We lost our patriarch on February 11, 2015, but only for time. The following ten character traits frame his 93 abundant years. COMMON, as in quiet and unpretentious, as expected from his humble birth in an isolated farmhouse in Bothwell, Utah on July 30, 1921. HUMOROUS. Attempting his own obituary he wrote, "When his heart stopped beating, he died." And, sadly, he was right. KIND. Refined over time and perfected when his wife needed him in her illness. He loved, and sent birthday cards to each of his extensive posterity until the end. He forgave unconditionally, expected us to do the same, and showed us how. INTELLIGENT. He graduated in physics from UC-Berkley, and kept studying. At 93 he published a scholarly work "The Time of Jacob's Trouble," which is his powerful, unwavering testimony that Christ is our Savior, and the restored gospel is true. His extensive knowledge of secular and religious history and the scriptures was impressive. PROPERLY FRUGAL. On the cost of obituaries he wrote, "Cost of all this - $1,500. Re-write, shorten, cut and eliminate ‚ desired cost not to exceed $350." Sorry Dad! CONTRIBUTOR. Served an LDS Mission to the Northern States, his country in WWII, and in numerous secular and religious responsibilities, including PTA, the BSA, Kiwanis Club and his church. FRIEND. He knew every child (and adult) in his ward by name. After his wife's passing Mary Isom became his best friend. (Thank you so much Mary! We love you.) BUSINESSMAN. COO of Utah Service (a Clyde company), Executive VP of IRECO Chemicals ‚ which took him all over the world, and real estate investor. TEACHER. He taught us to be faithful to God and to family, to be honest (live without regrets), work hard, love and serve others, conserve resources but be generous, and enjoy life. FAMILY MAN. Born to Alonzo Laker Cook and Alice Maude Osmond; brother to nine (sister Lois Canning survives him); married to Ila Nan Clyde; seven children ‚ Bruce (Barbara), Glenn (Rosilene), David (Becky), Nan (Bruce) Oblad, Philip (Charlotte), Catharine (Roy) Rasband, Christine (Steve) Christensen; 45 grandchildren (Bethany Christensen and Thomas Rasband deceased); 81 great grandchildren with six more on the way (Vivienne Cook deceased); and two great-great grandchildren. And each loves him. Common? Truly an uncommon man and genuine patriarch!
A viewing will be held Tuesday February 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary (2300 East 1300 South), and again Wednesday the 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the Monument Park 13th Ward Chapel (1320 South Wasatch Drive). Funeral services will follow at 11:00. Vernon will be interred next to Ila in the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville.
