Donald Victor Southam

Don was born at home in Salt Lake City, Utah May 1, 1933 to Victor Ivan Southam and Myrle Ada Wretberg.

Don met the love of his life Virginia Orton on a blind date at the Terrace Ballroom January 1959. From that moment they fell in love and were inseparable. They married August 15, 1959, in Parowan Utah. Don and Virginia had 62 wonderful years together. Their love for bowling, fishing/camping, hunting and later in life they picked up golfing. Don always said he would never chase the little white ball around a course. To get around this statement he always used a yellow ball.

Don started working at age 13 at Vic’s Key and Repair Shop. His dad Vic founded the business in 1946, Don took ownership of the business in 1972 and worked until 1999 when he retired. He loved working with daughters Leslie and Kristi who he passed the shop down to in 1999. He always went to help at the shop on Mondays after his retirement. Virginia took that day to prepare a dinner for all family members that could make it. It was fondly known to everyone as Monday Night Dinner. After Virginia’s passing September 09, 2021, Don went back to work at Vic’s Key Shop 3 days a week until 3 weeks before his passing. Pretty amazing for a young 90-year-old. He always loved visiting with customers, many became lifelong friends. He graduated from West High School in 1951 and was a proud member of JROTC. The only break from work was when he was drafted into the Army serving as Staff Sargent 1952-1954 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany as an ammunition expert.

Don and Virginia were blessed with 4 daughters Vicki (Dan) Corbett, Leslie Dittman, Kristi (Mark) Dixon and Julie (Brian) Maddox. Their daughters were the light of their lives. They have 11 grandchildren Kory Hymas, Jessica Corbett, Ross Dittman, Caleb, Cody, Carter and Carly Dixon, Jenna, Tarra, Brylee and Taylee Maddox. Don and Virginia made lasting memories with each of the grandchildren. They have 7 Great Grandchildren and 1 on the way.

At a young age Don loved being with his Grandpa Wretberg. They would fish and spend a lot of time duck hunting at The Harrison Duck Club with his favorite dogs Duchess and Birdie. Don was an avid bowler. He and his uncle Fred Southam would frequent bowling lanes across Utah. He was still league bowling at Bonwood Bowl late into his 89 th year. He was a man of many talents. He loved to draw and paint wildlife. He also loved being in the garage working with wood making dressers, desks, recipe boxes, and so many other treasured items.

Don will also be missed by in laws Shauna and Graeme Russell, Royden and Debbie Orton also countless nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Proceeded in death by his wife Virginia, his parents, Virginia’s parents Hills and Arvila Orton and stepmother Margret Orton. Sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Brent Butterfield, Hilma and Max Jensen, Almon and Sylvia Orton and Jolynn Orton.

Whenever Don would go anywhere someone would know him and want to chat it up. He was blessed with the gift of gab.

The family would like to thank Huntsman at Home, Julie and Brian Maddox and their 4 daughters Jenna, Tarra, Brylee and Taylee for the wonderful care dad received the last 3 weeks of his life. Thank you to Don’s sweet neighbor Monica that would continually check on him bringing his daily doughnuts and shakes. He looked forward to these daily visits.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023, 6:00PM-8:00PM and Thursday, July 6, 2023 10AM-11AM at Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City Utah.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30AM Thursday, July 6, 2023 at the Salt Lake City Cemetery 200 ”N” Street, Salt Lake City Utah

RIP Dad, We Love You.