Stirling Spencer Broadhead, Sr. was born December 3, 1927 in his Grandmother Smith’s home in Pleasant Grove, Utah, to Spencer and Jocie Broadhead. He passed away peacefully in his home on February 23, 2022 following a twelve-week illness. He was the oldest of four children: Don, Kent and John. He was raised in Rupert, Idaho and Provo, Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1947 after serving in Japan. From a young age, he wanted to be an educator, and after graduating from Brigham Young University in 1952 he began his teaching career in Ely, Nevada. While living in Ely he met his sweetheart, Bevis Young and they were married on June 15, 1956. In 1960 his family moved to La Mirada, California, then to Whittier, California in 1964, where he was an Elementary School Principal at Little Lake School District until he retired in 1987. Stirling and Bevis were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on March 10, 1962 and lived in the same modest home in Whittier for 43 years. They moved to Murray, Utah, in 2007 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They are the parents of four children.
Stirling was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served in many callings, including Bishop of the Whittier 5th Ward and Second Counselor in the Whittier Stake Presidency. His favorite callings were Deacons/Boy Scout Advisor, Home Teacher, and good neighbor. He helped and influenced many people, young and old, with no regard for religion, politics, ethnicity, social or economic standing. He wore out his life going about doing good. He was kind, cheerful and conversational with everyone he met. He made those around him feel important and unconditionally loved. However, his greatest achievement was in being a wonderful husband, father and grandpa to his family. He was never too busy to play ball or share a story with his posterity. Dad taught his children the importance of integrity and hard work, and a few biblical construction adjectives. He was selfless in his service to others and a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Those who had the privilege of associating with him will dearly miss him.
Stirling is survived by his children: Stirling (Lori) Broadhead, Stephen (Amy) Broadhead, David (Sharon) Broadhead, and Mary (Mike) Norton, 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and his brother Kent.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Atlas Homecare and Hospice and Home Option Personal Care for their gentle and loving care of our father.
Funeral services will be held March 4, 2022, 11:00am, at the Cottonwood 11th Ward, 1830 E. 6400 S, Murray. There will be a viewing at the church on Thursday, March 3 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, and on Friday, March 4 from 9:00am-10:30am at the church prior to services. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Primary Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
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So sad to hear of his passing. My love goes out to all his family. I am 64 years old but when I was a kid at Jersey Avenue Elementary School in Santa Fe Springs, California so many years ago, he was the school principal. I felt that he was always looking out for me as He and I were the only LDS members at the school. Such a wonderful man. He was a great influence on me and a great example.
Stirling, Stephen, David, and Mary, my heart is tender as I write this. How blessed you are to have had your loving father this long! And how blessed you have been by your goodly parents! How blessed I have been by them! Your dad is foundational to my early life and testimony. In my personal circumstances, I benefited so much from his example of a Priesthood holder. His Christ-like leadership was the catalyst for my own desire to have a relationship with the Jesus Christ. A core memory for me is of noting consciously, while he served as my Bishop, that if the Savior is anything like Stirling Broadhead, i want to know Him! That resolve has served me well! I am thinking of and remembering all of you and praying that you will be comforted and strengthened during this time of temporary loss.
Much love, Donna (and Jerry) Schlegelmilch
Best Bishop ever!
And decades later he continued to be so kind and interested. He loved nature and God's creations. Once after a visit and lunch, we drove up Cottonwood Canyon. And he asked to pulled over to just enjoy listening to the water running over the rocks. He just wanted to look and listen for a while. A simple pleasure that filled him with joy and elicited his big smile.
A wonderful example to me of what I should strive to be as a husband, father, and priesthood holder.
Give your dear wife Bevis a hug from me!
We can only hope that you find some comfort and consolation in the warm memories you have of your father, grand father and even a special man of God our Bishop . May their generosity and love sustain you and bring some solace throughout the coming months. Sincerely, Sister Laura Bohn and Jim and Kathy Gallagher.
To the Family of Stirling Spencer,
My prayers are with each of you for the special relationship you shared with Stirling Spencer Broadhead Sr. May those loving relationships warm your hearts, and your wonderful memories sustain you until you meet again.
Bishop Broadhead will always be a special man remembered by me, as well as in the hearts of many. Such a kind and gentle soul. . . a man revered by countless people. I count myself blessed to be one of them. I will forever remember the feelings his presence brought to me when he was at the pulpit conducting Sacrament Mtg. . . . feelings of calm and safety under his Leadership. Thoughts of him and Bevis's reunion takes me to a Happy Place. What a gracious beautiful lady and spirit!
With Love, Cindy Frickle
We will miss his presence at the ward and example of persevering to the end! I loved all the insightful questions he asked in Sunday School to help us all reflect on doctrine better.
Stirling, Stephen, David, and Mary, and your families, May Gods love, strength and comfort be with all of you at the home going of your Dad Mr. "B" He is reunited with your mom and walking with Jesus. No more pain, tears or sickness walkin tall ♥️ going to miss him and so will the old neighbor hood. I now live in La Verkin and when I would come thru Salt Lake during the day, yes still drive truck, would try to remember to call him and say hi was always nice to talk to him, short and brief, but to the point LOL. One of my last mentors that I would put the Mr. in front of their name out of respect 🙏. Lots of good memories growing up and later in life he always kept an eye on mom and dad for me and willing to help until I was able to move back and take care of them. Now they as well are in Heaven rejoicing with them. Love and support from my family (3 boys, 3 girls 14 grandchildren 3 great grandchildren and counting ❤️) to all of you. GOD BLESS.
198 E 630 N
La Verkin, UT
84745
562-318-6353
I can only imagine how much his family will miss him. He will always have a special place in the heart of all of our Whittier ward family. I know that he touched my life and his kindness will be treasured. Until we meet again.
We are so sorry to hear of Stirling's passing. He and Bevis lived across the street from us in Whittier, and we always considered ourselves lucky to not just have them as neighbors, but also as friends. We still miss the friendly visits we had with him and will always remember the surprise when Stirling found out my husband, Dale was born in Rupert, Idaho. He even had some photos of himself and Dale's aunts. We will always keep with us many fond memories of Stirling and always be thankful for our friendship with both he and Bevis.
I was blessed to have Stirling and Bevis as my dear friends and neighbors. We shared many blessed moments together that my family and I will cherish forever. I grew up without a father but when I really needed one Stirling stepped in and listened, gave great advice and was there for me always. He truly cared about each member of my family. I was blessed to visit him in Utah twice after he left Whittier. I remember that he and Bevis enjoyed the mexican food I prepared especially the tacos and tamales. There are givers and takers in this world and Stirling was a Giver of his time and I will always be grateful to him. He truly cared for others and I truly cared for him and Bevis. May they rest in peace. Love, Sylvia, José and family