Joseph Max Tennant, Jr. "Joe" 07/21/1957~02/24/2011
Cherished son and brother Joseph Max Tennant, Jr., our "Joe", aged 53, quietly returned to his Heavenly Father February 24th, 2011, following the onset of Alzheimer's. Joe was born to J. Max and Ruth B. Tennant on July 21, 1957 in SLC; he was the ninth child in a family of 11, with one brother and nine sisters: Brent (Jody) Tennant, Farmington, UT; Susan (Stuart) Waldrip, Midway, UT; Sally (Charles) Clark, Farmington, UT; Becky (Bob) Kristiansen, Everett, WA; Janis (Dave) Swope, Katy, TX; Julia (Bill) Hamilton, Bountiful, UT; Helen (Chris) Cummings, Sandy, UT; Dawn (Cam) Brown, Boise, ID; Alice (Brett) Wight, San Diego, CA, and Tresa (Steve) Chamberlain, SLC, UT. Joe lived 48 years in SLC with his family and parents; he then lived with Helen and Chris Cummings for 3 happy years. Most recently he lived in Quilceda Meadows Community of Marysville, WA, which he called "my OWN home" with the loving help of Becky and Bob Kristiansen and many special caregivers. With a handshake and a hug, you quickly became Joe's special friend; he would declare, "You my friend." We thank our long-time neighbors Floyd and Carol Jackson for their kindness to Joe; we also thank all of his faithful friends everywhere. Joe worked at Deseret Industries, LDS Employment Center, and IHOP. Special Needs Mutual was a weekly highlight. He earned his Eagle Scout Award and garnered swimming medals during the Special Olympic Games. His life's mission was one of courage, friendship, laughter, and love. Often he would say, "I love my Dad", "I love my Mom", and "I love my family." He would also say "I love my Heavenly Father", "I bear my testimony", and last of all, "I try." Joe is survived by his 95-year-old mother and many cousins, 52 nieces, nephews and 81 grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, grandnephews Ryan Wight and Conner Clark, and grandniece Claire Canizales. One of Joe's favorite songs expresses his hope for the future: Somewhere, over the rainbow, Skies are blue . And, the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true. Today for you, our dearest Joe, may your dreams begin to come true. Viewing and funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12th at the Westview Ward, 2180 E. Meadowlark Way (9020 S.) Sandy. Viewing will be held at 12:00 noon; funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Internment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC. Memorial Services will also be held in Marysville, WA on Saturday, March 5th. "You my friend. I love you." JOE