Obituary of Laren Fielding Empey

Laren Fielding Empey (93) passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023.  He was born on January 18, 1930, to Grant and Mary Empey in Magna, Utah.  Laren had the good fortune of growing up in a large and loving family which included 62 first cousins and developed many life-long friends.

Laren joined the Air Force with some of his trusted classmates in 1950 and proudly served in the Korean War.  After sustaining an injury and recovering in Japan, he returned to the States to marry his life-long love, Patricia.  They shared life’s journey and had the privilege of celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year in August.

Laren earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Utah, and later, a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Colorado.  He worked in the Civil Service as both an accountant and auditor for the entirety of his career.  He resided in Utah, Colorado and retired to enjoy the sun in Arizona.

Laren was an avid football fan.  He loved watching both college and professional teams and would cheer for his favorite teams – Utah, Colorado, Air Force and Arizona, even when they were playing against each other.  He also loved to watch college basketball and supported his grandkids as they participated in gymnastics, hockey, baseball, soccer, and girls’ softball.
He was generous, loving, and told great stories about the adventures he had experienced. He was fun to be around and was a wonderful host to any who visited his home.

He is survived by his loving wife Pat, and three children: Dave (Tina), Marla (Tom), and Lori (Chris).  He was a caring father and grandfather to six grandchildren, Rachel, Joe (Molly), Eric, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Malinda (Trevor).  He recently welcomed his great-grandson Tennyson.  He is also survived by his sister Vaudis, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life in Tucson on December 16, 2023, and a private family gathering when he is laid to rest in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.