Douglas Bitner Dunford passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Mar. 2, 2016. He was born Apr. 29, 1942 to L. Clayton and Elizabeth Bitner Dunford in Salt Lake City. He was a cheerleader at East High School. He served in the Northeast British Mission, and in a fire protection squad in the Air National Guard. He attended the University of Utah, joined the Pi Kappa Alphas, and graduated from the American Institute of Baking in Chicago.
In 1966 he married Annette Coles in the Salt Lake Temple, and they were best friends and partners for 50 years. He pursued a career in the baking industry, managing the Sugarhouse plant for Dunford Bakers and later his own company. He returned to Dunford Bakers as operations manager before retiring in 2011. He valued and taught hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done.
He served in three bishoprics, as a Draper Temple ordinance worker, and most recently as a service missionary at the Records Operation Center. He loved this service, and greatly missed each calling after he completed his assignment.
He was beloved by his children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, co-workers, neighbors, and friends for his happy nature, humor, and his love for his family. He was a good-natured prankster and a talented storyteller. He loved to fish and camp in the mountains and at Lake Powell, and was never happier than when he was caring for the Coles family cabin in Silverfork. He was always learning in his later years, and recently became skilled at throwing pottery. His jovial personality was anchored in a solemn love of the Gospel and his family.
He is survived by his wife, his children Bill (Jennifer Adams), Elizabeth (David Plehn), Michael (Elizabeth) and Thomas (Megan), 12 grandchildren, and by his siblings David, Gayle Wilson, Robert, Dan, Carolyn Kasteler, Gloria Lloyd, and John, as well as sister-in-law Judy Dunford.
He was preceded in death by his brother Carlos and a grandson, Christian Plehn.
There will be a viewing on Sun., Mar. 6, 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.). Another viewing will be held Mon., Mar. 7 at 9:15-10:45 am at the Hillcrest 7th Ward - 8485 S. 1000 E. Funeral services will be held at the same location at 11 am.
