Thomas Brent Dunroe

Thomas Brent Dunroe, 75, departed his Earthly home on May 9, 2015 at LDS Hospital, after courageous combat with his mortal coil. Born August 1, 1939 in Murray, Utah, his trek from birth to death spanned the entire globe.  He grew up in Utah, attended Granite High School, and served an LDS mission to Manchester, England before obtaining his Bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, Master's Degree from Brigham Young University, and another Master's degree from the University of Southern California.  Raised by a single mother, he continuously acknowledged her immense sacrifices, and strived to be a dutiful son.  
A life-long learner, he held a book in his hand as he walked to and from the bus stop on his way to work at Hill Air Force Base.  His career with the United States Air Force, spanning over 30 years, took him and his wife, Shayla, to Japan for five years and later to Germany for nearly three years.  After returning to the United States, their sixth child was born.  From the first child to the last, Tom was a dedicated father and husband.  Often volunteering to coach his children's soccer teams, he gave rousing half-time speeches, when his big blue eyes would light up:  "if you want to win, you need to want the ball more than they do."  Attending every sporting match, performance, and recital, his desire to support his children and to watch them excel was paramount.  He encouraged them to be individuals, to take risks, to behave assertively and responsibly, and to love one another; and when they did, his big blue eyes would fill with tears.  
Steadfast in every church calling he received, he slept in snow caves with the scouts, visited the elderly as a home teacher, and taught teenagers in Sunday school, giving them candy just for showing up.    
Proposing marriage to Shayla in 1970, he promised to show her the world.  And, he did.  Together, traversing 45 years of marriage, they visited over 70 countries.  His love of travel was second only to the love for his wife.  A devoted husband, he persistently praised her, bragged about her, and was so very proud to be her partner.  
Retiring in 2000, he looked forward to continued travel with Shayla.  Those plans were placed on hold while he awaited a liver transplant.  After receiving that transplant, he lived his renewed life to the fullest.  Consistently and anxiously engaged in a good cause, he was able to serve an LDS mission with Shayla in El Paso, Texas where they assisted at the USO and on Fort Bliss until they returned to Utah earlier than they had intended.  Battling ulcerative colitis, he hoped to regain vigor, but as his strength diminished in recent weeks, he knew this journey through mortality was coming to an end.  His final wish was that his children would care for their mother.  He assuredly and bravely told his granddaughter that he was on his way to see Jesus.  At his passing, he was surrounded by loved ones, holding his hands and eager to see him again.  And so, his post-mortal journey began.
Survived by his wife, Shayla. His sister, Carol (David) Pond. His children:  Shelly (Michael) Prinster; Sean (Jessica Linton); Sherra (Trent) Willey; Shantelle (David) Oliphant; Sharla; and Shane. His grandchildren: Connor, Keaton, Emma, Tayler, Rylee, Jayson, Jackson, Asha, Ty, Emerson, Kamryn, Alexander, and Sawyer.  
Tom would no doubt want to thank his anonymous liver donor whose selflessness prolonged his life and time with his family by 15 years.  In lieu of flowers, consider the altruistic act of becoming an organ donor.  
Friends and loved ones are welcome to celebrate Tom's life at a memorial service to be held Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am at the Ricks Creek LDS Chapel located at 1475 N. Carrington Ln. (50 E.) in Centerville.  Viewings will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am at the Ricks Creek Chapel, and on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main St., Bountiful.    Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery.