Grant Dahl was debonair, handsome, suave…and humble. Just ask him.
This sweet-talking and good-looking man was born of hardy stock--a Midvale son with a rich pioneer heritage.
Grant was born on October 6, 1936, in Murray, Utah, to Paul Alexander and Esther Craven Dahl, the fourth of six sons. He and his five brothers shared mischievous adventures growing up on "Sugar Street" in Midvale. In his teens, Grant tinkered with farming and sports, winning a tractor-driving contest at the county fair through his membership in Future Farmers of America. Imitating Babe Ruth, he skillfully placed a hole in his mother's living room wall and strategically moved her couch to cover the scar. Though school was not for Grant, he attended Jordan High School, graduating in 1955. He enthusiastically passed his Beetdigger pride onto his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. After graduation, Grant met Latrelle James who was smitten with his crooked smile, a few flirtatious words, and his '53 Chevy Bel Air. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25, 1956. He cherished her deeply and with every open door proved chivalry was alive and well. He treated her like a queen the rest of her life.
Settling in Sandy, Utah, they welcomed five children into their home: Jim, Scott, Sandra, Allison, and Wendy. As a family they shared camping trips to places near and far, with Fish Lake and Yellowstone being two of Grant's favorite spots.
Grant was a skilled and talented welder; welding was his passion. He would come home at night, dirty from work, but wearing a smile on his face as he placed his steel-toed work boots on the top stair. On many a family road trip, Grant proudly identified his welding projects including bridges, guardrails, roller coasters, and the elephant house at Hogle Zoo. He was an ace with a welding torch.
To support his family, Grant held many jobs, often working 12 to 14 hours a day. He enjoyed working at Steel Contractors, Rubber Engineering, Rubber Research and other corporations. With two business partners, DKM Steel was formed where Grant wore many hats including Shop Foreman and Chief of Production. Grant bought out his partners and continued the work of DKM Steel (now an acronym for Dad, Kids, and Mom.) As the CEO of DKM, Grant employed his sons, daughters, wife, brother, and several nephews. DKM supported a county rec softball team where he played until he was 52. After DKM, Grant worked for Jordan School District as a welder and handyman, receiving the "Classified Employee of Jordan School District" award. His last few years of work were at his beloved Jordan High School with the custodial staff.
The simple things in life brought a smile to Grant's face: A home-cooked meal, cowboy movies, Louis L'Amour books, good music, "old glory" waving in the wind, his family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grant, along with his best friend Latrelle, enjoyed spending time together golfing, traveling the country, cruising, sitting on their porch, eating Trelle's pumpkin pie and potato salad, and watching their grandchildren play sports or perform in plays or recitals. A thrill for Grant was his eight-year service mission with his wife at the LDS Conference Center and Temple Square.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grant served in Bishoprics, High Priest Groups, and Elders Quorums. He loved teaching lessons and bearing his testimony, sharing stories and anecdotes of his experiences and feelings.
This charismatic man often stated, through tears, that his three greatest loves included the gospel, his country, and his family. His heart was as big as his chest and his love for these three things was abundant.
Grant is survived by his children Jim (Carol) Dahl, Scott (Machelle) Dahl, Sandra Dahl-Houlihan, Allison Dahl, and Wendy Dahl-Smedshammer (David); Brothers Richard (Joan) Dahl, and Rex (Anna) Dahl; ten grandchildren and three grandchildren in-law, 5 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Esther Dahl, wife Latrelle James Dahl, granddaughter MiLee Arlene Smedshammer, brothers Paul Eugene Dahl, Alan Craven Dahl, and Calvin Craven Dahl.
A viewing will be held Thursday, March 12, from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be Friday, March 13, at 11:00 AM with a viewing beforehand from 9:30 ‚ 10:30, Canyon Rim Ward, 1050 East Galena Drive (9800 South), Sandy, Utah. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
Many thanks to Nick and his staff at Millcreek Health Center and Inspiration Hospice.
Like in many John Wayne movies, Grant got the girl and is now riding off into the sunset. Go get ‘em, Cowboy!
