2026 County Fair Grand Marshal
Thomas LaRen Provost
Thomas LaRen Provost was born on July 21, 1937, in Midway, Utah, to Ren and Marge Crook Provost. As the oldest of five children, he grew up surrounded by family and developed a deep appreciation for the values of hard work, service, and community that have guided him throughout his life.
LaRen attended school in Midway and was active in athletics from a young age. At Wasatch High School, he excelled in wrestling, becoming a State Champion, served as captain of the football team, and held leadership positions in the local FFA chapter. Following graduation, he attended Southern Utah State University on a football scholarship before returning home to Heber City.
After returning to the valley, LaRen met and married Patricia Lawson. During this time, he served in the United States Army, and he and Patti were stationed in Washington State. Following his military service, they returned to Heber City, where they raised their four children—Jill, Jane, Bryan, and Nick.
LaRen built a successful career as the owner and operator of Wasatch Auto Supply, serving customers in both Heber City and Park City for many years. His business became a trusted part of the community, reflecting the relationships and work ethic that have always been important to him.
Service to the community has been a defining part of LaRen's life. He joined the local fire department and later served as Fire Chief for five years. In recognition of his dedication, he recently received his 60-year service pin from the Utah State Firemen's Association.
His public service also included four years on the Heber City Council, service on the Heber Light & Power Board, and participation on numerous local and state fire service boards. In the late 1980s, LaRen was elected to the Wasatch County Commission, where he served for 16 years, including 12 years as Commission Chairman.
During his years on the commission, many important projects helped shape the future of Wasatch County. Land was acquired for the Justice Center, the hospital was developed through cooperation with Intermountain Health Care, and both the indoor and outdoor event arenas were approved and built. The county also purchased the property that became Southfield Ballpark, established a new fire station, and implemented full-time firefighting services. LaRen and the commission also worked hard to bring and retain the Utah State High School Rodeo Finals in the valley, recognizing the importance of agriculture, youth programs, and community events to the area's heritage.
Throughout his public service career, LaRen has always credited his accomplishments to the support of his family, friends, employees, and the citizens of Wasatch County.
Agriculture has always been a central part of LaRen's life. Coming from a family with deep farming and ranching roots, he built a successful cattle operation consisting of approximately 350 cow-calf pairs. The family's herd spent summers in Strawberry Valley and winters grazing in Utah's West Desert, with additional time spent in Wasatch County's North Fields. It was there that LaRen and Patti built their family home and raised their children, creating a place where they could raise both children and cattle. Today, his sons Bryan, Nick and their families continue that legacy.
LaRen is the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 11 great-grandchildren. In recent years, he purchased a small cattle ranch in McGill, Nevada, where he spends much of his time continuing the ranching lifestyle he has loved throughout his life.
Through his lifelong dedication to family, agriculture, business, public service, and the Wasatch County community, LaRen Provost has left an enduring mark on the valley he has always called home. The County Fair is proud to recognize Thomas LaRen Provost as this year's Grand Marshal.