Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Israel Mack Esplin, who returned home peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026 in his lifelong home of Orderville, Utah.  At 91 years young, Mack was a man of the earth, a dedicated craftsman, and a pillar of strength to all who knew him.
 Mack lived a life of hard work and devotion.  Orderville was always his home, having been born there on July 30, 1934 to Lawrence Sr. and Lucy Heaton Esplin, the 6th of 7 children.  He spent 41 years with Kaibab Forest Products as a logger, and was known there for his skills on a D-6 Caterpillar.  He was out clearing land just two weeks before his passing.  He loved his life spent on the range most of all, and was a lifelong cattleman.  He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had served a mission in Nauvoo with his wife Peggy where he worked as a teamster with the horse teams.
 Mack married his High School sweetheart, Betty Marie Brinkerhoff, in 1952 in the St. George Temple.  After she passed 30 years ago, he met and married a wonderful companion, Peggy Hancock, who still survives him.  He is also survived by his sister VeRene Tait; children Rebecca (Joseph) Buescher, Sharon (Barry) Glazier, Mack B. (Robyn) Esplin, Merlin (Christine) Esplin, and Wade (Rebecca) Esplin; 9 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
 Mack was a man of few words, but when he spoke, we listened.  His finial advice to us all: “Look before you jump.”
 A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Orderville Utah LDS Church, with viewing from 9:30-10:45 AM.  Burial was in the Orderville Cemetery. Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.
 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Mack and Betty Esplin Scholarship Fund at the Kane County School District office.