Mike's cousin, Gary Chadburn, passed away last week. Probably a heart attack, but they are just guessing.
Mike had fun times with Gary and other cousins when growing. He was Berenice's brother Archi's son. There were 5 kids in that family. I have met a few of them through the years ( at other funerals, of course).
There was a family visitation in Beaver at the mortuary on Sunday , so Mike and I drove up to that right after our Church meeting.
Monday was the graveside service. I guess Gary and his family are not active in Church, so the only thing done AT the church was the luncheon following.
The services were chilly, being outside in. My feet were freezing! It was cloudy, 41 degree weather with wind. But it could have been a lot worse. Only I forgot to bring a coat. I was wearing a shirt, and a bulky sweater, so I just snuggled up behind Mike, had him block the wind, and used his suit coat pockets for my hands.
The songs were touching country recordings, one about "He's My Boy". Step parenting, because that's what Gary did, along with the two they had together. The other, closing song was by Diamond Rio, "One More Day." Talk about sniffles.
There was an opening prayer, a granddaughter read the Eulogy, then there was an open Mic time, Bishop's remarks, song, grave dedication by a grandson, then off to the church for a good meal, hot, ready to go, no waiting for the gathering or blessing ( it's been blessed they said in the kitchen),
But first we drove around a few blocks to look at the old pioneer era homes. And to thaw out our toes. They were cold and frozen from standing on the cold ground outside for so long.
Mike's friend from High School, Craig White and his wife Julie came to the services. I don't know that I've ever met Craig, but I have certainly heard of him lots. He's a Banker in Beaver, UT.
Mike and I ate, he visited. A lot. Then we drove home. We meandered through a few back roads in Enoch on the way. I wanted him to show me where the irrigation pond was that he wanted to take me swimming at when we were dating. ( I declined to get in at that invite 47 years ago.) It's no longer there. No ponds for irrigating any more, just sprinklers now. We also thought we might be able to see bald eagles. None.
Home, naps. Long day, but not over yet. Mike said he'd take down our outside Christmas lights today before another storm rolls through. More water! Yay! We saw lots of ...well, not LOTS, but some, standing water along the way in both Iron and Beaver counties.
Debra Evenhuis, Cousin and Gary's sister, sharing some remarks and memories of their family.
One of Gary's granddaughters.
The Mortuary had lovely warm quilted blankets for family and friends.
It took a minute for the music to work, but it was worth it. That tear- jerker song about "My Boy" left not a dry eye! You see, Gary raised two children, a boy and a girl, from his wife's first marriage. He didn't marry till 39. Lana, his wife, died 10 or so years ago of Cancer.
Cousin Dean (Gary's brother) is standing by the white hearse taking a photo.
The casket piece had these lovely duck decoys in the arrangement.
Just an idea of how many friends and family came.
Mike with Craig White.
Mike with Dean
Mike with Debra and Bill
This building looked like it might have been an old tithing office or something. Old sandstone blocks.
Gary Franklin Chadburn, age 73, passed away on January 3rd, 2023 in his home in Minersville, Utah.
Gary was born in Provo, Utah on February 10th, 1949 to Archie and Ora Chadburn. He grew up with his four siblings Gerald (Marjory) Chadburn, Debra (Bill) Evenhuis, Corinne (John) Ludema, and Deane Chadburn. Gary was an adventurous kid who loved playing in the dirt and looking for trilobites and other treasures. He was very competitive at everything he did. Gary was a master fisherman and always challenged his siblings to jacks, marbles, and chess, which he later took pride in teaching his grandkids.
Gary’s love for the outdoors led him to Weber State College where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geology with a minor in Chemistry. He took on his first geologist job in 1974 surveying for Oil and Gas Exploration in Moab, Utah. He also worked for the U.S. Forrest Service in Ogden, Utah, and Phillips Petroleum Company in Salt Lake City. Gary later settled down in Milford, Utah working for the Blundell Geothermal Plant serving 30-plus years.
Gary met the love of his life, Lana Florence, at the Milford 4th of July dance. He courted Lana by taking her on adventures in the hills hunting for rocks, fossils, bottles, and coins. They were inseparable, and the love between them was forever. He knew right away she was “the one”.
They later married on June 17th, 1988 at the Moonshine Cabin in Beaver County. Together they shared and raised a family of four children Chad (Denise) Chatelain, Shelly (Wade) Marshall, Zane (Libby) Chadburn, and Gabe (Cherish) Chadburn. His children were the light of his life, and he spent many hours teaching them how to work hard and the importance of family.
Lana had a green thumb and knack for gardening that Gary showed much interest in and took up naturally. He taught all his kids and grandkids the tricks and trades and took great pride in his yard and garden. There was always someone in town complimenting how beautiful Gary and Lana’s yard was. (We hope we can do as well as you, Gary.)
Those left to “treasure” his memory include his two brothers, two sisters, four children, and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lana Chadburn, his parents Archie and Ora Chadburn, his inlaws Leonard and Emaline Florence, brother-inlaws Sam and Larry Florence, great-grandson Jagger Marshall, and many other loved ones.
“Grandpa” Gary had an enormous heart and a deep love for his family and friends. His legacy will live on in those who knew him. A graveside for friends and family will be held on Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the Minersville, Utah Cemetery.
