Harven Courtney Obray

Harven Courtney Obray, age 78, of Avon, Utah, passed away on October 12, 2024, following a brief illness. He bravely battled Parkinson’s disease for over ten years. He was born on July 26, 1946, in Logan, Utah, to Harven Hall Obray and Devet “Dee” Cook Obray.
He grew up in Paradise with his two sisters, Marva Dee and Afton. He enjoyed a childhood filled with adventures roaming the Paradise and Avon mountains with his best friend, Curtis Olsen. Together they created lasting memories hunting, fishing, and riding horses. From a young age, he worked as a farmhand for Marion Olsen, who became a vital mentor in his life, passing on essential lessons in both farming and the value of hard work.
Courtney graduated from South Cache High School, and attended Utah State University, where he played the trombone in both school bands.
In 1966, Courtney married Gloria Johnson, with whom he had two children, Troy and Touran. They later divorced. He married Susan Johnson Kendrick in 1994, whom he lovingly cared for until her passing from ALS in 2002. He and Susan enjoyed traveling together and enjoyed several cruise trips.
In 2004, he found love again with Nancy Cluff Hadfield, and their bond deepened over the years. In over 20 years of marriage, he never raised his voice or overreacted; instead, he listened first. His appreciation for even the smallest things made him an extraordinary husband and father, expressing his love every single day. Courtney and Nancy were glued at the hip, sharing a fun-loving relationship that embraced every opportunity to travel together. They road-tripped to St. George in the spring and explored Jackson Hole, West Yellowstone, and surrounding areas in the fall. Whether biking or taking walks near their home, they cherished every moment together. On their honeymoon, he made sure Nancy experienced the beauty of Hawaii for the very first time.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Courtney faithfully served for many years as the executive secretary in the Bishopric. He also took on roles as a Gospel Doctrine teacher and High Priest Group Counselor. One of his most unique and impactful callings was serving as a counselor in the branch presidency at the Cache County Jail, where he made a meaningful difference and blessed the lives of others. Courtney had a testimony of the gospel and loved the Lord. He relied on Him daily to get though the challenges he faced.
Courtney had a diverse and fulfilling career, starting as a rocket propellant technician at Thiokol, then transitioning to driving truck and managing the dock at Weather Shield. He later contributed his talents at Schreiber’s Foods and also ran a successful lawn care business, Obray’s Cut and Trim. Known for his respectful demeanor and strong work ethic, he was well- loved by all his coworkers. He often went on “breakfast burrito runs” for his colleagues, lifting their spirits with his thoughtfulness.
Courtney had an unwavering love for horses! His emotions ran high whenever he watched shows like Heartland or Secretariat, evidence to his deep passion for these animals, especially during the times he could no longer ride. Throughout his life, he owned and cherished many horses, and looked forward to the mountain rides he shared with family and friends. He especially loved a good trail ride with his buddy, Dennis Briggs.
His adventurous spirit extended beyond horseback riding; he eagerly embraced outdoor activities such as hunting, snowmobiling, waterskiing, and boating. His passion for the outdoors was complemented by his talent for fixing just about anything, and he found great joy in spending hours tinkering in his shop. Courtney was rarely without a dog by his side, his latest companion, Maisie, brought him endless joy.
Known for his quick wit and infectious humor, Courtney had an extraordinary ability to draw people in and make them laugh. His storytelling and playful remarks created an atmosphere of comfort and love, making everyone feel valued in his presence. He was a good sport, always bringing lightheartedness to every situation.
Courtney was known for his compassionate and remarkably patient spirit. His tender heart and deep love for his family often led him to worry about their well-being. Despite facing his own challenges, he consistently served as a source of joy and comfort for others. He made it a point to visit friends, new and old, who were navigating their own struggles, offering them a listening ear and genuine kindness. After church, it was not uncommon for Nancy to wait patiently while Courtney engaged in heartfelt conversations, catching up with friends and spreading warmth wherever he went.
Courtney will be remembered not only for his many gifts and passions but also for the love, laughter, and kindness he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends, a reflection of a life well-lived.
Courtney is preceded in death by his parents, two brother in laws, Denton Sealy and Harlen Turley and his late wife, Susan. He is survived by his sisters, Marva Sealy of Mantua, Afton Turley of Bountiful, wife Nancy of Avon, their children, Troy of Hyrum, Touran Wolfley (Lance) of Lewiston, Heidi Munsee of Syracuse, Trisha Manning (Conn) of West Point, and Paige Willmore (Greg) of Syracuse. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved and adored.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Courtney’s life at a viewing on Sunday, October 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Monday, October 21st, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 155 E 9400 S, Paradise, Utah 84328. The funeral service will follow on Monday at 12:00 PM under the direction of Cache Valley Mortuary.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated doctors and nurses in the ICU and intermediate care units at McKay Dee Hospital. We also extend our gratitude to Natalya, the IHC Hospice RN, and her compassionate aides for their exceptional care and support.
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