Dad was passionate about his faith and family. He was loved by many and will be likewise missed. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Wagner Flade, a daughter Eva Kirsch (John) of Ogden, Utah and his sons Ronald of Elko, Nevada, Gordon (Melody) of Hailey, Idaho and Jamie (Julie) of Salt Lake City, Utah. Dad is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Shortly after WWII, Dad elected to take his wife and young daughter and escape from East Germany in order to live and worship in freedom. Even as a prisoner of war, held captive in the United States, Dad knew this was where he wanted to live. Dad's military experience was profiled in a video produced by the LDS church, "Saints at War".
Dad was able to begin a life of freedom in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada where two sons (Ronald and Gordon) were added to the family. Shortly thereafter, Dad moved to Salt Lake City for a brief period of time and then moved to Santa Monica, California where he owned and operated John Flade Furniture and with Mom's help raised their family.
In the early summer of 1970 while serving as a scout master, one of numerous church callings Dad was called to serve in which included Elders Quorum President, Stake Mission President, Bishop of the Sun Valley, Idaho Ward, President of the Frankfurt, Germany Mission and Temple Sealer, Dad became acquainted with the Idaho wilderness which rekindled his love of the mountains. Shortly thereafter a family vacation led Dad to Sun Valley, Idaho and a brief meeting with the, then serving Branch President, Don Aslett. Within months, Dad relocated the family and his business to Ketchum, Idaho where he resided until his call to Germany as a Mission President. Dad and Mom adopted their youngest son Jamie just before leaving on their mission to Frankfurt.
Dad's return from Germany led him to complete his career working for the LDS Church until his retirement in 1990. The last years of Dad's life were devoted to teaching the gospel to everyone who came into contact with him.
Dad's hobbies included soccer (which he played in his youth), reading, fishing and woodworking. His love for woodworking developed into a large portion of his career.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 12:00 pm at the Glenmoor 3rd Ward Chapel at 9455 South 4800 West, South Jordan, Utah. A private family viewing will be held just prior to the funeral service per Dad's request. Condolences may be shared with the family from 10:30 to 11:30 Saturday morning prior to the funeral at the Ward. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the General Missionary Fund of the LDS Church. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences welcomed at www.Larkincares.com
