Thad Gudmundsen Kirkham

Thad Gudmundsen Kirkham passed away Friday October 26, 2012. He was born March 22, 1929 in Salt Lake City, Utah to James Arno and Sylvia "Gene" Kirkham. Thad lived a fulfilling life despite the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's during his last few years. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. His gentle nature and good humor enriched the lives of all those around him.
Thad spent his early years in Centerville, Utah. He graduated from Davis High School, started his studies at Weber State University, and then served a full-time mission for the LDS church in Denmark.
Thad married Arlene Peterson on November 28, 1953 in the Salt Lake, LDS Temple. Thad was then drafted into the army and fulfilled his service duties as a cook at Fort Ord, Monterey, California. He received his bachelor and master degrees from Utah State University.
Thad and Arlene raised their family in Cypress California. Thad taught industrial arts and mathematics for 30 years. He also used his industrial arts skills outside the classroom, building a house, a cabin, and various home construction projects. Besides woodworking, other favorite pastimes included art, swimming, music, camping, reading and playing games. He was a member of the Master Singers for 15 years, also a member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
After retirement he and Arlene moved to Dammeron Valley and later to St. George, Utah. In 1999-2000 they served an LDS mission in Nauvoo, Illinois.
And, of course, everyone's favorite memory of Thad is... his laugh.
Thad is survived by Arlene, his wife of 59 years, his 8 children, Doug (Mauna), Kathy (Ron) Tanner, Kevin (Julie), Cindy (Russ) Shields, Mark (Sherrie), Kaye (Jamie) Morris, Pamela, Jason (Autumn), his two brothers Jim and Kreg, and 25 loving grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday Nov 1, 2012, 1:00pm, at the LDS chapel located at 200 W. Brigham Rd, St George, Utah. A viewing will be held from 11:30-12:30 at the same location. Internment will follow at the Veyo City Cemetery.