Verl Grady Garrard

July 21, 1923 - December 15, 2013

Verl Grady Garrard, born July 21, 1923, passed away on December 15, 2013, from complications of Parkinson's disease. He died peacefully at home with his beloved wife at his side. Verl was born in Burley, Idaho, to Hyrum Grady Garrard and Loreeta Bodily Garrard. The middle child of three boys, Verl grew up in southern Idaho where he enjoyed fishing and visiting his grandparents' farms. He graduated from Shelley (Idaho) High School at the age of 16, and then obtained his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Idaho. Verl enlisted in the US Navy near the end of World War II and served in the Philippines just after the war ended. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Verl returned to the University of Idaho, where he taught as an instructor while completing a Master's degree in chemistry. He then split his time between the U of I and the University of Utah, where he studied for and obtained a PhD in chemistry under Henry Eyring. Verl then taught chemistry at the University of Idaho for 40 years, retiring in 1986.In 1957, Verl met and married Cleo Bendixen, who sadly died in 1961. In 1962 Verl married Georgia Christensen in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS temple. He and Georgia had three children and were happily married for 51 years. After his retirement they moved to Provo, Utah; in 2009 they moved to Salem, Oregon, to live with their daughter Sandra.Verl enjoyed fishing, music, the Lawrence Welk show, and telling bad jokes. His bright eyes and gentle spirit brought joy and peace to those around him. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life, serving as a bishop (head of a congregation) twice, and in many other callings. He was a devoted home teacher and continued to serve in this capacity until his death. Verl is survived by his wife, Georgia; his three children: Gary (Katherine) Garrard of Big Timber, Montana; Cheryl (Juan) Mijares of Woodland Park, Colorado; and Sandra Garrard of Salem, Oregon; eight grandsons, three granddaughters, and two granddaughters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, and a grandson and granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 19, at 11 AM in the LDS chapel at 4550 Lone Oak Road SE, Salem, OR. Viewing will be from 9:30 - 10:30 at the same location. Interment will be in the Provo (Utah) City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. He will be missed. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, Utah. Condolences may be sent online at www.bergmortuary.com.