LANCE T. MORTENSEN

Lance Tyler Mortensen, 35, passed away October 20, 2015 at his parent's home, of natural causes. He is the son of Micheal and Yvonne Mortensen, the fifth of eight children. He was born January 20, 1980 in Silver City, New Mexico. He began his "special education" at 6 months old when his doctor noticed he was not developing at the normal pace. He always developed at his own pace, not speaking until 3, then being able to read almost immediately from watching so much Sesame Street. When he was entering first grade the family moved to Chinook, Montana. He loved school there, swimming in the pool just a few blocks away, going to church, music, and Special Olympics. His specialty was running; which he loved.

The family moved again to Lancaster as he was entering the tenth grade. He attended Lancaster High School, and his favorite class was choir. After finishing high school, he worked at Dessert Haven Workshop. His favorite job was janitor at Lockheed-Martin, where several members of his church worked.

In 2006 he moved with his parents to Naturita, Colorado. Although he didn't have a job there, he loved the Denver Broncos, music, TV, video games, helping out at home, and especially attending church. He was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved to fulfill any assignments given him. He especially loved choir, or just singing hymns with gusto. He was always ready to give service like helping people move or doing wood cutting projects. He was also excellent at helping his parents care for his Grandma Williams. He was so good to watch over her when his parents had to leave town for the day.

Lance was a warm, loving person who never met a person he didn't like. He greeted everyone with a great handshake or a big hug. He always had a big smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his Grandfather and Grandmother Mortensen, Grandfather Williams, and a niece Kayla McDonald.

He is survived by his parents Micheal and Yvonne Mortensen, and his siblings Michelle Jenson, Dane Mortensen, Christopher (Leslie) Mortensen, Nichole (Brian) Lundquist, Jesse (Kristi) Mortensen, Rachel Mortensen, Rene Mortensen; as well as 12 loving nieces and nephews.

A00013B2015OT20