Herbert Joseph Urry, our beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully Thursday evening April 2, 2015 just days short of his 88th birthday.
Herb was born April 5, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leroy M. and Ida Eldora Swaner Urry. He married Joy Trauffer August 27, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple.
He is survived by his children Linda (Doug) Samuels, John (Moana), Russell, and Lisa Martin and his brother Delmar (Janet). He was proud of his 18 grandchildren including those currently serving full-time missions, Jeff Urry (Fort Collins Colorado) and Carly Samuels (Lima Peru East), and his 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joy, his parents, his brothers A. Leroy and Richard, his sister Elda Hailes, grandsons Adam and Chase, great-grandchildren Tyler and Tatum, and daughter-in-law Jennifer.
Herb graduated from South High School. He then served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II where he grew to love the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He later graduated from the University of Utah where he also played baseball.
A teacher by profession, he taught at Bryant Jr. High and East High and also ran summer programs at Bonneville Elementary. He worked for many years with the Cheerleaders and Songleaders at East High and enjoyed his continued association with former students through the years.
Herb was a gifted artist and photographer and he enjoyed sharing his work with others. His paintings and photographs will continue to be appreciated in the coming years. His detailed caricature drawings have brought smiles to many family, school, church, and civic events.
Herb enjoyed traveling to visit grandchildren in Arizona and Florida and always looked forward to his annual trip with Mom to New York City at Christmastime. He also cherished the memories of his 50th anniversary cruise to the Caribbean that he shared with Mom and all of his children and grandchildren. He lovingly cared for his sweetheart, Joy, throughout their lives together and was particularly attentive to her as she battled cancer.
He was a lifelong member of the LDS church, growing up in the Nibley Park Ward and spending his entire adult life in Haven Ward. He served twice as the Bishop of Haven Ward and served in many different capacities at the ward and stake level. He truly enjoyed serving together with Mom as missionaries at Deseret Industries on Welfare Square for many years.
Herb rarely went anywhere that he didn't run into someone he knew. Many will miss his kindness and smile not to mention the gift of a crisp, $1 bill.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Haven Ward, 2280 South 300 East. Friends may call at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary (2350 East 1300 South) from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday evening and 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the ward. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
