Gary Wayne Hampton

Gary Wayne Hampton, 55, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on October 31, 2025, after a brief but courageous fight with an aggressive cancer that was only recently discovered. Even in the face of this unexpected challenge, his thoughts and strength remained focused on his daughters—Ashton Brette and Cambree Alese—whose happiness meant everything to him.

Gary was born on May 25, 1970, to Boyd and Kathleen Goddard Hampton. He was raised in Aurora, Utah, and was the oldest of five children. After graduating from high school, Gary moved to Salt Lake and began his career with Shamrock Plumbing. Over the next 25 years, Gary established himself as a skilled and trusted Master Plumber, earning the respect of those around him through his hard work, reliability, and genuine care. Through his career, Gary made connections and friendships everywhere he went. He was truly a “give-you-the-shirt-off-his-back” kind of friend, a force for good in the lives of so many people.

Anyone who knew Gary knows that he loved his daughters more than anything in the world—with snowmobiling coming in a very close second. He found so much joy teaching his girls how to ride and sharing time on the mountain with them. He knew the Uinta and Fish Lake mountain ranges like the back of his hand and loved riding for as long as possible. Though the girls sometimes got cold or tired or hungry, they always knew the day wouldn’t end until the sun went down and the mountains grew dark, and they loved him all the more for it. He was playful, adventurous, and full of life—always looking for ways to try something new. Whenever he and the girls found themselves in a situation where the path ahead went in two directions—whether in life or simply on a hike—Gary would turn to them and ask, “Do you want to take the fun way or the boring way?” With Gary, it was always the fun way.

Above all, Gary enjoyed being a dad, and it is in that love that he will be remembered and missed most. As a father, Gary was always understanding and supportive. He treasured his girls and would go above and beyond to show up for them and make things happen. His love was always focused on making their lives better—whether changing an air filter, building a wedding arch, or fixing a car, Gary never hesitated to step in.

Gary didn’t wait for a reason to help — he went out of his way to do things for the girls, just because he could. On a recent trip to New Mexico to visit Cambree, he quietly moved through her house, fixing this and replacing that. It wasn’t until after he returned home that Cambree began discovering all the things he had done for her. Gary’s love for his girls extended to everything around them, including their pets. When Ashton moved to Colorado, her cat, Toes—who Gary had taught to drink water from the bathroom faucet when they lived with him—didn’t like the way the water sprayed in the faucets of the new house. Being the compassionate dad that he was, Gary sent Ashton a box full of faucet filters so she could find the perfect one for Toes.

Gary loved his girls. He loved showing up for them. He loved supporting them. And most importantly, he loved seeing them learn and grow, becoming the people they are now. No matter what challenges or struggles they faced, Gary was always understanding—loving them through the process. His love was genuine and sincere, a steady presence his girls will carry with them forever.

Gary is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd Wayne Hampton and Kathleen Goddard Hampton, as well as his grandparents, Thurlan Hampton and Marjorie and Clarence Goddard. He is survived by his daughters, Ashton (Austin) Thompson and Cambree Hampton; his brothers, Larry Hampton and Brian Hampton; his sisters, Marjorie Hampton and Marcee Hampton; his grandmother, Elna Hampton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Gary’s friends and coworkers at Shamrock Plumbing for their love, support, and kindness during this difficult time. Their care and compassion meant so much to Gary and to those who loved him.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Vode Event Venue, 2888 W 4700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84129 to honor his legacy of love, adventure, and devotion to his family and friends. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember the difference Gary made in the lives of everyone he met.