Born on August 6, 1947, in Oakland, California, John was the cherished son of Stan and Jane Friden. He unapologetically described his youth as a golden childhood–filled with adventure, travel, car races (and crashes), mischief with his five brothers, and the tender memory of his baby sister who left this world too soon. Their life in the Bay Area, shaped by the legacy of the Friden Calculator Company, was made even more magical by summers at the family ranch in northern California. Eventually, the family moved there permanently–a place Dad made sure became part of our own childhood storybook. A piece of his heart always remained at the ranch.

Dad had a brilliant mind and an unmatched memory. He thrived academically, graduating from San Ramon High School before attending the University of California, San Diego. After a year, he chose to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to the Argentina�’Bolivia Mission and later helped open the Spanish-speaking mission in Madrid. For the rest of his life, he embraced every opportunity to speak Spanish, cherishing both the language and the people he served.

Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University, majoring in Chemistry. Though he considered a career in agronomy–the science of soil–he ultimately felt called to medicine and attended medical school at UC Davis (Thanks Dad!). His passion for medicine and photographic memory helped him graduate summa cum laude.

In 1970, while at BYU, Dad met Peggy Parsons from Brigham City, Utah, on a blind date. That date led to an April Fools’ Day proposal (Dad always had a backup plan), and they were married on July 28, 1972, in the Logan Utah Temple. Their marriage spanned 53 beautiful years on earth–with eternity ahead. They began their family of daughters shortly after getting married and continued to grow it after moving to Ogden, Utah, for Dad’s residency. They quickly became part of the South Ogden community, where they built a joyful life and raised five daughters.

Dad had an enthusiasm for life. He loved BYU football, Ford Mustangs, boating, Bear Lake, Jeopardy, snow and water skiing, car shows, and golfing. Though he didn’t get to do it often, his sons-in-law witnessed his love for horses, pack mules, swimming in mountain lakes, and outdoor cooking. He and Mom loved traveling together, cheering on BYU sports, and following the adventures of their 21 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Dad’s gentle nature made him a favorite among the babies and littles. Each grandchild remembers hours of playing catch, bedtime stories (Papa originals), and off-key hymns sung lovingly in their ears.

Many in the Ogden area knew Dad as a gifted physician. He loved his career in family medicine, serving his patients with compassion and curiosity. He had an insatiable drive to find answers and solve problems, positively impacting countless lives. He was meticulous and thorough, taking time to truly know the names, families, health needs, and interests of those he cared for.

Dad was deeply devoted to his faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether serving as a bishop, in a bishopric or stake presidency, as a scoutmaster, or as a teacher, his dedication never wavered. Service sustained him through difficult times, and he was never too busy to help someone in need. A scriptorian and avid reader, he turned to the scriptures often.

Dad’s life of service came full circle as his Parkinson’s progressed. Madi came into Mom and Dad’s home to help keep him there as long as possible. Camille and Danielle worked tirelessly to keep his uncooperative body cooperating as best it could. We are deeply grateful for the care and love he received over the past two years with Josh leading the amazing team at Abbington Senior Living in Layton, and from Paige and Sydney of Inspiration Hospice. Our hearts are forever changed by the acts of compassion we witnessed from his caregivers, and by the endless stream of friends who often visited to brighten his day. Most of all, Petiza, Dad’s affectionate name for mom, was a force–walking every step of this heavy path beside Dad.

Dad is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Friden; his five daughters, Lisa (Scott) Blake, Christy (Ryan) Halverson, Michelle (Bob) Geiger, Julie (Todd) Stratford, and Erica (Adam) Hensley; 21 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren (with 3 more on the way); and his siblings, Kim (Sandra Lee), Charlie (Dianne), Willie (Lorelle), Ted (Monica), and Jim (Toni). He was welcomed into heaven by his mother, Jane; father, Stan; sister, Elizabeth; and half-sister, Francis Anne Alioto.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burch Creek Hollow Ward Chapel, 720 Nancy Drive, Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Mountain Green Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at give.michaeljfox.org.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of John’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.