Paul O’Dell Hedman June 15, 1935 - May 24, 2025

Dr. Paul O’Dell Hedman passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 24, 2025, at the age of 89.9397.

Paul was born June 15, 1935, in Murray, Utah, to Oscar Charles Hedman and Vera Alice Smith. He graduated from Jordan High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah in 1957. His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 1973, and he was a member of the Engineering Honor Society Tau Beta Pi for his academic achievement and commitment to professional integrity.

He married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Marie Godfrey, on May 29, 1957, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They had three children and shared 47 beautiful years of marriage.

After Marie’s passing, Paul later found companionship again and married Elaine Johnson Canfield on February 26, 2011, in Layton, Utah. Together, Paul and Elaine spent 14 adventurous years traveling the world and enjoying every moment together.

Professionally, Paul was a brilliant and dedicated engineer. He began his career with Marquardt Aircraft in chemical engineering research and later worked with Thiokol Chemical Corporation in rocket propulsion. He contributed to cutting-edge research at Lockheed Propulsion Company in
California, studying exhaust plume microwave interference, and worked as a consulting engineer with Tetra Tech Inc. in Arlington, Virginia. He also served in Washington, D.C. with the Energy Research Development Administration. His prestigious career culminated in his 24-year role as a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Brigham Young University, where he mentored countless students with precision and care.

Paul served eight years in the United States Air National Guard, including assignments with the 191st Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Utah, the 147th Tactical Control Squadron in California, and the Air Reserves in Ogden, Utah.

As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, Paul was a proud member of multiple flying clubs and absolutely loved flying his airplanes. Paul was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and dutifully and faithfully served in many callings over the years and in the temple.

Paul is survived by his wife, Elaine Johnson Canfield, and her children: Paige, Jeri, Lance, April, and Chris. He is also survived by his daughter from his first marriage, Zelda (Tom) Hawk, along with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife and Sweetheart Marie, daughter Carol, son Damon, and his esteemed parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery. 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121