Former Deseret News managing editor J Malan Heslop dies

SALT LAKE CITY — Former Deseret News photographer and managing editor J Malan Heslop, 88, died July 29, 2011, in Salt Lake City.

Heslop was an Army combat photographer in Europe during World War II and joined the photography staff at the Deseret News in 1948 after graduating from Utah State Agricultural College. He was named editor of the LDS Church News in 1968 and became managing editor of the Deseret News in 1976, retiring in 1988.

"J was a fine professional: a photographer, a writer, an editor," said Deseret News Managing Editor Richard D. Hall. "And J was a great guy to work for: kind, easy-going, but always wanting the best. The Deseret News is better place for J having spent his career here."

Heslop also served as a mission president, regional representative, stake patriarch, stake president and bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also authored or co-authored more than a dozen books and plays.

Funeral will be at noon Friday, Aug. 5, in the Ensign Peak Ward chapel, 125 E. North Sandrun Road. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. There will be two viewings, Thursday, Aug. 4, from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and at the church the day of the funeral from 10:45-11:45 a.m.