Charles Henry "Chic" Stratford died peacefully in his Salt Lake City home May 8, 2018 at the age of 84, eternally committed to his wife, family, and community. Born December 31, 1933 to Lawrence Henry Stratford and Ella Lewis Stratford in SLC, Utah. Chic began his life of leadership, earning his Eagle Scout and palms. He attended East High School where he was an excellent student, a commander in the Jr. AF ROTC, and regularly spending summers at his family's cabin in Emigration Canyon/Pine Crest. Among his passions were fishing, duck hunting, and boating. Chic regularly swam at the Deseret Gymnasium.
Chic attended the University of Utah where he was a member of ASUU assuming leadership positions with the AF ROTC (Cadet Officer, Squadron Commander Arnold Air Society), and receiving many awards and recognitions for his academic and Air Force endeavors (Scabbard and Blade, Owl and Key, Skull and Bones, Distinguished AF ROTC Graduate Award). As the UofU Senior Class President in 1956, Chic graduated with a BS Degree and later served on the Emeritus Alumni Board at the UofU.
While attending the UofU, Chic met his eternal love and companion, Tirza Sidonie Riedel. She won his heart during a trip with friends floating the Colorado River, and the couple married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 9, 1955, sharing 62 years of adventures and notable experiences. Chic loved and adored Tirza, expressing his gratitude continually, devoted to her continued welfare and happiness in life. Together they had 11 children and now have 58 grandchildren (including spouses) and 28 great-grandchildren.
As an accomplished accountant with a strong work ethic, Chic served his country as a commissioned officer in the US Air Force as an auditor general. He later managed a wholesale plumbing company, Wasatch Plumbing Supply, started by his parents. With determination and experience to earn his CPA license, he supervised several business endeavors successfully. During this time, he provided "service above self" through Rotary International as president of the local Sugar House Rotary Club. Chic continued as an active member in Rotary for more than 30 years, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow award, held a District Governor position, served twice as Rotary International President Representative and in many other RI positions.
His faith, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, played an important role in his life, and he expressed his testimony to his family by his word and actions, serving faithfully wherever asked. He served in scouting, as a Bishop and, together with his wife, completed a mission to Springfield, Massachusetts (Spanish speaking) from 1997-1998. Continuing his Church service, Chic served as a host at Temple Square and as a Family History Church Service missionary from 2009-2015.
Chic is survived by his loving wife, Tirza Sidonie; his children Kerry (Katherine), Larry (Nadine), Lisa (Terry) Tucker, Laurie (Mark) Featherstone, Chris (Katrina), Tamara (Craig) Warr, Jeff (Sue), Tim (Jana), Jennifer (Mike) Jensen, Jill (C.J.) Waldron, Tara (Jason) Fairbanks, 57 grandchildren (including spouses), and 28 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings Catherine Call and Fred Kreft and granddaughters Catherine Sidonie Tucker and Katelyn JoAnne Warr.
Funeral services are under the direction of Larkin Mortuary. Visitation will be Friday, May 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 12 at noon at the Crestview Ward, 2795 East Crestview Drive in SLC, with visitation preceding the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
