Alvern Clarence Goff, 97, "grandpa great," a loving husband, father, and grandfather joined his sweetheart Jeanne on December 2, 2017. Nicknamed "Ike," he was born on March 21, 1920 to Clarence Edgar Goff and Octiva Mae Walker in Sandy, Utah.
Alvern learned early to work hard by helping his arthritis stricken mother with household chores and his dad and grandfather with farm chores.
He graduated from Jordan High School in 1938 and went to work at Kennecott Copper Corporation as a welder, repairing ore cars.
He served in the U. S. Army during World War II as a radar specialist beginning in North Africa, and moved across Europe into Germany where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. After recovery he returned to his unit in Czechoslovakia. At the war's end, he returned to employment at Kennecott Copper Corporation, retiring as a foreman after 37 years of service.
Alvern met Jeanne Kathleen Sedgley at a church dance and became engaged on Valentines' Day in 1947. They were married on November 29, 1947 at the Art Barn in Salt Lake City. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on December 28, 1955. Alvern and Jeanne are the parents of Terry Susan Goff Prater (husband Frederick Prater), Richard Alvern Goff (wife Barbara Strebel Goff), grandparents of Susan Prater, Sarah Prater Birch, Kathryn Prater, Michael Prater, Rachel Prater Bright, Shannon Goff Mower, Allison Goff Rushton, Holly Goff Kunz, Jeffrey Alvern Goff and fourteen great grandchildren.
Alvern was a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and demonstrated a life of service. His church callings varied from ward clerk to high councilor. He often volunteered at the LDS Church's Welfare Farms and bakery.
He enjoyed woodworking and made chests, rocking chairs, sewing boxes, and holiday decorations, which were all given away. He enjoyed family vacations, especially Yellowstone. He was a great storyteller, and delighted the family with his joking and teasing nature. He always had a beautiful yard with a vibrant green lawn, and a prolific vegetable garden. He loved bacon!
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11 am at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10 -10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the mortuary.
