Elijah Reed Heywood Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Elijah Reed Heywood July 24, 1939 ~ April 25, 2016 Like his grandfather and namesake before him, Elijah Reed Heywood was born on July 24 --- known as Pioneer Day in his native state of Utah. As a child, Reed always believed that the Pioneer Day parades and celebrations were meant just for him. For those who knew and loved him throughout his life he truly was a pioneer, so often going before and showing the way. His was an exemplary and truly blessed life. Originally from Panguitch, Utah, Reed spent most of his young life in Cedar City where he was actively involved in sports, music, theater, student government and academics. From the age of 13 he played saxophone in the family dance band, providing excellent fun throughout Southern Utah and developing a strong work ethic at an early age. After graduating from Cedar High School in 1957, Reed joined the army where he spent time in Fort Ord, CA and Fort Sill, OK, completing Field Artillery Survey School with distinction, always planning one day to become a civil engineer. After a spring quarter of playing baseball at the College of Southern Utah, he transferred to Brigham Young University where he studied for a year before enjoying the opportunity to serve a mission for the LDS Church in the West Central States Mission. Returning to college two years later, he continued to play baseball at which time he was invited by the Yankees to attend spring training. Although he had already decided not to pursue a career in baseball, throughout his life Reed enjoyed wondering "what if?" and he continued to be a dedicated Yankees fan until the end. In 1962 Elijah Reed Heywood married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Grimshaw, and together they began the joyful work of raising and supporting a family. Reed spent many years as a student at the University of Utah pursuing his medical education as well as graduate work in education administration. In his chosen profession as an OB/GYN, Dr. Heywood became a beloved physician and master teacher. Like the true pioneer he was, he had the courage to step into the unknown later in his career when he and Eleanor felt inspired to leave their beautiful home in Salt Lake City. Accepting education administration opportunities at both Syracuse University and West Virginia University, Reed opened the door for his family to experience many new adventures and important friendships. From 2002-2005, as one of the highlights of their lives, Reed and Eleanor were asked to preside over 485 young missionaries in the San Jose, California mission of the Church. The experiences and bonds of love formed during this time continue to bless the Heywood family to this day. Reed valued education and hard work. He was a gifted teacher and speaker with a tender heart and passionate nature. He had a ready laugh but was never afraid to cry. Apart from his family, Reed's greatest joy came from serving the Lord. He had unwavering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of the many opportunities he had to serve in the LDS Church, including 3 times as a bishop and many other leadership positions, Reed found the most joy in being a Sunday School teacher and a missionary. He loved to study and share his faith and he blessed many people with his deep spiritual understanding until the end of his life. Elijah Reed Heywood passed away peacefully in his home on April 25, 2016 after many challenging years of living with ALS. He will be remembered for his unfailing generosity, integrity, courage, and commitment. Reed was preceded in death by his sweetheart Eleanor Grimshaw Heywood, parents Austin Heywood and Nellie Mandana Haycock Heywood, his brother-in-law Lloyd Grames, and brothers Austin Garn and Richard Dan Heywood. He is survived by his son David Reed (Jennifer), son Samuel Greg (Shari), daughter Jennifer, and grandchildren Christina Morgan (Blaine), Gabrielle Kathleen, David Reed Jr., George Theon, Jeffrey Gordon, Austin Reed (Aubree), Alexandra Wright (Cameron), Samuel Ernest, 2 great grandchildren, Luke Russell Morgan and Elijah Pyne Heywood, as well as his sister JaLene Grames, sisters-in-law Jenean and Julie Heywood, his brother Robert Heywood (Christine) and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, health care workers, and church members who made his life more comfortable. Funeral services will be held in West Virginia on Saturday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. in the Teays Valley building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1068 Mt. Vernon Rd, Hurricane, WV). Friends may visit beginning at 11:00 a.m. An additional service will be held in Spanish Fork, UT on Wednesday, May 4th at 12:00 p.m. (541 West Center Street). Friends may visit from 10:00-11:30 a.m. A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 3rd from 6:30-9:00 p.m at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S) in Sandy. Burial will follow the funeral in Sunset Gardens. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a contribution to one of the following funds: the General LDS Church Mission Fund (through your local LDS congregation) or to the WVU Foundation, Department of OB/GYN, Charleston Division. (Mail to WVU School of Medicine, Office of Philanthropy, 3110 MacCorkle Ave., SE, Charleston, WV 25304)

Elijah Reed Heywood

July 24, 1939 - April 25, 2016