Gary LeRoy Burningham

Gary LeRoy Burningham passed away on Sunday March 28 2021 from natural causes. Gary was born in Bountiful October 1 1932 to Elsie Elizabeth Oswald Burningham and Russell Turner Burningham.

Gary grew up in Bountiful with his two younger brothers Lee and Bill on their family farm. He learned the value of hard work, love of animals and the earth. Though he worked as a machinist for Hercules he never gave up having a vegetable garden and fruit trees.

Gary served as a helicopter mechanic during the Korean War. After the war he settled into collage at Utah state university. On a fishing trip to Montana he met the love of his life Janet LaDean Goff. They married March 29 1957. Later they were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Over the next Eight years they had four children. One son and three daughters.

Gary LOVED the outdoors. In the winter he skied, snow shoed and ice skated. During the warmer months he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and back packing in the Windrivers. He also participated in river running trips and white water kayaking.

Gary and Janet took up rock hunting with their family. Most family vacation evolved around this activity. When the kids all left and they didn’t have anyone to haul all those rocks they joined the Utah Rock Art Research Association, where they forged life long friendships.

Gary was survived by his brother William (Isabel) Burningham. Daughters Lucinda (Steven) Ericksen, Sherrie Draper, Tammra (Jason) Cunningham and son Curtis (Cheryle) Burningham, Twelve grandchildren and Twenty seven great grandchildren.

Gary was an adventurer and explorer. He had the gift of gab and could have a conversation for hours even with strangers. He was a tease and had a great sense of humor. All these characteristic made him a fun dad and grandfather. We will miss him dearly.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, April 1, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Russon Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main St. A graveside service will be held on April 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Bountiful City Cemetery where Gary will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart, Janet.