Paul Robert Oldroyd

Paul Robert Oldroyd, 1934–2025

June 29, 1934 – April 17, 2025

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Paul Robert Oldroyd, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the age of 90.

Paul was born June 29, 1934, at Crane Maternity Hospital in Provo, Utah, to Terry James Oldroyd and Josephine Herman Oldroyd. He thoroughly enjoyed his childhood growing up in Provo alongside his four older brothers—James (Sammie), Herman “Bud” (Frankie), Tom (Jean), and Dave (Pat). He attended Franklin Elementary, Dixon Junior High, and Provo High School, where he played football and basketball, excelled in athletics, and made lifelong friends. He had a natural gift for sports and continued to enjoy golfing throughout most of his life.

It was during those school years that Paul met his sweetheart, Virginia Ritchie. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on September 7, 1956. He loved his “little Ginny,” and they went on to share 69 years of marriage. He was a devoted husband, never missing a chance to hold her hand, make her laugh, or tell her how much he loved her.

After serving briefly during the Korean War, Paul returned home and continued his education at BYU. He spent 25 successful years with Fidelity Acceptance Corporation before deciding that “retirement” wasn’t really for him. He and his son Jeff opened a car dealership together, turning it into a family affair, with Ginny occasionally managing the books and their daughters helping out when needed.

Paul cherished his children and grandchildren. He made it a point to stay in touch, calling every day—not to chat long, just to check in, ask how things were going, and show he cared. He remembered every detail, from milestones to little stories, because the people in his life mattered deeply to him. And if he couldn’t catch you on the phone, he had his own signature way of showing up—by leaving one of his business cards tucked under your windshield wiper, on your office desk, or anywhere he could find a spot. Sometimes, along with that card, he’d drop off a bag of groceries—just because he thought you might need it, or simply to remind you how much he loved you.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout his life.

What truly set Paul apart was his love for people. He had a gift for remembering names, stories, and life’s little details. He never talked about himself—he was always more interested in you. His simple questions— “How are you?” “How’s the family?”—were sincere and full of heart. Because of this, he was surrounded by people who loved him. But he enjoyed giving strangers a smile, too. Paul always had a beautiful yard, and in later years, took to using a hose instead of his sprinkler system so he could sit on a stool and hand-water while waving at people as they passed by. These small acts of kindness and joy made a difference in this world and will be part of his legacy, we hope to carry on.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, and their children: Jeff Oldroyd (Orem), Ann (Todd) Whittaker (Orem), and Linda (Tadd) Ellsworth (Santaquin). He was a proud grandfather to Danielle (Ryne) Cardon and their children Graham, Whitt, and Tate; Chase (Kassie) Whittaker and their children Reese and Blake; Megan (Nate) Wallace and their daughters Pippa and Sophie; Parker Oldroyd and Lindsey Oldroyd; Yardley (Jose) Arredondo; Graeson Ellsworth; and Tatum (Easton) Schwendiman.

He is also survived by countless friends and loved ones, all of whom were blessed by his quiet kindness, quick wit, and steady, generous heart. The Oldroyd family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who loved our “Po.” If you ever had the chance to sit on his back porch, hear a story, share a laugh, enjoy an ice cream treat (or whatever goodie he had stashed away), or receive one of his short but sweet phone calls, then you already know—you were lucky to know him. He was one of the good ones.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 S State St., Orem, Utah, where a viewing will be held prior from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.. Interment will follow at the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to the compassionate hospice workers who cared for Paul in his final days. A special thank you to Sarah Groneman and Ryann Gardner of Utah Home Health and Hospice for their tenderness, kindness, and the gentle way they cared for him—we will be forever grateful.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.