Philip Cory Jensen was the third of four children born in Murray Utah, November 24, 1953 to Edward Quinn and Joyce Lucille Jensen. His love of the outdoors started as a young child. He enjoyed his very happy childhood in Centerville Utah hiking, swimming in the creek, riding his bike with his very close and loyal friends. Beautiful childhood summers were spent in one of his favorite places, Waterton Canada, with his parents and siblings Geoff Jensen, Nancy Riding and Sally Merryweather.
Phil was an accomplished athlete with talent that showed early in life. He started playing church sports, baseball and basketball. His speed, size and talent were easily recognized by others and was recruited by a little league coach to play football in 9th grade. Hesitant to give up his Waterton summers, he reluctantly agreed, changing the course of his life.
Although not a fan of church dances, he agreed to attend one in the 9th grade to support his friends in the band. Phil’s eye was caught by a beautiful new girl, and his friends secretly deserted him to encourage a conversation. Little did they know the girl, Kathy, would be his future eternal companion.
They dated all through high school and graduated from Viewmont High School in 1972. Phil lettered in football and track and was named Utah’s MVP his senior year when he played on the state championship football team. He was highly recruited by several schools to continue playing football. His love for BYU won out and accepted a scholarship that same year. Phil dressed varsity as a backup, but his hard work and a little luck earned him a starting spot by the second game of the season. He never missed a game for the 4 years he played. He was named Freshman MVP and, in true Phil style, downplayed his accomplishments and hid his trophies for years.
During his second year at BYU, he married his sweetheart, Kathleen Kershaw. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 3, 1973. During his BYU years, they had their first two children, Christopher Blu and Konda Lee.
After graduation, Phil accepted a teaching and coaching position at Brighton High School with his amazing Viewmont Coach, Steve Dangerfield. They were expecting their third child, Autumn Star. He soon moved to Alta High School where he taught World History and coached football. Education was very important to him and he committed to earn his Master’s Degree, even with a growing family. He loved the X’s and O’s of the game of football and had high expectations of his players and himself. He sacrificed many things to dedicate his time to the players and game he loved so much.
Phil and Kathy had 2 more sons, Lance Philip and Dallas Sean. During those lean times, he worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life to his young family. He was a constant presence and supported all their many activities and talents. Everything he did was for them. He even risked his job to leave high school football to coach his own sons as they were growing up.
Phil was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel. He served in many callings in his life as a teacher, member of the bishopric and missionary. He loved serving as a service missionary for the Nepali refugees in South Salt Lake so much, that he extended his 18 month mission to more than 6 years. He led a life of quiet service in many ways and exemplified a life focused on being an instrument of Christ’s love.
After many years of teaching, he chose to retire early and support Kathy’s growing and successful business. His family continued to grow as his children added 19 grandkids to his life. No one has loved being a grandpa more than Phil. He saw each of his grandchildren’s special gifts, talents, personalities and developed individual relationships with each of them. His schedule was often full of attending his grandchildren’s sports games, dance performances, mountain biking races, baptisms, graduations, and special events. He shared his love of the outdoors with them, often vacationing with them and enjoying some of his favorite things like snorkeling, hiking, biking, running and traveling. Kathy shared his love of traveling, and they went on 92 cruises across the world, his favorite being Egypt.
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Phil returned to his Heavenly Father on September 27, 2022. He was met on the other side of the veil by his father and mother, Edward and Joyce Jensen, his sister Nancy Riding and many beloved family members, grandparents and friends. His legacy on earth continues with his cherished wife, Kathy Jensen, 5 children, Chris Jensen, Konda Quinton (Brandon Quinton), Autumn Southwick (Ben Southwick), Lance Jensen (Lyndsay Jensen), and Dallas Jensen (Christie Jensen), and his 19 treasured grandchildren, Landon Southwick, Carter Southwick (Brielle Southwick), Sydney Morris (Peyton Morris), Rylan Southwick, Marshall Quinton, Mason Quinton, Brady Quinton, Dallin Jensen, Audrey Jensen, Claire Jensen, Luke Jensen, Alex Jensen, Tayvin Jensen, Madden Jensen, Makenzie Jensen, Archie Jensen and Elsie Jensen.
A private family service will be held in his honor. Instead of flowers, please donate to your local missionary fund or help support local refugees by sending donations via Venmo to @wardfoundation