Garry Lynn (Butch) Kershaw, son of Edison Ray and Pieternella (Nell) Kershaw, was born December 8, 1940. He returned to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 22, 2017 as a result of complications due to a rare form of cancer. He was 76 years old.
He was employed by Hercules, ATK in Finance for over 30 years, retired. He enjoyed a retirement with his wife, running a Bed and Breakfast business entitled Highland House of Utah where he spent countless hours tending to and manicuring the grounds as well the 1 acre yard at his home. He met many wonderful couples and hosted their wedding receptions. He had a gift of enfolding people and getting to know them, wherever they were, whether it be the grocery store, Home Depot or as a host at the LeJardin Reception Center in Sandy.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf with his 5 sons and had a special place in his heart for the Lakefront Duck Club where he spent countless hours serving the members of the club. He especially enjoyed being the father of his one and only "Barbie" daughter.
He served as the Bishop of the Butler 9th Ward and a counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Cottonwood Heights Stake where he developed many wonderful friendships. While serving in these positions, he sent his five sons on LDS missions to foreign lands, Norway, Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Brazil (son in law served in the Philippines). And has since had the privilege of seeing 4 of his grandsons called on missions, as well.
Garry took great pride in our country. He signed up for the National Guard during his senior year at West High School where he played center for the basketball team. He was scheduled to deploy before graduation, one in which he had been asked to be the valedictorian at West High School. Though his mother tried to get the date changed so he could speak, the Guard prevailed! Garry continued to display his love for basketball by playing on the Army National Guard basketball team, as well. Two nights before he passed, he had an incredible experience as he was approached by Gene L Franco, of the US Army Aviation and Missile Command, who was accompanied by Mikey Kolb with the Allied German Forces, whose father had been a POW in the US during the 2nd World War and who came to love this country in spite of his imprisonment. Mr. Franco, who has been deployed 22 times, presented him with an American Flag that had been flown on a mission in Khashm Al An, Saudi Arabia on an AH-64E Apache Guardian Helicopter on September 11, 2017. It was an emotional moment as Garry wept and saluted his fellow serviceman!
He had an amazing love for the Savior, Jesus Christ and an understanding of the Atonement and took every opportunity to share it with everyone, including his posterity. Indeed, he had malice toward none and was a friend to all!
We want to thank all those who helped in any way, including Dr. Litton and his team at the IMC Cancer Center. Also thanks to nurse Debbie and NA Ray of Bristol Hospice for their tireless care and expertise. A very special thank you to Garry's friends and associates at Larkin Mortuary, LeJardin Reception Center and Rose shop for their impeccable manner in which they helped with funeral arrangements, flowers, services and graveside.
He benefited from many visits, sentimental gifts and prayers from special neighbors and friends who were constantly demonstrating their love and concern.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, his brother Larry (Kathy), 5 sons Damon (Carolyn), Daren (Julie), Nathan (Nicole), Ryan (Kimberly) and Christian; his one and only daughter Kristie (James), 25 Grandchildren each of whom had a special bond with Grandpa who made them each feel like his favorite, and 3 Great Grandchildren, the love of his life!
A viewing will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd., Sandy, UT, from 6:00 to 8:00p. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the Sandy Utah Crescent Stake Center, 10945 South 1700 East, Sandy, UT at 12 noon, with a viewing prior to services from 10:30-11:30a. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
