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.
Some of my very earliest memories are memories of my Uncle LeGrande, who was 5-1/2 years older than I. We would play games and he would give me rides on his bike. He was better than a big brother, because there was never any teasing involved. After my family moved to Arizona when I was 5, I looked forward to the summers that LeGrande was able to come down and spend with us. All my life he was one of my favorite people, and I loved spending time and going places with him. He was the one who introduced me to eating French Fries and ice cream at the Artic Circle on 9th East in Provo - probably when I spent the summer in Utah when he was 15 and I was 10. We spent many hours together during my first year at BYU with LeGrande helping me to adjust to college life away from home. When Jack and I became engaged, LeGrande had quite a talk with Jack, letting him know that he had better take care of me, or else!
ReplyDeleteI know that LeGrande has had a wonderful family reunion with his parents, his sister, and my Dad; and that they will be busy and happy together, even though we are missing them here.
I love your dad, and I love your family. Thank you for keeping this blog, and for posting this beautiful tribute.
~ Jeanette
The obituary was very nice and told me things about John I didn't know. My favorite photos are of you boys, with your dad, with shaved heads to support him. I'll bet he loved that display of love.
ReplyDeleteI was in your home as a visiting teacher almost two weeks before your dad died. He was in the room with us and I felt such a sweet spirit in the room. It was a tender feeling. I can't describe it adequately but I will always remember.
I'm sorry you have lost your dad and grandpa and that Pam has lost her husband. Keep his memory alive by telling the grandkids things he did and said. The photo of "Dad's art," is so funny. I hope you boys inherited his skill.
Much love,
Phil and Lynne Snyder