Vard Linus Openshaw

Our dear father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Vard Linus Openshaw (88) passed away July 14, 2015 at the University of Utah Hospital after having a bad fall. He was born April 10, 1927 in Naples, Utah to Linus Vard and Josephine Antonette Olsen Openshaw. Vard grew up in Naples. He graduated from Uintah High School in 1945. He left for active duty in the Armed Forces the next day. He was a member of the Medical Corp attached to the Air Corp and was stationed in Puerto Rico. When he returned from serving his country he went to work at Uintah State Bank in December 1946. His wife Deon Abplanalp went to work there when she graduated and that is where they met. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple September 16, 1953. They had four children: Clark (Michelle-deceased) Vernal, VaLinn (Glade) Vernal, Brent (Joyce) Liberty, Garth (Sharleen) Orem. He worked at Uintah State Bank until 1956 when it changed to First Security Bank, where he retired in 1987 as assistant manager. While working there he met many dear friends. In all those 40 plus years he never took a day off for illness. Vard loved to go shopping, visiting with everyone, pheasant hunting and camping. He was a good cook and loved cooking breakfast for the grandkids. They all enjoyed spending the time with him. He had a great love for his family and was always doing things for them. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many positions including Home Teacher, Ward and Stake Sunday School Presidency, Ward and Stake Financial Clerk, Bishop and Vernal Temple Worker. For many years he picked up the orders from The Bishop Storehouse in Roosevelt and delivered them to Vernal. He had a near perfect attendance at all of his church meetings while he was physically able to go. He loved to serve his community. He was a long time member of the Vernal Lions Club serving in several positions including President, Treasurer and Director. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He did income taxes for many years from his home office. He is survived by his children, his sisters Toni (Glen-deceased) Vernal, Betty (Bob) Illinois, Chris (Stan-deceased) Vernal, Joy (Lanny-deceased) Vernal, 15 grandchildren: Jamie, Dale (Melissa), Marcy (Chris), Daniel, Marla (Shawn), Devin (Michelle), Kenneth, Brandon, Heather, Jennifer, Sharlin (Bryce), Ryan, Kristen, Larissa and Dallin, 13 great grandchildren: Dylan, Dawson, Natalie, Isla, Makalynn, Dexton, Ashlee, Alexandria, Christopher, Hunter, Charity, Kaden, Tyson and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Kermit and two great grandchildren, MarRay and Coda. He lived a selfless, dedicated life of service to all he knew. We will all greatly miss you. We love you! Graveside Services will be Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at the Vernal Memorial Park. Family and Friends may call at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 P.M. and Saturday from 9:00-9:45 A.M. prior to going to Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion and Utah National Guard. Services are under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.