Loyd Acreman

On November 3, Loyd Dale Acreman, 64, passed away surrounded by the love of his family after a seven-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer's. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we are also grateful that he has been released from this cruel and debilitating disease. Loyd leaves behind a life that, much like the buildings he spent his career constructing, was built with strength, purpose, and a great deal of character.

Loyd was born on October 27, 1962, in Los Angeles, California. His family later returned to Delhi, Louisiana, where Loyd grew up to become a true Southern gentleman.

In high school, Loyd played defensive tackle for the Delhi Bears, where his coach praised him as the toughest player on the team. After one particularly difficult game, his coach even drew a cartoon of Loyd playing with a black eye, a knife in his back, and a broken arm. It was a fitting tribute to the grit, determination, and good humor that would become hallmarks of Loyd's life.

Loyd learned the value of money early because he worked hard to earn it. He spent summers on his papaw's farm driving a tractor. At the end of one summer, he said he still wasn't sure what he wanted to be, but he knew one thing for certain: he wasn't going to be a farmer.

What eventually captured his interest was carpentry. He went to work for a local builderdoing residential construction and quickly discovered that he had found his calling.  Years later, that same boss said Loyd was the best hand he had ever had and joked that if he'd had an entire crew of workers like Loyd, he would have been a millionaire within a year.

Loyd became the first in his family to attend college, blazing a trail for his brother and sister and inspiring others who would follow his example. He earned a degree in Construction Management from Northeast Louisiana University and later an MBA from the University of Dallas in 1991.

Eventually, Loyd landed his dream job as a Project Manager with DPR Construction. It was there that he met his California girl, Dina Ferrell.

The two met one day at work when Dina, the Marketing Coordinator, came to Loyd's office to deliver a new name tag. Little did she know that, five years later, the name on that tag would also be hers.

In 1999, Loyd and Dina were married in Lincoln, California. A year later, they welcomed their first daughter, Jane Kimball Acreman. Hudson James joined the family in 2003, and Greta Mae arrived in the summer of 2004. As a devoted father, Loyd loved his children and always chose family time over any other activity.

In 2000 Loyd became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His steady nature, compassion, and natural leadership quickly found a place in his church service. Within three years of his baptism, Loyd was called to serve as Bishop of the Redwood City First Ward. Over the years, he served in several other leadership and service roles, including as a member of the Stake Presidency and as Young Men's President. But perhaps his favorite calling was teaching the three-year-old Sunbeams in Primary.

Loyd enjoyed cycling, running, marathons, and triathlons, even though he only learned to swim in college. From a very young age, Loyd was an avid reader. It was rare to see Loyd without a book in his hand. When Loyd was close to finishing a book, he had a habit of putting his next one ready on the nightstand. Loyd was a truly humble man. He never boasted about himself and always showed genuine interest in others. He loved getting up early, going for a run, and doing the crossword puzzle in the paper. He also had a deep appreciation for music, especially Bob Dylan. He never stopped learning, so when it came to Jeopardy the man knew every answer, even if it was a daily double.

If there is one word to describe Loyd, it is solid. Solid as a father and husband. Solid in his faith and as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Solid in his work, as a leader, and as a man of integrity. Solid as a friend and neighbor. And one thing we will all remember: the best and most solid booming laugh.

May we all try to live and laugh like Loyd.

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All are welcome to attend a memorial service and celebration of Loyd's life, which will be held on November 21 st at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5335 W 11200 N, Highland, UT 84003. 

Consistent with Loyd's legacy of service to others, he opted to donate his body for medical research in the hope of helping others find a cure for Alzheimer's. In doing so, Loyd has entered a donation program at the University of Utah School of Medicine. In lieu of flowers, you may choose to contribute to this program at:

https://donate.utah.edu/campaigns/53721/donations/new?designation_id=MD02594-40166