Marvin James Kirkham (1941 - 2006)

Born 22 Jan 1941 in Salinas, Monterey County, California

Ancestors

Died 13 May 2006 at age 65 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah

Biography

Marvin was born in 1941. He was the son of Burdette Kirkham and Leone Wayman. He passed away in 2006.

Obituary

Cancer cannot silence courage, conquer the spirit, or steal eternal life. Loving husband, father, son, and brother, Marvin James Kirkham, passed May 13, 2006 following a brave and courageous battle with mesothelioma. Throughout his illness Marv exemplified the same amazing strength that characterized his life. He met this adversity with grace, dignity and fought to the very end.

Marv was born January 22, 1941 in Salinas, California to Leone Way-man Kirkham and later sealed to Burdette Alton Kirkham. His love and appreciation for nature began as a little boy fishing and exploring the outdoors. While at Granite High School he was actively involved in athletics, student government, and building friendships that have lasted a lifetime. He faithfully served in the Gulf States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He honorably served in the Utah Air National Guard. Marv enjoyed his time and education at the University of Utah, including his membership in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1969 he married the love of his life Carolyn Jean Cassity in the Salt Lake Temple. Marv cherished time with his family, traveling together, exploring Canyonlands National Park, attending Utah football and basketball games, supporting his boys in all of their sporting events, and watching his daughter dance. He loved birds and had many bird feeders in his backyard. He spent countless hours with his grandchildren watching the birds and sharing his love of nature. Marv was fiercely loyal, a leader among men. Some of his most mentioned qualities were integrity, friendship, and teamwork. He enjoyed a successful career in real estate; he was involved in developing, building restoration, property management, and most recently residential sales. In 1995 he and his wife, and their eldest son, created Kirkham and Friends Real Estate. Marv and Carolyn worked together in partnership and enjoyed this experience with their children. Marv's indomitable spirit never wavered and his faith never weakened. He enjoyed reaching out to all people and he happily took on any assignment he was given. He faithfully served in all of his church callings; teaching his family the value of service through his example. He especially enjoyed his years as a scoutmaster. At the time of his passing, he was serving on the high council at the University of Utah Sixth Stake and as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple. All who knew Marv watched the tender way he treated his dear companion, Carolyn. His love for her was evident in the touch of his hand, his presence at her side, and his continual gratitude for her. Those who witnessed Carolyn's unconditional love and constant service for Marv watched as the love they had for one another grew to new heights. They appreciated this season of their lives with unity and shared this bittersweet experience together from the beginning until the very end.

Marv is survived by his sweetheart, Carolyn; five children, Ryan (Jodilynne), Joshua (Ashley), Adam (Les-lee), Jacob, and Sarah Jane (Benjamin) Metcalfe; six grandchildren, Mitchell, Jonathan, Rebekah, Catherine, Samuel and Mary Martha; loving mother, Leone; sister, Mar-lene; and his dog, Max.

Our family would like to express thanks to the many doctors, medical personnel and Community Nursing Services for their extraordinary care.

Funeral services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, May 17, at the Valley View LDS Stake Center, 2245 East 3900 South. Family and friends may visit Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive. Viewing one hour prior to services at the church. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Sources

The Deseret News -- May 15, 2006

Obituary