Memorials › Leland DeVon Ford
Leland DeVon Ford
13 Dec 1931 – 4 Oct 2008
| Birth | 13 Dec 1931 |
| Death | 4 Oct 2008 |
| Cemetery | Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery Sandy , Salt Lake County , Utah , USA |
| Added by | Ryan D. Curtis on 08 Oct 2008 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30431969 |
Bio
Leland DeVon Ford, 76, died on October 4, 2008, after a short but courageous battle with Cancer. In his final hours he was surrounded by family members from three generations who offered love and support; most significantly, his heroic care giver and wife (of just four months), Carolyn D. Goodworth Ford. Leland was born December 13, 1931 in Richfield, Utah to Audrie Cuyler and John DeVon Ford. His family moved to Springville when Leland was in the 4th grade and it was there he spent his youth. He graduated from Springville High School in 1950. As his father was the superintendent of the Springville Fish Hatchery, Leland enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hiking throughout Utah and Sanpete Counties. As a young man he worked on road projects all over Utah as a laborer, truck driver, and equipment operator. He relished what he learned "about road building as well as people." He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in political science. Following graduation he served an LDS mission to Australia. He loved the people there and he maintained lifelong friendships with many of those he met as a missionary. Other church callings included service in a bishopric, on stake high councils, as a stake facilities clerk, and a ward financial clerk. After retirement, he served in the Jordan River and Salt Lake Temples. Leland was an attorney, a patriot, a voracious reader, and a writer. His wide-ranging intellect, affection for the underdog, and keen sense of humor touched many lives. He earned a law degree from the University of Utah in 1960. After a decade of private practice he moved to the Utah State Attorney General's Office where he worked for 28 years. As an Assistant Attorney General, he was counsel to the Highway Department (later UDOT). His passion for fair-minded negotiation and respect for his colleagues and clients were hallmarks of his professional life. Leland was a member of the Utah National Guard from 1949 to 1987 when he retired as a Colonel. In the Guard he worked with the Engineer and JAG Corps and Selective Service. He became the State Director of Selective Service in 1980, a position he held until his death. He served in various charity fund drives, political party activities, and as an arbitrator in legal fee disputes. He was a devoted fan of Utah's sports teams and he loved the game of golf. Leland married his beloved Denece Johanson on June 30, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of five children: Stacilee (Matthew S.) Hosford, Hong Kong, China; Corey Devon (Cynthia Burgon), Layton, UT; Taunalyn (James M.) Rutherford, Agoura Hills, CA; Shanadee (Christopher Q.) Stevenson, Purcellville, VA; and Brook Johanson (Susan Hill), Orlando, FL. He and Denece have 22 grandchildren. Denece died shortly before their 47th anniversary in 2006. During her final years, Leland was a tireless and devoted care giver. On June 7, 2008, Leland married Carolyn D. Goodworth. She and her late husband Richard L. Goodworth are the parents of Kristin (Scott) Haderlie, Pocatello, ID; Shannon (Scott) Bray, Burley, ID; Warren R. (Allison) Goodworth, Logan, UT; Megan (Weylin) Richards, Logan, UT; a son-in-law, Brett A. (Cristy) Burton, Shelley, ID, and the late Allison Burton. Leland is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his children and grandchildren, his sister Monta (James I.) Felix, Perry, UT, his sister-in-law Sheryl J. Burgon, Sandy UT, and many nieces and nephews. Leland's children and grandchildren remember him for the simple gifts he shared. He captivated the young with his impersonations of Donald Duck, and those who were a bit older with jokes, stories, and recitations of Robert Service poems. No matter how early the hour, or how hurried the child, a hearty "Breakfast with Gramps" was prepared with lots of love (and a little grease). Family and Friends may call at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy on Sunday, October 12, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and on Monday, October 13, 2008 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the Wasatch 4th LDS Ward Chapel, 8170 South Short Hills Drive (3425 East). Funeral Services in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Published in the Deseret News from 10/9/2008 - 10/12/2008.
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