Our beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, Lynn Roy Thackeray, passed away after a fire destroyed his home and refuge. He was born on May 5, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and began life on a homestead family ranch in Croydon, Utah. He later moved to a ranch in Scott Valley on the California–Oregon border, where his love of the outdoors and hard work took deep root. Lynn was brilliant, exceptionally resourceful, and a man of unwavering integrity.
At the age of 16, Lynn met the love of his life, Susan. They married five years later in 1977 and shared a lifetime marked by education, travel, devotion, and deep adoration for one another. Together, they raised four remarkable children and built a family grounded in curiosity and adventure. Lynn loved deeply, was keenly sensitive to those in need, and was known for his quick wit. He embraced adventure and shared many high-spirited experiences with family and friends.
Lynn’s professional career spanned 30 years in the software industry. He played key roles in two successful startup companies and excelled in upper-management leadership positions. After stepping away from industry, Lynn and Susan pursued higher education together, each completing master’s and doctoral degrees. Lynn was a published scholar and a dedicated professor of computer science at Utah Valley University, where his students were always his highest priority. He was a passionate advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In lieu of flowers, a UVU scholarship is established in his name to honor him. Lynn Thackeray Scholarship
Lynn cherished his pets and found great peace in the west desert. He was a cyclist, runner, and triathlete. We are heartbroken by his loss.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his son, Jonathan. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Susan; his children Kelly (Chris), Marshal (Jennifer), Amber (Mike), Jonathan’s partner Miranda; and his beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Kyah, Adam and Royal who brought him immense joy.
A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at Utah Valley Univeristy, Smith College of Engineering and Technology, 800 West Univeristy Parkway, Orem, Utah on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a receptioon to follow.
7 Condolences for Lynn Roy Thackeray
Condolences(7)
Katy says
February 4, 2026 at 5:07 pmLove and miss you Uncle Lynn! 🫶🏼🫶🏼
Cousin says
February 5, 2026 at 2:11 amLynn was a master story teller, loved to hear the story’s of the good ole days on the ranch, working at the prison, motor cycle and mountain bike rides.
Lynn will be missed by all.
Thackeray cousin #26
Kelly says
February 7, 2026 at 4:22 amDad I’m so sad, things will never be the same. I hope you knew how much your grandson loved you, he was so proud to have your name. While I’m glad you aren’t suffering any more, I wish you were here. I love you
Marcey Humpherys says
February 8, 2026 at 6:52 pmSusan, I’m so sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. Sending my love to your family. I am grateful for memories of serving with you and the things you taught me❤️
Janice Peay says
February 12, 2026 at 11:29 pmSusan, I am so sorry. I am so glad to have known Lynn. He stopped by last fall, just to say hi and give me a hug. I’ll cherish his memory. I hope you find peace. I’m sending love and hugs to you and the family.
Scott Birk says
February 13, 2026 at 1:32 amSusan and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. He was a roommate of mine at BYU back in 1974. He was always happy and friendly with others, and I enjoyed my time with him. He talked about his time living in Etna, and as my wife and I have traveled from Oregon to California and seen the exits for Etna and Yreka, I’ve always thought of him with fondness. He obviously loved his family, and he contributed much to his students at UVU, as witnessed by the honors given to him there. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Ronda Walker Weaver says
February 16, 2026 at 6:22 pmI worked with Lynn at MPi. He was a jokester, loved cycling during his lunch hour – sometimes coming back wounded after another crash, and he was brilliant. I ran into him a few times at UVU, where we both taught, and it was good to see him. My deepest condolences to his family.
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