Paul Conrad Bjornn, 74, our beloved brother, uncle and dear friend to many, passed away November 25, 2019 from heart complications. Paul was born February 19, 1945, the son of Rudolph and Virginia Peterson Bjornn, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in the Canyon Rim area and attended Olympus High School where he joined the baseball and track teams, graduating in 1963.
While in high school, and during the Vietnam War years, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, being trained as a combat field medic, in which capacity he remained for 8 years.
Paul served a 2 1/2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assigned to the Northeast/North British Mission, and remained an active, devoted member throughout his life. Having served in both ward and stake capacities within church service, he particularly enjoyed the calling of Gospel Doctrine teacher.
Paul later joined the U.S. Naval Air Reserve forces being attached to the Joint Intelligence Center of the Pacific at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for 22 years. While in this capacity both the Secretary of the Navy and the Admiral Director of the Naval Air Reserve Intelligence personnel sent him a letter giving “thanks” and an accompanying commemoration Medal of Appreciation for his work promoting the U.S. Naval Air Reserves.
Paul formed All West Claim Service where he worked as an independent insurance claims consultant for many insurance companies helping to settle many property and casualty losses.
Paul had a love for photography and his skill behind the lens captured many beautiful wedding, portraits and family memories.
Paul is a graduate from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He remained a “Ute” fan, especially following football.
Paul was married and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple to Carla Lani Cannon, who passed in February 2011. They were friends since childhood and both served their country together as members of the Navy Air Reserves by fulfilling active duty assignments and visiting many beautiful locations together nationwide.
Of Paul’s various occupations and employment endeavors, he always said that his favorite job was as a young boy working for the Village Bakery in Salt Lake City. His boss asked him to deliver bakery goods while driving his car - at the age of 13.
Paul is survived by a sister, Bonnie (Richard) Tolman, and a brother, David (Paula) Bjornn, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Highland Park Ward located at 2535 South Douglas Street in Salt Lake City. (Parking area is available on East side of building)
Christopher Blakesley
Paul, your death devastated me. We did everything together since we were babies. Remember our thousands of basketball games in the Lybbert’s driveway!? Remember going to see Johnny Cash at Lagoon, when he sang the same song over and over until they had to lead him off the stage!? Remember all our trips up into the Uintahs with Gib Groutage!? Remember all the fun you, Bob Furstenau, and I had every day, all our lives!? Remember all the church basketball at the gym on Evergreen? Remember all our baseball games!? Remember all our pick-up basketball games at the U!? Remember our being so sad together when your little dog Herk died? Remember, after your mission when you travelled down to Perpignon, France to, then travelling with us to little villages along the Mediterranean, visiting with all those lovely people!? Remember pushing Suzy’s brother in law, John, into Suzy’s pool at our wedding reception in Suzy’s back yard? We are best friends forever ! Rest in Peace, Paul ! Rest in Peace !
William Cordray
Beautiful comments, Chris! I don't know what else I could add to those.
Carol Nakamura (Iwasaki)
A beautiful tribute to Paul, Chris. Thank you for sharing your heart centered memories of your lifelong friendship with Paul and Bob! He will surely be missed by all of us.
Robert Furstenau
Paul and Chris Blakesley were my best friends in high school. We were on the track team together and I can still see Paul clearing the high hurdles and his scars from when he missed and bit the dust. He was tall and handsome and extreemly well liked. His great example also played a role in my conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After high school, Paul and I stayed in touch and went golfing and to lunch often. He was a great photographer and took numerous photos of buildings for my company brochure. He also helped my company with auto insurance claims and saved my bacon more than once. Through the years, Paul and I had many occasions to discuss our lives -- our challenges, our successes and our hopes for the future. Paul was always optomistic, up beat and happy. I loved being with him and he will always live in my memory. I am deeply saddened at his passing and will greatly miss him. Paul, may God bless your family and loved ones and may you have a great reunion. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Bob Furstenau