Forest Eric Anthony

Forest Eric Anthony—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ—returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father on March 19, 2026, at the age of 70. He passed away surrounded by his loving wife and all his children and their spouses—a tender reflection of the deep love he held for his family. Though his passing leaves a profound void, we find peace in knowing he was welcomed home by loved ones who preceded him.

To know Eric was to feel that you mattered.

He had a rare gift: when he spoke with you, you felt seen, heard, and valued. He didn’t just exchange pleasantries—he wanted to know your story. He made time, he listened deeply, and he lifted others in a way that left them better than he found them. Whether sitting at his kitchen table, walking through his yard, or talking late into the evening, Eric made people feel at home.

Eric was born on March 29, 1955, in Pomona, California, to Forest and Derelys Anthony. His childhood was filled with adventure—days at the beach, camping with family, and dreaming of what lay ahead. At age twelve, his family moved to Utah, a place he had longed for. From a very young age, he valued family and faith.

He developed a great love for Norway throughout his life, driven by his father’s Norwegian heritage. As a young man, he traveled to Norway to find family and developed a deep connection to its people and culture. He loved serving in the MTC at the same time as his sister, Debra, and fulfilled a dream of serving a mission in Norway from 1974 to 1976. In 2021, he returned again as a missionary with his beloved wife—keeping a promise he had made to his Norwegian friends as a young missionary.

Eric graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree and later earned his master’s degree from the University of Utah. A devoted BYU fan, he held season tickets and rarely missed a game.

On August 21, 1981, Eric married the love of his life, Linda Holley, in the Provo Utah Temple. Their marriage was full of love, adventure, and family. He loved Linda more than life itself and showed it daily through his actions, tenderness, and unwavering commitment. He exhibited this love by taking Linda out for a date every Friday night.

Together they raised five children in a home filled with learning, faith-filled traditions, and boisterous conversations around the dinner table. Eric found great purpose in being a father and grandfather. He was endlessly encouraging and, using his own words, “sun and filly.” He always saw the best in people and reminded them of it often. After spending time with him, you felt stronger, more capable, and more confident. He had a way of making you feel like a million bucks, because he truly believed you were.

He carried that same love into every relationship. He celebrated others’ successes with genuine excitement and stood beside them in their struggles with patience and compassion. He didn’t rush people—he sat with them, listened, and strengthened them.

Eric spent his entire 45-year career at Valtek, the company founded by his father, which allowed him to travel to 43 countries. He was known not only for his leadership, but for his ability to connect with people wherever he went. He also loved serving his community, including as a city council member, but most often as a neighborhood gardener and caring confidante.

He had a deep love for the world around him. He found joy in skiing, playing the piano, going to the beach, spending time at the family cabin, working in his yard, and tending to trees and flowers. In many ways, he treated people the same way—carefully, patiently, helping them grow and flourish.

Eric had a powerful and unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. From a very young age, his faith guided his life. He served faithfully in many callings, including as a Bishop, and found great joy in ministering to others. In recent years, especially through his service in the temple and family history work, his love for the Savior deepened even further, bringing him profound peace and understanding.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue. He is survived by his eternal companion, Linda; his children Karleigh (Matt) Tomlinson, Trevor (Andi), Wyatt, Alex (Maddison), and Thomas (Laura); his 13 grandchildren; and his beloved siblings Sharon, Tom, Hal, Debra, and Kristen.

Services are under the care and direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Lindon Utah Central Stake Center, 56 East 600 North, Lindon, Utah.

A viewing for family and friends will be held that morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church. An additional evening viewing will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the same location.

The funeral service will be live-streamed at www.olpinmortuary.com/obituaries/eric-anthony.

Interment will follow at the Lindon City Cemetery.