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01/31/2017 - Brigham City, Utah, USA

(Published on Feb. 5, 2017, in The Morning News, Legacy.com)

Joseph Boyd Uriona, 92, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on January 31, 2017. 

He was born July 5, 1924 in Emmett, Idaho to Jose and Louisa Urionabarrenechea. His early childhood years were spent with his family in Detroit where his father worked for the Ford Motor Company. At the age of ten, his parents moved to Cortesubi, Viscaya, Spain to take care of their Basque family while his father served in the Spanish Military for two years. His family then moved back to the States and resided in Boise, Idaho to operate a Basque boarding house. Eventually, they moved to Wapello, Idaho where his parents made their family home on a potato farm they had acquired. He graduated from Firth High School. He was an incredible athlete lettering in Basketball and Baseball.  

Joseph was a WWII Veteran serving as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army entering the service on July 19, 1944 and was honorably discharged on August 14, 1946. He served as a Combat Infantryman involved in the liberation of the Philippines and at the end of Pacific campaign served in Japan in Logistics.

After the war, he returned home and married his sweetheart, Aileen Young on January 24, 1947. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden Temple on March 30, 1996. They were married 65 years. During the first years of their marriage the couple resided in Blackfoot, Idaho. Joe held various jobs including employment in the auto parts industry and helping out on the family farm. The couple later moved to Brigham City where Joe worked as a civil service employee at the Ogden Defense Depot until retirement. 

Joe and Aileen spent summer weekends and their retirement years at their cabin in Island Park, Idaho. Many memorable times were spent with friends and family at the cabin. Joe was also a fan of the Utah Jazz, enjoyed the sport of boxing and was an avid bowler. Joe did not like to remain "idle." He was always finding ways to keep busy around the home, yard or doing for others who needed a helping hand. He was active in his church, held many positions and was a faithful servant in his callings.

Joe is survived by his son, Thomas J. (Julie) Uriona, of Bountiful, Utah and daughter, Susan Uriona Glenn, of Salt Lake City, Utah, 8 grandchildren: Todd Joseph (TJ), Dane, Beau, Sie, Taylor, Melissa, Emily and Lauren, and 11 great-grandchildren.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, his spouse, Aileen Young Uriona, and his brother Louis Uriona. 

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, Utah. Graveside service with military honors will be held Thursday morning, February 9, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Brigham City Cemetery, 325 S. 300 E.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Legion Post #0010 in Brigham City, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.