Ernest Sorenson

Randy Sorenson Courage Under Fire 1945 ~ 2008 Ernest Randy Sorenson passed away April 6, 2008, after a courageous battle against leukemia. His beautiful and devoted wife, Bonnie, of eight short years was by his side as he took his final breath. Randy was the first of two children born to Ernest and Mary Sorenson. He was born July 15, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After having lived eight years in Bingham Canyon, the Sorensons moved to Kearns, Utah. Randy graduated from Granger High School in 1963. After a brief stint as a white water river rafting guide, he went on to serve in the French Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return he obtained a B.A. Degree in French from BYU and later earned an Associates Degree in Commercial Art at SLCC, as art is his true gift and passion. In the 1980's he worked as a layout animator for several Saturday morning cartoon shows. He is a published author and illustrator, for which his family is very proud. In addition to his books, Randy has many priceless paintings, drawings, and napkin sketches. Randy served our country in the US Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier. He later saw active duty on the River Assault Forces in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart. Randy retired from Kennecott Copper where he worked as a diesel mechanic for 34 years. Randy married Vickie Nash June 23, 1969 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had four beautiful children. In 1998 Vickie passed away after her own bold fight against cancer. In 1999 Randy met Bonnie Anderson whom he married July 15, 2000 in the Jordan River Temple. Family and friends will deeply miss his robust sense of humor, hearty laugh, and large heart that never stopped caring and had room for everyone. Randy had more concern for others than himself. Even within his own perils, he constantly asked his family and friends if there was anything he could do for them. Randy had an enthusiasm for American classic cars. He restored a 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport and it became his pride and joy. Randy and his brother, Richard Holdaway, loved showing it at numerous classic car shows statewide. Randy loved baseball. He especially enjoyed watching the Cubbies with his two sons and playing Pepper in the backyard with his family; he made his family the center of all activities. He enjoyed doing everything with them, whether it was a simple BBQ in the backyard, a trip to Moab, or an extended trip to Disneyland. He was truly happy when his family was with him. Randy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vickie, of 29 years; his mother and father. Randy is survived by his wife, Bonnie; sister, Dana Sorenson; his children: Steve (Jenny) Sorenson, Dee (Angelyn) Sorenson, Nickie (Cris) Astin, Patricia (Bentley) Snyder; step-daughter, Camille (Jerel) Campbell; 10 grandchildren: Ethan, London, Nash, Avery, Karli, Sage, Chase, Jordan, Tanner and Trevor; two brothers-in-law: Dee (Connie) Nash, Russell (Sherrie) Nash; many nieces and nephews from both marriages; also survived by his dog, Cosmo and a very impressive model car collection. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 12, 2008, 12:00 noon at the Taylorsville 27th Ward Chapel, 2976 West 4270 South. Family and friends may call Friday 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Rd and Saturday at the church, 10-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South.