Gravesite of Utah’s First Jedi Priest

 Sitting in a quiet corner of Valley View Memorial Park is a rather unassuming grave marker, until you get a little closer. It is the final resting place of Stephen Allen Ford, with an epitaph that says: “May the force be with you - always”.

Stephen was the first ordained Jedi Priest in the state of Utah. He officiated over the first wedding performed by a Jedi Minister on September 5, 2008. It just happened to be his brothers wedding.

Steve loved Star Wars and started practicing Jediism in his later high school years. Unfortunately Steve took his own life on September 7th, 2010.

Quick Details:

Length: NA
Trail Type: Get out and see.
Difficulty: DR2
Elevation Gain: NA
Restroom: No
Dogs? Not sure, but I imagine no.
Other Info:

To Get Here:

Take Bangerter HW to 4100 S, head west to 4400 West, and it will be on the left. The grave Marker is located in the southwest corner of the cemetery.

The Adventure:

Well, I mistakenly thought Find A Grave was accurate so we ended up looking in the wrong area first.

Another neat marker. I like the dragons.

Valley View Memorial Park is one of those boring cemeteries with all flat graves.

Well, we did find these interesting mausoleum type things (Passenger Seat Photography (PSP)). Sorry, last minute “oh neat” shot. We decided they were not big enough to hold a body so that must be for cremations or something.

I like the cat.

Apparently some drinking buddies recently visited this marker.

Squirrel!

We spent a good 15 minutes trying to locate it. Just when I was ready to give up, I finally stumbled upon it.

Like I said, pretty unassuming, but its fun.

Otherwise, this cemetery is a little boring.

Oh, we did find a section with upright stones (PSP). I guessed richer people, Landis guessed probably an older section before the flat markers only rule was implemented.

Then we found these massive ones tucked into the back or southeast corner (PSP). Now this is most certainly rich people.

Well, it was a unique little grave marker, but not the most exciting. I am glad I saved this for a day we happened to be in the area. I don’t think it is worth making a trip just for this. However this is a new life goal for me. Have an interesting enough grave that weirdos like me decide to come see it. 5 out of 10 squirrels today.

As for difficulty, if you know where it is it’s pretty much get out and see. Otherwise there is a little wandering around on flat glass. DR2.

I don't know what the official rule is for dogs in cemeteries, and this one in particular, but I would just about it alltogether.