Obituary for Ray Dean Gurr (1925 - 2008)

Audrey's uncle, Tim Gurr, sent the following obituary for his father (Audrey's Grandfather). Thanks to Tim for sharing this with the whole family. Audrey is to arrive home in Florida tonight around midnight after having attended her Grandfather's funeral on Tuesday. It is worth noting that Audrey was Dean's oldest Granddaughter.

Ray Dean Gurr, 82, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully of causes incident to age on April 17, 2008 in Salt Lake City. He was born on November 10, 1925 to Wilford Marsh and Letha Edwards Gurr in Provo. He spent his boyhood in Beaver, Utah and Caliente, Nevada.

At the age of seventeen, Ray Dean proudly enlisted in the Marine Corps. He honorably served his country in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945 including the following campaigns: Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Throughout his life he was always an example of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

He married Rosa Mae Finch in the Salt Lake Temple on December 11, 1946. They established and built their life together in Pleasant Grove, Provo, and Orem. Ray Dean had many occupations but is best remembered for working at the Green Grove Market and the Lumber Yard in Pleasant Grove. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served in many callings including several service missions and as a worker in the Provo Temple. However, his most enjoyable calling was being a faithful home teacher.

Ray Dean's favorite activities were always centered around his family. He enjoyed camping, hiking, motorcycling, and wood-working. Perhaps his most challenging hobby was keeping track of his sweetheart, Rosa Mae.

He is survived by his wife of Orem and seven children: Dennis (Cindy), Salt Lake City; Tara Lee Potter (Sam), Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Kevin (LaNona), Pleasant Grove; Eric (Julie), Orem; Tim (Mary), American Fork; Joel (Marie), Sandy; and Cindy Day (Frank), Bloomington, Indiana. They have 38 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Glaina Rose Gurr; a brother, Wilford Gurr; two sisters, Thelma Higginson and Mary Lou Asay.

The family would like to express their appreciation to his special nurses and health care providers as well as friends and neighbors who helped him get through the last few years.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cascade Stake Center, 481 E. Center Street, Orem. Friends may call Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove and at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 72. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinfamilymortuary.com

Published in the Daily Herald on 4/20/2008.