Neil Flinders Obituary (2021) - Pleasant Grove, Utah

WATCH LIVE FUNERAL STREAM HERE (11:00 AM MST) Neil J Flinders, son of Percy Flinders and Reta (Herrick) Flinders, died on December 8, 2021 at his home in Pleasant Grove, Utah due to natural causes. He was born July 11, 1934 in Ogden, Utah, the oldest of four children. He was later joined by two younger brothers and a sister: Oren, Colyn and Jelene. Neil married Joan Dorothy Robertson, his eternal covenant companion, on June 3, 1960 in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of seven children: Leisa (Mark), Erin (Carolyn), Karalee, Tracy (Alyssa), Scott (Lisa), David (Lisa) and Shelley (Justin). They are grandparents of 37 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His focus was his family and he spent his life striving to provide, preside and protect them while serving his church, community and country. He titled his life story One Common Man's Effort to Live an Uncommon Plan. He cherished his birthright blessings, though they came in very humble circumstances; he lived a frugal and provident lifestyle and was content with what he had. Neil grew up on a farm in West Weber, Utah. He attended Weber High School and Weber College. His rural roots shaped his life. He loved the outdoors, was active in 4-H, FFA and competitive athletics during high school and college. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and horseback trips in wilderness areas with his family and friends. He served his church as a young missionary in the Western States mission and his country in the US Army Medical Corps (Korea). Neil earned his B.S., M.R.ED and ED.D. degrees at Brigham Young University (BYU). Dr. Flinders was employed by the Church Educational System (CES) for 38 years-19 with Seminary, Institute and its administration, then 19 more as a professor at BYU in the School of Education. He was director of research in the CES Commissioner's Office and served as president of the Far Western Philosophy of Education Society. He loved working with his students at every level. He authored several books and numerous writings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in various professional journals. He was a well-known teacher and speaker in many different venues. Neil was a lifelong learner and teacher, and an active leader in community and church organizations. His influence for good was felt over the years in various community, school and civic endeavors. He served as president of the Manila Culinary Water Company and at both general and local levels in a variety of church callings-as a bishop, stake president and on the Sunday School General Board. His primary interest and focus, however, was his wife and family. He was a home-centered person and devoted most of his energies in working with and for his wife and children. A highlight experience of his later life was the opportunity to serve a mission with his eternal companion in Nauvoo, Illinois. They then served together for several years as ordinance workers in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple. They enjoyed being together, traveling and interacting with their extended family. Neil looked forward to future associations with his family in life beyond mortality. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Pleasant Grove Utah Manila Stake Center Chapel, 850 N 900 E, American Fork, Utah with a visitation from 9:00 -10:30 am prior to the funeral service. For those who would like to view the live funeral stream from home, please follow the link that will be provided above. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery with full military honors, 500 North 100 West, Pleasant Grove. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.