house for when we arrive.

D loved taking his family on new adventures and creating memories wherever they went. One of his favorite sayings on every trip was, “The adventure continues!” It became more than just words; it was the way he lived his life: always moving forward with love, laughter, and faith. And now, as heartbreaking as it is to let him go, his greatest adventure has begun.

D is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanette Johnston Glazier; his son, Jared Boyd (Katie) Glazier and children Becca, Jet and Poppy; his daughter, Kira Draper and sons Fynn and Skyler; and a loving posterity of family and friends who will forever cherish his memory. Preceded in death by his mother, father and sister Colleen Gaye Williamson.

A Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Alta View Stake Center, 1850 East 8600 South, Sandy, UT 84093. Luncheon for family and friends will be offered after the service.