Blaine Nixon Crosland

In the afternoon of December 14^th, 2023, Blaine Nixon Crosland passed away while residing in his retirement paradise in Southern Utah, at the age of 72.

Blaine was known as a loving husband, supportive father for his ten children, and always cherishing moments spent with family. 

Blaine was born July 23^rd, 1951 to Douglas and Beth Ann Crosland in Holden, Utah. As a young boy, Blaine loved hunting with his dad, first starting around the age of seven. He enjoyed playing on the church softball team with his brother Brent whilst being coached by his father. During his teenage years, he was involved in both church and the local scouts program. He was active in the FFA, and participated in Boys State, an organization promoting youth involvement in local government. Blaine was an accomplished football player for Millard County HS, often playing whistle to whistle. He helped his team achieve second in state his senior year. When Blaine’s children would later inquire what position he played, his response was always the same, “End, guard, and tackle - sit at the end of the bench, guard the water, and tackle anyone who comes near it”. He always had a penchant for humor, preferring wit over self indulgent disclosure.

After graduating from Millard County, Blaine spent a year studying at Southern Utah State College while waiting for his high school sweetheart, Jan, to graduate. Blaine and Jan were married and sealed in the Manti Temple on April 17^th, 1971.

Blaine was a model of strong and principled masculinity. He was a highly dependable, respected, and dedicated employee throughout his long career in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Initially commuting from various cities across Utah and Southwest Wyoming, Blaine finally moved his family to Kemmerer in 1985. Blaine worked as an insulation specialist, for what is now known as Thermal West, for over 30 years. In addition to his full-time employment, he spent his summers tirelessly siding houses in Kemmerer. In 2003, he accepted a job as plant operator directly with Naughton Power Plant, retiring in June 2021. Throughout his industrious career, Blaine cultivated many professional relationships into genuine friendships. He was a straight-shooting, authentic friend, one who could be counted on in a time of need.

He held various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including in the bishopric, and ward clerk. His favorite was scout leader, mentoring the young community members. 

Blaine was also a consistent supporter of local sports, serving as the first president of the Kemmerer Ranger Booster Club and providing them with nearly enough players to make a whole football team. He was present to celebrate nearly all his children’s many athletic achievements and even kept his own pocketbook of statistics at the varsity basketball games. 

Blaine found solace and joy in the great outdoors. After an upcountry-day picking pine nuts, chopping and stacking firewood, or tracking his fall hunt, he would sit back in his camp chair, with his XL Maverick mug of Diet Dr. Pepper, and utter his infamous phrase, “Doesn’t get much better than this”. 

Blaine, or "Plain Blaine," as he would often call himself, found genuine happiness in life's simple joys. In truth, his self-assigned moniker reflects his priorities: always remaining focused on what truly matters. And what mattered most to Blaine were his loved ones. Blaine's greatest source of happiness was being surrounded by his treasured family. His warmth and love fostered strong family connections that will be cherished for generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jan Crosland, seven sons: Travis; Troy (Amy Dowse); Benjamin; Bryan; David (Kristin Greenfield); Spencer “Michael, Whitey” (Jan Bangerter); Marshall (Katie Smith), three daughters: Darcell (Wade Belliston); Leslee; Lynzee, 27 grandchildren (28^th on the way), one great-grandchild, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as his elder brother Brent.

Blaine is preceded in death by his father Douglas, mother Beth Ann and two sisters Carma Ann and Connie Marie.

A public viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral services 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Kemmerer LDS Stake Center. Graveside and burial services will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Holden Utah Cemetery at 1:00 PM.