Harold Merrell Stander, passed forward to our Heavenly Parents, January 27, 2017, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born July 11, 1920 in Brigham City, Utah, on the hospital steps, eager to start his adventure in life. Harold was born with club feet requiring many treatments and surgeries. His parents helped him to face this with courage and strength. They never let Harold use this as an excuse to avoid chores, participate in sports or neighborhood games. Harold's parents were Ethel Merrell Stander and Julius Martin Stander, both of Brigham City, Utah. He was a descendent of the American Revolution and Utah Pioneers, making him rich in heritage and tradition. The Stander family settled in Bear River City on a sugar beet and wheat farm. Working alongside his father, Harold learned the lessons of hard work and being self-sufficient. He attended Bear River and Box Elder Schools, going to school in a wagon and a sleigh in winter, driven by his father. Harold's father died early on in his life, leaving his mother to raise Harold and his sister Mary during the Depression. His mom worked hard to provide for them. Valuing occupational and educational opportunities, she moved her family to Salt Lake during Harold's senior year of high school. Harold graduated from West High in 1938 and then attended LDS Business college.
Harold became employed by the Holland Furniture Company, where he first became acquainted with his future sweetheart, MaryJane Zappey. Harold served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the California Mission in 1941-43. This experience cemented his love for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his lifetime service in various callings. Deacon Quorum Advisor was his favorite. He was an excellent teacher, drawing his students in, and making the gospel of Christ personal to each one.
He and MaryJane were married in the Salt Lake Temple May 10, 1944, and together raised 8 children; Judy, Jayne, Casey, Joyce, JoAn, Harold Jr., Jeannette, and Jillene. As a career, Harold managed Holland Furniture, was a salesman for various companies, and also worked as a real estate appraiser. However, Harold's true passion was keeping his wife happy.
On the golf course, church, the gym, and everywhere he went, Harold was blessed with the ability to make friends with anyone. All of these people were so important to him, and many continued to be life-long friends. His California Mission Group continued to meet monthly and study the gospel for 75 years. Harold and MaryJane were able to travel and felt blessed to see so much of this beautiful world and make friends everywhere. His greatest asset was his sense of humor.
Harold loved playing golf and could boast that he had "4 holes in one". He won the Nibley Golf Tournament at 93 years old. He was also a very lucky golfer, hitting any fortunate rock that could bounce him on the green.
He loved having a party and being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and all 66 great grandchildren. His recent 96th birthday party was a fabulous affair with inflatable rides at the retirement center. It was the wildest party they had ever seen. Our family would like to thank Harold\s doctor Josh Romney, and Cedarwoods Retirement Center for the good experience he had living there. A special thanks to Norma.
Harold is survived by his children; Judy Watkins, Jayne Chaffin, Cornelius Stander (Kay), Joyce Holman (John), JoAn Lake (Scott), Jeannette England (Todd), Jillene Batt (Bob), 30 grandchildren, and 66 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife MaryJane Zappey Stander, son Harold Zappey Stander, daughter-in-law Lori Wintch Stander, parents Julius and Ethel Stander, sister Mary Stander Daybell, and great gradchildren; Maximo Gordon Cope, Isaac Watkins, Noah Watkins, Ruth Watkins and Miles Kent Watkins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy. Visitations will be held on Friday, February 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the mortuary. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
