EdWynn Weaver Obituary (1951 - 2016)

With a laugh that lit up the room and deep sparkling blue eyes that touched the hearts of so many, EdWynn Stoddard Weaver lived life to the fullest. His kind and welcoming demeanor encircled those around him. He was indeed an emissary of Jesus Christ. On October 22, 2016 a 4-wheeler accident took his life far too soon, leaving a void in the lives of many. EdWynn was born September 13, 1951 to Max D. Weaver and Ruth Stoddard Kimball Weaver. He was the 5th of 6 children. God, family, and country guided his life. He sought knowledge throughout his life graduating from high school (1969) in Orem and later obtaining degrees from Southern Utah State College (BS), Utah State University (Master of Social Sciences-MSS) and University of Utah (Masters of Social Work- MSW). His younger years, although turbulent, taught him to seek the ways of the Master. He tempered his ways, leaving behind the 60’s and embracing and becoming the amazing man that touched so many lives. It was because of his experiences in his youth that he was able to relate to and help so many. This patient, forgiving, optimistic man allowed himself to be molded and shaped- to be refined. EdWynn married Vickie Anderson on August 31, 1979 in the St. George Temple. Her love increased the sparkle in his eyes. She was his best friend. They knew how to balance one another- not to change each other. They could sit together in silence or in laughter. EdWynn’s family was his top priority. He attended almost every soccer match, football game, swim meet or water polo match in which his children participated. Together, he and Vickie raised, reared, loved and prayed for their five beautiful children. EdWynn served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Anaheim, California. His activity in the church continued throughout his life as he served in various auxiliaries including Stake High Council, Bishoprics at Southern Utah University, Priesthood Quorum leadership positions, and most important of all, he was a great home teacher. He was loved by those he visited, especially the children. Professionally, EdWynn worked as a Social Worker for the State of Utah for 30 years, as a private family counselor from 1989-present, taught as an adjunct professor at SUU for 10 years, and has been with the Paiute Tribe for the past eight years. His innate traits of kindness and love were a perfect match for his career choice. Helping others was just who he was. EdWynn loved the outdoors. The family cabin on Kolob Mountain was his “heaven on earth.” Together, he and Vickie built most of the cabin with their bare hands. Many fun memories were made as a family here by taking long 4-wheeler rides to Kolob Reservoir, roasting s’mores, playing card games, shooting, hunting, watching football, playing volleyball, building forts for the grand kids, and gazing at the endless stars. He and Vickie had hoped to spend much of his retirement there together. Music was a key component of EdWynn’s life. While he left the 60’s behind, he never left its music. He loved sharing Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” with his father. (His dad loved it instantly, but refused to believe it was by Dylan.) He often shared his favorite 60’s cassettes with his children on road trips. Battle Hymn of the Republic was one of his favorite hymns, and he enjoyed listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was while working with the Paiute tribe that EdWynn gained a love for the Native American flute and was taught to play by a dear friend and colleague. His soothing melodies delighted his grandchildren. He was a “die hard” Cougar fan, closet karaoke singer with his sister, Ruth Kay, a flute whisperer, and loved John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart Movies. He knew well the story of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Peace is found in the thought of EdWynn, in the last moments of his life, seeking to help his grandson Raife who was riding with him at the time of the accident. He knew that life was serious, but that it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. He embodied this principle as he served, loved, laughed, forgave, and rejoiced in this life. It is certain that he is doing the same with his family and friends on the other side. EdWynn is survived by his wife, Vickie as well as children: Ryan (Andrea), Hillary (Brett) Messer, Nathan (Matti), Brenna (Chance) Burrows, and Mara (Bradyk) Englestead; brothers Kimball (Janet) and Scott (Ronda); sisters Katherine (Dean) Walker and Ruth Kay (David) Merrell; sister-in-law Nancy Weaver; mother-in-law Bobbie Anderson; brothers-in-law Chad (Trisha) Anderson and Eric (Mary Jo) Anderson, and many nieces and nephews who love him. His pride and joy were his 13 grandchildren: Luke, Dinah, Claire, Julie, Samuel and Henry Weaver; Raife, Taevin, Bellamy and Dempsey Messer; Vienna and Bradden Weaver; Emry Burrows. We are sure that he will kiss the two little expected spirits and send them on their way when the time comes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kurt, and his father-in-law Russell Anderson. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 29th at 11 a.m. at the Cedar West Stake Center, 725 So. 1150 W. Visitations will be at the same address Friday 6-8 p.m. and Saturday 9-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.