Willard Homer

Willard John Homer Grandpa Jack 1919 ~ 2010 Willard John Homer passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. He was born on October 14, 1919 in Riverside, Idaho to Willard George Homer and Elvina Josephine Pehrson Homer. He married Shirley Marie Bertoch on January 19, 1946. They were the parents of five children: Jonathan Bertoch (Laconya), Timothy George (Brenda), Michael Willard (Nancy), Suzette (David Kunze), and David James (Lorelei). He was preceded in death by his wife and sweetheart of 64 years; his parents; his siblings: Ellen Melissa (b. 1900), Edmund (b. 1902), Rhoda Greene (b. 1905), Lula Elvera (b. 1907), Russell Kent (b. 1910), Evan Molburne (b. 1912), Cleone (b. 1914), Eva Ruth (b. 1916), and Nels Pehrson (b. 1922); two grandsons Thomas Wayne Homer and Timothy Willard Homer; and one son-in-law David Kunze. He is survived by his five children, fifteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. Willard served honorably in the United States Army from 1941 to 1954. During World War II he was stationed in the Pacific, where he served in Australia and the Philippines in the Office of the Fiscal Officer Army Forces. Willard worked for many companies during his professional career, which began in 1938, and he retired from Wasatch Electric in 1983. He also contributed to his community and spent many years doing voluntary work for various community boards. Willard was a life-long member of the LDS Church and served in many capacities. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel and he shared it often. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and integrity. He paid attention to detail and he was respected by his fellow workers. He believed that every persons word was their most valuable attribute and he always tried to live his life by example. During his retirement years, he turned his attention to the things he loved. He and Shirley spent their summers on the Oregon Coast, autumn in Snowbird and they loved to see "the plays" at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Willard was always puttering.... fixing fences, building shelves, replacing sprinkler heads or tinkering with bikes. Even when he didn't have a house and yard to maintain, he was constantly helping others with their projects. Willard loved his extended family and he fostered among family members an appreciation for their heritage. He gave credit to his wife and mother for everything he had done right in his life. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and he gave them his unconditional support. He spent time with his great-grandchildren, gave them hugs and he talked with them about their lives. Many times they left with a bit of jingle in their pocket or with one of Grandpa's gadgets to enjoy. The family is grateful for the strong foundation that Willard provided during his full and rich life and we are thankful to have enjoyed our association with him for so many years. He was truly a "man among men" and steel true, blade straight. We shall never forget him. Friends and family are welcome to call during a viewing at the McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at the Hunter 23rd Ward Building, 3665 South 6000 West, West Valley City, Utah, on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 12:00 Noon. Viewing will also be held at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow at Valley View Memorial Park.