David Raymond Gordon
David Raymond Gordon, 72, of Orem, died Jan. 10, 2005 at his home from the effects of Multiple Myeloma. David was born in Mohrland, Utah, Feb. 21, 1932, to Raymond Clem and Geneive Chapman Tuttle Gordon, and was raised in Emery County.
After serving in the Navy for four years, he married Mary Lue Jewkes in the Manti LDS Temple on June 12, 1956. David earned a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University while working full time for the SP D&RG railroad. He taught in the Provo School District for 30 years, including spending the summers working for the Outdoor Education Program at Big Springs where he quickly became known as “El Flamo.” He was active in many sports including basketball, tennis, and softball, and was feared at the horse-shoe pit. He loved music, oil painting, ham radio and computers, but he especially enjoyed spending time in the outdoors with his family.
David was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including Bishop. A highlight of his life was serving two missions in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City with his beloved wife.
He was preceded in death by his best friend and companion, Mary Lue, and his parents. He is survived by his 10 children: D. Lynn (Jeri Lynn) Gordon of West Jordan, Julie (Richard) Manwill of West Valley City, Ann Gordon of West Valley City, Mindy L. Gordon of Orem, Janalee (Ronald K.) King of Pleasant Grove, Kristin (Charles R.) Jensen of Boise, Idaho, Paula R. Gordon of Provo, Jay R. Gordon of Provo, Steven E. (Kelli) Gordon of Ankeny, Iowa, Richard L. Gordon of Orem; a foster daughter, Carol G. (Jeff) Stevens of Albuquerque, N.M.; 24 grandchildren and three foster grandchildren; brothers H. Bruce Gordon of St. George, and Donald C. (Ingrid) Gordon of West Jordan.
The Gordon family would like to thank family, friends and medical staff for their faith, love, service and support. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Huntsman Cancer Institute, The Kidney Foundation (801-225-5111), or any humanitarian charity of your choice.
Funeral services were held on Sat., Jan. 15, 2005 at 10:30 a.m., in the Cherry Hill Stake Center, 1700 South 400 East, Orem, Utah. A viewing was also held Fri., Jan. 14, 2005, from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, and Saturday morning, at the Cherry Hill Stake Center, at 9 a.m. until time of the service. Interment was held at the Orangeville City Cemetery at 3 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.BergMortuary.com Full military rites were accorded by the VFW District #4.
Woodrow Leon Pilling
Woodrow Leon Pilling, 88, Big Spring Ranch, Carbon County, passed away Jan. 10, 2005 at Castleview Hospital in Price. Born Sept. 5, 1916 at Desert Lake to William and Albertina Christensen Oveson Pilling. Married Erma Burton May 31, 1935 at Wellington.
Woodrow loved his family and left them a wonderful legacy. He was a gentleman whose integrity, honesty and decency left this world a better place. He was dearly loved by all of his family and friends and there will be a great void left by his passing, including his ever present cowboy hat and electric smile.
He built the straightest fences around and could put shoes on a horse that couldn’t be thrown. He helped carry the famous Pilling Figurines by pack saddle out of Range Creek and drove the first motorized vehicle into Range Creek, a Ford pickup. He had a deep interest in native American history and cowboy history. He loved tending to his livestock at the ranch and he always wanted a horse close by.
He was a member of the LDS Church, United Mine Workers of America, Grassy Trail Riding Club and was named, along with Erma, Conservationist Rancher of the Year by the Price River Soil Conservation District, April, 6, 1991.
Survived by his wife Erma, of 69 years, of Price; sons, Kent and Carol Pilling, Big Spring Ranch and Huntington, and Bill and Anna May Pilling, Carbonville; daughters, Jeanne and Jim Marrs, Price and Suzan and Skip Critchlow, Wellington; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by parents, son Jack Clinton, six brothers, two sisters, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Funeral services were held Jan. 15 at noon at the Wellington Stake Center. Burial was in the Price City Cemetery under the direction of Fausett Mortuary.
Memorial donations may be made in Woodrow’s name to the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum, Price, Utah.
Albert J. Fossat
HELPER-Albert J. Fossat, age 84, passed away Jan. 12, 2005 at his home in Helper. Born Nov. 29, 1920 in Helper, to Louis and Catherine Castagno Fossat.
Member St. Anthony Catholic Church. Graduated from Carbon High School, Carbon College and attended the University of Utah, where he studied journalism. He was a free-lance writer, photographer and accountant.
Albert worked in the central finance office of the Veterans Administration in Washington DC. While in Washington, he was a member of St. Matthew Cathedral Parish, where he was a charter member of the El Camino Real club. After several years, he returned to Helper where he became the city recorder under two mayorships.
He later worked as Assistant Corpsman supervisor over 200 young corpsmen. He received a superior performance award from the Bureau of Land Management for his work with the corpsmen. All of the corpsmen signed a petition to give him an award for care and understanding he gave them. On the closing of Job Corps, he became an employee of Job Service, as an interviewer and public relations representative. He also received high commendation from the Utah manager of Job Service. Albert also was a good poet, having received special awards from both state and national competition.
Survived by one brother, William David Fossat, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by twin brother, Alfred; brothers, Michael, Ralph, Victor; sisters, Irene Hislop, and Pauline Tsangaris.
Funeral Mass was held Sat. Jan. 15, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service was held Friday evening at the church in Helper. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper. Under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Albert has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Chuck Semken
PRICE-Charles Henry Semken, age 79, passed away Jan. 14, 2005 in Price. Born April 29, 1925 in Moab, to Charles Henry and Chlora Hyatt Semken. Married Joyce Call, Jan. 2, 1948 in Price, later divorced. Married Madelyn Peterson, Dec. 2, 2003 in Price.
Chuck was an avid sports enthusiast who loved BYU football and was also honored on the Utah State Athletic Hall of Fame. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing with his buddies, hunting, handball, golfing and bowling. Honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theatre and was a member of the Marine Corps League #515. Chuck retired as a Deputy Sheriff from the Carbon County Sheriff Department, where he was recognized three times for his superior marksmanship in the state. Former president of the Utah State Peace Officers Association and Chairman for the State Youth Parole Board.
He also worked at Price River Coal Company where he was the local president and while living in San Diego, Calif. he owned and operated his own business. Chuck was active with the youth and he started the Carbon County Junior League, and Christmas Is For Kids in Wellton, Ariz. and San Luis, Mexico.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be dearly missed by his family and a community of friends. Survived by his wife Madelyn Semken, Price; son, Michael (Francine) Semken, Orem; three daughters, Susan (Steven) Blake, American Fork; Shanna (William) Taylor, Price; Renee Prinvale, San Mateo, Calif; step-children, Sue (Scott) Heino, Price; Michael (Wendy) Smith, LaVerkin; Corey (Genefer) Smith, Carbonville; Corinna (Elvin) Anderson, Price; sister, Norma Baker, Price; sister-in-law, Byllee Semken, Price; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents, sisters, Mae and Allie; brother, Lee; grandson, Stephen Prinvale.
Funeral service, Jan. 17, Price Fourth LDS Ward Chapel. Interment, Price City Cemetery.
Geneva Black
HELPER-Geneva Josephine Bonacci Black, age 91, our dear Aunt Jenny, went peacefully to join her loved ones on Jan. 14, 2005
Born in Helper, Aug. 11, 1913 to Joseph and Josephine Scavo Bonacci.
Married Raymond O. Black, Dec. 29, 1945 in Elko, Nev. Their marriage was blessed Feb. 22, 1976 at St. Anthony catholic Church in Helper. Geneva tenderly cared for her husband in the final years of his life until he died in her arms on June 26, 2000 after 54 years of marriage.
Geneva was full of energy, optimism and had a great sense of humor. Her life was filled with service to others. She served as a den mother, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 56 years where she was involved with Girls State, served in the Castleview Hospital Auxiliary for 31 years, including being past president. She was a member of the Ladies of Elks, a member and former President of the DRGW Veterans Auxiliary, and active in numerous other volunteer organizations. She received several awards in recognition of her dedicated community service. She was named Woman of the Year by the Utah American Legion Auxiliary 1986-1987. Castleview Hospital volunteer of the year 1992, Frist Humanitarian award Castleview Hospital 1996. She worked many years as a salesclerk at Cornet in Helper, and was a 25 year member of the Helper Business and Professional Women’s Club. She loved to sing with her church choir throughout her life. Geneva was a lifelong resident of Helper and was honored as a Grand Marshal of the Helper city Christmas Light Parade.
Survivors include sister-law Edna Mae Glen, Mesa, Ariz.; step-daughter, Loretta (Frank) Mastroianna, North Glen, Colo.; four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews who adore her; a community of wonderful friends and her special canine companion Sophie.
Aunt Jenny truly endured with love and faith to the end and will be greatly missed.
Funeral mass, Wed. Jan. 19, 2005, 11 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church, Helper. Vigil service, Tuesday evening, 7 p.m. St. Anthony Catholic Church. Family will be at the church Tuesday and Wednesday one hour prior to services. Committal service Mt. View Cemetery, Helper.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Shriners Childrens Hospital, Fairfax Road at Virginia Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103.