Perry Meldon Bjerregaard

Perry Meldon Bjerregaard… The man with the smile… Passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Reuniting with his one and only love Ora Mae.

He was born at home in Ephraim, UT, on November 26, 1935, to Marlin and Gladys (Petersen) Bjerregaard. The third of six children. He married the love of his life Ora Mae Funk in the Manti, UT Temple on July 12, 1957, beginning their lifelong love story together. Perry and Ora purchased a home and moved to Sandy, UT in 1959 where they put down roots and adopted three beautiful children (Angela, Antony “Tony”, and James).

Much of Perry’s childhood was spent farming and learning about the natural world around him. He had a profound love of the outdoors that began with a childhood full of hunting, foraging, and observing the wildlife in the hills around him.

Growing up in a humble farming community, he developed the traits we all knew and loved him for; he was hard working, kind-hearted, soft-spoken, and truly a gentle soul. But above all, he had the best smile! That signature gap-toothed grin accompanied by a giggle that could light up even the darkest of rooms.

Family and community were everything to Perry. He devoted his time to his children, and grandchildren (Joshua, Andrew, Shea, Kagen, and Jeremy). He was a respected Boy Scout Leader and Hunters Safety Instructor for the state of Utah for over thirty years. Perry was a devoted husband and member of the LDS church, where he served faithfully alongside his wife Ora Mae as missionaries supporting the Sandy Utah Vegetable Project. Later, volunteering together as ordinance workers at the Draper and Jordan River Temples.

Perry was a lifelong gardener with a legendary green thumb. He could grow just about anything, and he took great pride in his garden each year. Which led to their calling at the Sandy Utah Vegetable Project where they managed and farmed the land. During their mission they helped grow an average of 60,000 pounds of produce annually to feed those in need. The most productive years in the history of the farm.

He was a man with an immense work ethic and an even greater heart. Leaving the house well before sunrise each day, working at the Tooele Army Depot as a fabrication specialist for 28 years. Where he could turn a piece of sheet metal into anything—from heavy-duty equipment to delicate handmade Christmas ornaments for his daughter. Later, enjoying a successful second career with Delta Airlines.

He loved woodworking, and in retirement he filled his time by volunteering at Tiny Tim’s Toy Shop. This was a place where he paired his woodworking skills with his kind soul. Tiny Tim’s was a place where he could gather with a group of like-minded retirees a few times a week to handcraft wooden cars using scraps from a local cabinet shop. They would then give them to children in hospitals or underprivileged areas around Utah. Rarely traveling anywhere without a handful of cars, taking great joy in providing a small bit of happiness when giving them out to unsuspecting children.

Perry will be remembered for his infectious laughter, his kindness, his enduring friendships, and the quiet warmth he brought to every room. While he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing he is finally dancing again with his beloved Ora Mae.

Preceded in Death By: His parents, Marlin and Gladys (Peterson) Bjerregaard; his wife, Ora Mae (Funk) Bjerregaard; his brothers, Don and Russell Bjerregaard, his sisters, LaRane Arnoldson and Jo Ann Kerr, and Grandsons; Jeremy and Joshua Hales. Survived in Death By: Sister Eileen Matren (Bjerregaard), Son Antony P. Bjerregaard, Daughter Angela B. Swensen (Andrew Swensen, Kagen Hales), Son James O. Bjerregaard (Shea

Bjerregaard) and a large extended family.

Service Information: Memorial Services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT 84092.

 Viewing: Friday, April 3rd, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

 Funeral Services: Saturday, April 4th. A brief viewing will be held from 10:00 am – 10:45 am, followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 am.