Dad's Art

Lest anyone think we were kidding about the packing for long road trips...

Our Dad

John LeGrande Avery died at his home in Provo on August 10, 2013, after an eight month battle with brain cancer.

John was born in Provo on October 7, 1942, to Floyd Faye and Sadie Hulet Avery. He is survived by his wife Pamela Cardon Avery, his eight sons and six daughters-in-law – Matt & Nicki, Brian & Chris, Danny & Staci, Peter, Andy & Sarah, Wes & Melissa, David & Jannet, and Alex – and 22 grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Ara Jean Hiatt and Sue Swain, and brothers Barry and Con. He was preceded in death by one sister, Dena Joyce, and one brother, Chad.

John (or LeGrande or Bud) served two years as a missionary in New Zealand and continued to serve faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life in a variety of callings, most recently as an Executive Secretary in the Spanish Fork Young Single Adult Stake. He had a firm belief and understanding of the Boy Scout program as it related to the LDS Church. He influenced countless young men as a Boy Scout leader, helping many of them achieve the rank of Eagle - including his eight sons. He received many scouting awards including the Silver Beaver Award, one of the BSA’s highest honors. He loved making itineraries and lists and repacking cargo space prior to and during any outing involving a vehicle. He had a love-hate relationship with long road trips. Driving erratically fast (but amazingly avoiding any consequences) was his specialty.

Dad ‘s professional career was in Computer Engineering, but he preferred to spend his time in the outdoors hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, backpacking and bicycling.  He was skiing when symptoms of the cancer were first noticed. He was also a faithful BYU fan and enjoyed a long tradition of attending football and basketball games with his family.

John received wonderful care and attention from the staff of Horizon Home Health and Hospice for several months. We thank them all, along with his doctors Reichman, Gaufin, Clark and Rich.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 16, at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel at 4056 North 650 East, Provo, Utah (the “Red Brick” building). A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 15, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and prior to funeral services from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the same location.  Interment will be at the Orem Cemetery.