C. Philip Stoddard

C Philip Stoddard passed away of natural causes at his daughter’s home on Sunday, January 12, 2020. It is a passing that is “happily sad”.

He was born September 10, 1923 in LeGrande Oregon to A Lester and Blanche Stoddard. The family eventually moved to Salt Lake City where he and his 3 sisters grew up.  While a school boy he met the love of his life, Vera Evelyn Lacey.

Phil served in the military during WWII. He began in the Air Force but was transferred to the Army. He attained the rank of Sergeant and served in Normandy France.

He and Vera married on January 24, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had 4 children: Kim, Mark, Paul and Wendy.

They eventually built a home in East Millcreek. Phil was a very talented finish carpenter and worked most of his adult life for Granite Mill. Through his work with them he was privileged to work on the Salt Lake Temple, Tahiti Temple and the Seattle Temple. His talents were also used on the construction of the East Millcreek 2nd and 9th Ward chapel.

Phil was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many positions in the church including Scout Master and Councilor in the Bishopric of the East Millcreek 2nd Ward. He had a strong testimony and always had his scriptures out to read each day.

He lost his angel wife, Vera, to cancer on May 2, 1976. During her illness he was a loving and very attentive caretaker, all while sending his son Paul on a mission and caring for Wendy.

He was set up on a date by his sister Judy with her friend Shirley Maughan Soderberg. On April 12, 1977 they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Upon sale of both of their homes they purchased a home in Salt Lake on 20th East. In 1995 Phil and Shirley served a mission in Nauvoo IL. He did carpentry work and Shirley was in charge of decorating the historical sites for holidays.

He was a very devoted husband and cared for Shirley until her death in 2008. He continued to live in their home until 2 months before his death. His daughter Wendy, who is so very much like her mother, opened her home to him and cared for him with love and compassion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Ann Reese and Sue Stevens, his first wife Vera and his second wife Shirley, Steve Soderberg (step-son). He is survived by: sister Judy McConkie (Oscar), children Kim Stoddard (Ruth), Mark Stoddard (Betsy), Paul Stoddard (Wendy), Wendy Goodrich (Cary), Jeff (Camille) Soderberg (step-son), David (Linda) Soderberg (step-son), Scott Soderberg (step-son), many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All of us loved him and will miss him very much.

We would like to thank the nurses – Heidi, Val, CNA’s – Erika, Brandon and Pinky and other workers of Encompass Home Health who gave him such loving care. They have become part of our family. We would also like to thank Dr Timm, nurse Jann and Peter from the VA

The funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18th at the Foothill 7th Ward building located at 2215 E Roosevelt Ave (1445 S). There will be a viewing at the church prior to the services from 9:45 to 10:45. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 S Highland Dr in Salt Lake City.