Vard A. Roper Obituary (1931

Gone Following Another Road Vard A. Roper was born in Fool Creek, Utah, to Lella and Merlin Roper on August 26, 1931. He lived in Lyndal, Utah, until he was 12 years old, then moved to Provo, Utah, where he graduated from Provo High School. He went on and graduated from Utah State University. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was looking forward to going on a mission, until Uncle Sam called him to join the U.S. Army. He went through jump school to become Airborne, then off to Korea with the 187th as a Corporal from 1951 to 1954. At the time of his discharge he was given a choice: to re-enlist or marry his high school sweetheart. The choice was made. On May 30, 1954, in the Provo Temple he was married to Iona Thorson. Together they made a home in Orem, Utah, and raised 5 kids. He was the department head/professor who taught machining trades, math, drafting, and other subjects at Utah Technical College from June 1961 to 1991, now known as Utah Valley University. May 20, 1976, Iona passed away. On April 11, 1981, he married his next sweetheart, Margaree Owens Dutson. Added 5 more kids making his family complete. For the next 34 years he lived in Orem, Utah. He was a high priest in the church and served as scoutmaster, librarian, and teacher. He loved many things in his life: his Father in Heaven, his family, his country and the outdoors - in that order. It didn’t matter what time of year it was, he always had the strong desire to be going somewhere in Utah. He was asked once if he ever wanted to explore outside of Utah, his response was, “not till I’ve seen all of Utah first.” He gave it a good try. He is survived by his wife, Margaree Roper; sister, Vona Houtz; kids: Kevin Roper, Kim Roper, Kris Roper, Wendy Kaefer, Korry Roper, Kathy Johnson, Tanya Noorda, Garrett Dutson, Chris Dutson and Markai Aston, along with 37 grandkids and 7 great-grandkids. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the Sunset Heights 5th Ward Chapel, 600 South 1100 West, Orem, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Orem, 500 North State Street, Wednesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Thursday morning from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Utah State Parks at http://friendsofutahstateparks.org/donate. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.