John Stewart Ogden passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in San Diego, California, on September 22, 1941, to Robert “Pappy” and Rose Marie “Mas” Ogden, and was raised on an avocado and lemon ranch in Fallbrook, California.
John was a real estate developer from a long line of community builders and real estate forefathers who immigrated from England to New York in 1640. John’s 5th great-grandfather founded the first large-scale commercial real estate investment trust and is recognized historically as one of the financiers of the American Revolution. Starting as a carpenter, John learned the business from the ground up, building homes, subdivisions and commercial projects, which brought him to Moab in 1999. John always had a vision for the future.
A few years after arriving in Moab, John met the love of his life, Susie Taylor, and spent the last 16 years making memories with her. John enjoyed his grandchildren and made friends with most folks he met. Locals may remember John’s warm smile from behind the bar he built at Susie’s Branding Iron, a local restaurant that he and Susie rebuilt in 2012 that quickly became a thriving local establishment.
John had many business ventures during his life, but showing horses was his favorite. John and Susie showed their horses for years, winning many awards, including four Quarter Horse Halter World Champions.
John is survived by Susie Taylor and her family; his sons John Brian Ogden and Larry Stewart Ogden; his grandchildren, Stephen and Sean Ogden, Zachary, McKenzie and Alaska Ogden, Finnegan Nash Ogden Fagering and Raine Wu; his sister Sue Davis; and friends and family near and far.
At John’s request, cremation has taken place and services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the River of Life Christian Fellowship, 2651 Arroyo Rd., Moab, Utah.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
