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SALT LAKE CITY — Steve Densley, a Utah County business leader and the second-longest serving chamber president in Utah's history, died at age 74 on July 24, Pioneer Day.
An obituary written by the family said Densley was grateful and proud of his pioneer heritage and often repeated the quote: "The world we live in is a legacy left by those who have gone before. Tomorrow's world will be the work of our hands. Let it be said by them that we did all that we could do."
President and CEO of Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance Derek Miller praised Densley's contributions in a statement Thursday.
"I received the news of Steve's passing with sadness this week as he was a friend and consummate example of serving others. While serving in the Governor's Office of Economic Development, I had many opportunities to work with Steve as he led the Utah Valley Chamber," Miller said.
"Steve was one of a kind and gave so much to Utah County. His life and legacy were community building and economic prosperity," Miller said. "The state has lost a dear friend in Steve, and we send our condolences to his family at this time. Though we are sad at his passing, we know his contributions will ring throughout the valley and beyond as builders today stand on the shoulders of his many accomplishments."
Densley was selected to be the president of the Orem Chamber of Commerce in 1983, which later merged with Provo and became the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. He was elected two times as state chamber president and served on the state chamber's board of directors for over 15 years, becoming the second-longest serving chamber president in the state's history.
He also ran for the Utah State Senate and U.S. Congress, and also for Utah lieutenant government with author Richard Eyre in 1992. His service was awarded by the Provo Mayor's Office with a Medal of Honor, the Boy Scout's Silver Beaver Award, and the BYU Distinguished Service Award.
Densley's community service spanned 50 boards and community councils with organizations. That included serving with Timpanogos Regional Hospital and Utah State Consumer Protection Board, and president of the Rotary Club.
He also served on boards and community councils for the Boy Scouts, Zions Bank, BYU, Utah Valley University, United Way, Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, American Cancer Society, Utah Council for a Drug Free Youth, Salt Lake Olympic Committee, Sundance Film Festival, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Provo Arts Council, Utah State Board of Health and KBYU–TV.
Densley belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served a mission in his youth and later held numerous church positions.
Outside of his service, Densley also hosted three radio shows and a talk show in Provo, wrote a book about Utah Valley, wrote columns for the Daily Herald and spoke to students and youth groups.
He graduated from BYU, as well as the Institute of Organizational Management at the University of Colorado and the Institute of Advanced Management at Southern Methodist University.
Densley is survived by his wife, Colleen, six children, 32 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
According to the obituary, funeral services will be held Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Oak Hills 5th Ward Hillside Chapel, 1960 N. 1500 East in Provo. A viewing will be held on Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Aug. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the same location.
