Gerald Douglas Minion, Sr.

Gerald Douglas Minion Sr., age 92 of Centerville, Utah, passed away in his beloved home, surrounded by family on Sunday, January 20, 2019. Doug, as he was known, was born April 26,1926, in Magrath, Alberta, Canada, to James Gerald Minion and Alice Rosetta Cooper. He was the oldest of 8 children, George or Red, Colleen, Veldon, Wayne, Ruby, Sharon, and Pete. As a child, growing up in the depression years was hard for them all. The family homestead was lost during this time, and they moved into town. Doug worked at many different jobs helping support his family and himself. He had dropped out of high school before the age of 17. After being drafted into the US Army, he enlisted in the Canadian Army, staying in Canada doing logistics. He then served an LDS mission in Australia, where he met his sweetheart for life. Returning home, he was then married on March 2, 1950 in the Cardson, Alberta, Canada Temple to Carolyn Dorothy Edwards. After working the beet fields, homesteading in Northern Canada, Doug went back to school to further his education all the while working to support a growing family. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Agriculture from Utah State University, in Logan, Utah. He completed his formal training at Iowa State University, obtaining his Doctorate in Science and Animal Husbandry. He then taught at Fullerton Jr College in Fullerton, California, became Head of the Agricultural Department in Morehead, Kentucky, and in Colby, Kansas. He retired from the LDS Welfare Services, overseeing many of their farms throughout the United States; England and Alaska. Education was a high priority in his life and he led by example.

His spiritual callings were of utmost priority in his life. With every calling, he went the extra mile and never let anyone feel alone. He warmed the hearts of everyone with his genuine smile and twinkling blue eyes. April 26 is officially named Doug Minion Day in Centerville, Utah and is to be known for the man with the smile. His children were his pride and joy and any spare minute was spent playing outdoors with them. He believed in hard work and worked twice as hard beside his children. Doug was a master gardener, providing his family with nutritious food. Healthy living was something he excelled in and was an expert in long before it was fashionable. He created beautiful furniture for his home and that of his children with great craftsmanship, love, and precision.

Doug is survived by his wife Carolyn of 69 years, children, Denise (John), Gerald (Cheri), Suzanne (Marven), Dianne (Steve), Dale (Rei), Jeanette (Pat); sister Ruby; 40 grandchildren, 111 great grandchildren,4 great-great grandchildren, and many other extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and granddaughter.

Family, friends, and other acquaintances are invited to attend a viewing from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, UT. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Rolling Hills Chapel, 210 East 1825 North, Centerville, UT, with a viewing prior to services from 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.