Memorial service for LaVell Edwards

PROVO, Utah - Hall of Fame head coach LaVell Edwards was remembered and celebrated on Friday night at a memorial service among family, friends and BYU fans at the Utah Valley Convention Center.

Life of LaVell Edwards Photo Gallery
Memorial Service Photo Gallery
LaVell Edwards Tribute Video
Memorial Service Video Highlights
Memorial Service (select to watch entire service)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presided over the memorial, while bishop Brian Santiago conducted the event.

Sons Jimmy and John Edwards both spoke, along with Robbie Bosco and Elder Holland. LaVell and Patti’s two sons gave those in attendance an insight into LaVell as a family man. They shared stories of how he put his family first and had a great love for the children and his wife of 65 years, Patti.

Bosco represented all of the former players in his remarks. As a member of the 1984 national championship team, Bosco spoke of times LaVell was more than a coach. He talked about how LaVell loved all of his players.

The closing speaker was former BYU president and current LDS apostle, Elder Holland. He mentioned how LaVell was true to his faith in every setting, on the field or off. His reliability was something that always impressed Elder Holland as the two garnered a lifelong friendship over the years. Elder Holland concluded that football is what Patti and LaVell did, but disciples of Christ is what they are.

To close, he shared a letter from the First Presidency of the Church addressed to the Edwards family offering their thanks for the contributions and example of LaVell and Patti.

Jayne Edwards, a granddaughter of LaVell and Patti, and Dallyn Bayles, friend of the family, performed musical numbers. Jayne sang “Amazing Grace”, while Bayles sang a rendition of “Danny Boy”.

Former players are also expected to gather for a reunion following Friday night's service. There will be an additional private service for family, ward and stake family, close friends and former players and coaches on Saturday at 11 a.m. MST. It will be held at the Provo Multi-Stake Center on 352 North 900 East in Provo. The interment will be at the Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo following the service. 

Read more about the life of LaVell Edwards

View additional tributes and memories of Coach Edwards:
LaVell Edwards: In His Own Words – BYU Sports Nation
BYU Sports Nation with Dave McCann
Kevin Mitchell tribute to LaVell Edwards
Excerpt from What It Means To Be A Cougar
Reaction to LaVell Edwards' passing