John Reilly

John Maurice Reilly, 88, passed peacefully on his own terms on September 17, 2026.

John was born on October 13, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, to John and Mamie Reilly. After graduating high school as class president, he stepped out into the world with a passion for life and adventure. He moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he originally attended Baltimore Junior College, striving for a degree in Liberal Arts. Shortly into the school year, he instead decided to change paths towards one of service and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December 1957. A few months later, he was discharged in order to join the Navy in June of 1958. John served for six years until his honorable discharge in 1964. During his time, he ranked as a Fire Control Technician Petty Officer, Third Class, and was awarded a FIRST Good Conduct Medal.

During and shortly after his time of military service, he and his wife, Virginia Courtney, brought four children into the world: John, Leila, Rebecca, and Wanda. John loved his son and daughters dearly. He worked hard to build a life for them. After his time in the military, he continued to do so when he moved his family to California for further opportunity. Afterwards, he was able to find employment under Continental Airlines as a Director of Passenger Service in 1966. After a few years, he moved his family once more; this time, to the great state of Arizona. Here, he was able to continue his work with United Airlines.

Soon after the move, in 1977, John met his lifelong adventure partner, Valgerdur Blondal (Vally), welcoming her children, Birgir and Hafdis, into his heart. Seeking new horizons, John and Vally moved to Lake Powell, where they lived and worked at Bullfrog Resort and Marina, a time marked by grand adventures and the formation of lifelong friendships.

In 1989, the couple moved northward and settled in Torrey, Utah. As a team, John and Vally built a tourism gem, Thousand Lakes RV Park, welcoming tourists into their beloved small town. Here, they created a warm, welcoming haven for travelers from around the world. They operated the park until they eventually retired in 2008. This wasn’t the only haven they built, though. Stationed high up on the peaks of the Henry Mountains, the couple built their family cabin. This second home would be a place of retreat and peace and quiet.

After retirement, for John, life had just begun. He and Vally would pack up their truck and trailer and head to Baja twice each year, making themselves at home on the beach, fishing for hours on end each day. Other than their regular trips to Baja, they also visited other locations in Mexico, Iceland, Costa Rica, and around the US. During his daily errands, John continued to build and maintain his social connections throughout Wayne County. He talked to anybody and everybody; there’s no one he couldn’t make conversation with. Regardless, though, if you were to ask anyone, they would be sure to tell you he never stopped moving.

In all, John was vibrant, energetic, and a trusted mentor and role model to many. A builder and handyman of all things. He loved motorcycles, had a deep affection for all animals, and delighted friends and family each year with his legendary Christmas letter chronicling their often-hilarious exploits. Above all, he greeted everyone with a big, radiant smile and never turned down a good margarita or ice cream.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roy Reilly; and his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Blondal.

He is survived by his wife, Vally Reilly; his children, John (Non) Reilly, Birgir (Mar) Blondal, Lelia Crawford, Rebecca (Jim) Casey, Hafdis (DeLynn) Maw, and Wanda (James) Tonda; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

John requested no formal services. Instead, those who knew and loved him are invited to celebrate his spirit in simple ways: perform an act of kindness for an animal, raise a glass with friends, or pause to appreciate the beauty of the red rock country he called home.

CREMATION will be held at the Magleby Mortuary Cremation Center — FUNERAL DIRECTORS: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti