Kendall Gurr

Kendall Oliphant Gurr, 86, was called home Monday, March 26, 2012, surrounded by his wife and children. Born January 1, 1926, to Peter Hansen and Grace Oliphant Gurr, in Parowan Utah. Kendall is the last surviving sibling, the 13th of 13 children. Kendall lived his life in Parowan except for church and Military service. He served in the Air Force, as B-24 ball turret gunner, WWII, in the Pacific Theater and occupation of Japan. He then served in the Southwest Indian Mission where he assisted Apostle Spencer W. Kimball in starting the Indian Placement Program, a beginning of a lifelong friendship with Kimball.Kendall studied 1 year at BYU prior to marrying Rose Elise Lund in the St. George LDS Temple, September 9, 1952. He and Rose would have celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year.They are the parents of 8 children, and 2 foster sons, and sent 7 on full time missions. Kendall and Rose served an LDS Mission to New Mexico, Albuquerque in 1986. Kendall spent most of his life farming with his father, brothers, children, nephews, and many others. He was a positive influence on the lives of many, those he worked with, youth from town, and others. He was self taught in so much, including welding, mechanics, repairing, building, creating tools, machines and many solutions related to work and home. As Mayor of Parowan, Kendall worked with State and National leaders, succeeded in adding a south interchange to the new I-15, Airport improvements and maintaining the county seat in Parowan. This period of service brought him close to numerous people including wonderful town residents, leaders like Governor Scott Matheson, many LDS General Authorities, Miss Dominion of Canada and others. Kendall taught by kind word and example, lived as he believed. All who knew or worked with him, never heard him utter an angry word. He was always loving and kind to everyone, and generous to anyone in need, always cheerful and rarely ever complained. In his 80's he walked hundreds of miles through the community, sharing visits, memories, war stories and his fun sense of humor to all he met.Kendall served in many church callings including Elders Quorum President, Stake Clerk and Historian, High Counsel, Temple Worker and faithful home teacher till the end.Survived by his wife Rose Elise Lund, their children; Thomas Ormont (Cheryl) of Parowan, Brian Kendall (Myra) of Salt Lake, Sharon Rose Gurr of Parowan, Gordon Lund Gurr of Salt Lake, Lanette (Ty) Thorpe of Draper, and Diane Gurr of Bluffdale, Utah, 23 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 2 foster sons Peter Kieth Curley of Indiana, and Greg (Sue) Robinson of North Carolina, and their children and grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, all 12 siblings and 2 sons, Peter Lund Gurr, and Kimball Lund Gurr. Services will be held in Parowan LDS Stake Center, 90 South Main at 11:00 AM Friday, March 30, 2012. Viewings Thursday evening March 29th 6-8pm and Friday prior to Funeral services, 9 to 10:30 am at the Stake Center.Interment in Parowan City Cemetery following services, by Southern Utah Mortuary.