Hugh C. Mortensen

Sept. 15, 1943 – Aug. 31, 2026

Hugh C. Mortensen peacefully passed away on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at the Powell Valley Care Center. He was just days away from celebrating his 57th wedding anniversary with his sweetheart, Lyn, and only weeks away from his 83rd birthday.

Hugh moved into the care center earlier this summer due to health-related complications caused by dementia. His health declined after developing pneumonia, and his body was unable to respond to treatment. He was cared for with compassion and love until his final breath.

Hugh was born in Pasco, Washington, on September 15, 1943, to James (Jay) Edgar Mortensen and Rhea Druce Dalton. He was the second of three boys and an older brother to his baby sister, Kristy Lynn, who sadly passed away as an infant.

Hugh grew up in the electrifying city of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born with a thrill-seeking spirit and an outgoing personality that attracted many people who wanted to be part of his next adventure. He enjoyed playing sports throughout his youth, going on countless outdoor adventures and participating in Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His witty and playful personality caused more than a few stressful moments for his parents, but they loved him for it.

Hugh learned at a very young age how to work hard and do a job well. He was a young entrepreneur, starting his first lawn-mowing business at just 10 years old.

After graduating from high school, Hugh attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he studied psychology. He attended BYU for just over three years before deciding to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve in the Cook Islands Mission.

His mission became a pivotal time in his life and helped lead him to a life centered on our Savior, Jesus Christ. His experiences as a missionary were among his favorite stories to share with anyone he met. Even after dementia robbed him of many memories, his mission was something he never forgot and continued to talk about often.

After returning from his two-year mission, Hugh attended Riverside Community College in California and enrolled in the dental technician program. He excelled in school and was elected president of his class.

Enter Lyn Ann Brown, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

The story goes that the first time Hugh saw Lyn, he overheard her talking to another young man about going dirt bike riding that weekend in the hills of California. So Hugh did what any good young man would do: he went out the next day and bought himself a dirt bike so he could take her on a dirt bike date. His plan worked out pretty well for him.

Hugh and Lyn were sealed for time and all eternity on September 6, 1969, in the Los Angeles California Temple. Their marriage became the foundation of the family and life they would build together for nearly 57 years.

Hugh and Lyn lived briefly as newlyweds in Las Vegas before relocating to Grand Junction, Colorado. It was there that Hugh worked as a dental lab technician for more than 40 years and where he and Lyn welcomed and raised their three beautiful daughters, Mindy, Amy and Megan.

Hugh loved the community and the many friends he made in Colorado. After retiring, he and Lyn relocated to Idaho to be closer to their daughter Amy Lyden and her family. When work later moved the Lyden family out of state, Hugh and Lyn made their final move to Cowley, once again choosing to be close to family—this time their daughter Megan Wilson and her family.

Hugh lived a life centered on the teachings of our Savior — to lift and love all those he met. He dedicated much of his life to serving in church callings. He served as a bishop and as a member of bishoprics in both family and young adult wards, taught relationship classes and served in the Elders Quorum, Young Men and Primary organizations. He especially loved anything that involved working with and teaching youth.

Hugh was always one to show up when the call was made to move a family into or out of the ward, set up or take down chairs, help a neighbor in need or extend care to someone who could use an act of service or love. He was always searching for the one who needed a friend, and, more often than not, Hugh would be the one to fill that need.

He was creative and loved helping plan and carry out ward activities. Some of his favorites included barbecues, all-ward water fights, widows’ holiday brunches and Hot Wheels pinewood derbies. His door was always open, and he welcomed anyone who needed a place to stay.

Hugh left behind a legacy of service and love. Throughout his life, he tried to live the Boy Scout message:

“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate, you have not wasted your time but have done your best.”

Hugh did his best, and we are all better because of it.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Rhea, older brother Larry, younger sister Kristy Lynn, in-laws Ted and Beverly Brown and brother-in-law Scott Brown.

He is survived by his eternal companion, Lyn; daughters Mindy, Amy (Josh) Lyden of Sahuarita, Arizona, and Megan (Nick) Wilson of Cowley; and grandsons Caleb L., Blake W., Colby L., Kyle W., Dane W. and Bridger L.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. in Cowley. Interment was held Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Cowley Cemetery.