First MTC President, Stephen Hadley Passes Away

In the November 24, 2001 Church News, there was an announcement of the call of Brother and Sister Stepehn Hadley, to preside over the newly constructed Ghana MTC in January of 2002.  Here is the announcement:  Stephen Merrill Hadley, 69, Bountiful 25th Ward, Bountiful Utah South Stake; assigned to Ghana MTC; former mission president of Canada Toronto East and Cleveland Ohio missions, bishop; earned law degree from University of Utah Law School; worked as chairman of Industrial Commission for State of Utah. Born to Lawrence and Emily LaVon Farr Hadley. Married Shirley Marie Ward, parents of seven children.

On September 8, Brother Hadley peacefully returned home to his Father in Heaven after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease.  Here is his obituary:

 Stephen M. Hadley 1932 ~ 2015

He was born June 23, 1932 in Ogden, Utah to Lawrence and Emily LaVon Farr Hadley. In his youth he learned to work hard and rise before dawn, delivering the Salt Lake Tribune. He was known as "Scooter" on his basketball and baseball teams for his speed and agility during his years at Boise High School and Boise Jr. College. In addition to sports, he had a great love for the arts and enjoyed playing the piano and dancing.

After graduating in 1952 from Boise Jr. College with an Associate of Arts degree, Stephen went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting in 1954 from San Jose State College. After college he enlisted in the Army  and served his country from 1954-1956.

He was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern Canadian Mission  from 1957 to 1959 and as the Missionary Counselor to President J. Earl Lewis and President Thomas S. Monson.

Brother Hadley received his Juris Doctorate of Law from University of Utah in 1962. After graduating he and Kenneth Rigtrup, opened their legal practice.  Stephen married Shirley Marie Ward in 1963 in the LDS Logan Utah Temple.

In 1967 Stephen was appointed by Governor Calvin L. Rampton as a Commissioner on the Utah State Industrial Commission and served for 29 years.  He served as Chairman of the Commission from 1985 to 1996. As a member of the International Association of Industrial Accidents, Boards and Commissions, Stephen served as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Board of Regents, and of the Workers' Compensation College. Years later Stephen also served as a board member of the Utah State Board of Corrections and handled legal mediation in the private sector.  He also served in his community  as President of the Bountiful Kiwanis club and as President of the Bountiful chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.

In his Church assignments, he served  as an LDS Bishop, High Councilman, Stake Mission President, Mentor to the Homeless, Temple Sealer and Ordinance Worker, Mission President, MTC President and Temple President.  He presided over the Canada Toronto East Mission, the Ohio Cleveland Mission, as well as the Ghana, Africa Missionary Training Center and the Toronto Ontario Temple along with his dear companion Shirley.

Above all, he was a family man. His greatest joy was spending quality time with his wife, 7 children and 34 grandchildren. His love of the Lord and family will continue to be his legacy. His funeral was held in the Bountiful 25th Ward on September 19th.