Berdean E "Dean" Oldroyd

Berdean E "Dean" Oldroyd went to his Heavenly Father surrounded by family in his beloved Springville home. Born and raised in the small southern Utah farming community of Glenwood, Sevier County, Utah, he received his early education there with perfect attendance through high school. He then attended Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. When at Snow College he was on the football team where he played on the offense and defense. He had lead roles in several school plays and was voted "most likely to have success as a movie star". He served as a student body officer, was senior prom king, President of the LDS Institute and honored as the distinguished alumni for two decades; 1930 and 1940.

Dean then attended the University of Utah where he was the Music Council Manager and sang in the male and double male quartets. He was offered a standing invitation to join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir but unfortunately he was too busy with classes and an evening job to accept the offer. He completed a B.A. degree in sociology from the University of Utah. Following graduation, he traveled to Washington, D.C. where he was employed at the Library of Congress at the princely salary of $100 per month. Soon, the F.B.I, was looking for bright young investigators and Dean was encouraged to apply for a position. He was accepted and served that organization for three and a half years in Washington D.C. and the Midwest as a special agent. Unfortunately, he was unable to share many of his experiences due to the strict FBI Confidentiality Oath that he faithfully adhered to.

While on FBI assignment in Indianapolis, Dean and Elsa met in church where she was the ward organist. He said that he was instantly captivated by the beautiful, slender brunette playing the organ and knew she was the special girl for him. They were married on April 22, 1944. Elsa's father, who was the LDS Branch President, performed the ceremony. Their marriage was solemnized July 17, 1944 in the Manti, Utah temple.

Dean's F.B.I, training provided a natural transition to move into Counter-intelligence duties with the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands and Japan during World War II. He was on General Douglas McArthur's staff during the occupation of Japan where he developed a deep appreciation for the Japanese people.

Following the war years Dean enrolled in the Lincoln Chiropractic College where he completed the four-year course in three and a half years with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. He was elected as both the sophomore and the senior class president.

After practicing as a chiropractor for a year in Southern Utah, Dean decided to join State Farm Insurance for the career opportunities this then new company offered. He was the sole claim representative for all of southern Utah for several years. His territory ran from the point of the mountain to the Utah-Arizona border. Due to the vast scope of his territory, he was one of the most traveled claims agents in the company. He retired from State Farm Insurance Company in 1986 and was able to begin traveling with Elsa throughout the USA to many sites of historical interest, thus fulfilling many of their "Bucket List" goals.

Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly golfing, fishing, and hunting. He shared this love with his siblings, children and friends. Many happy hours were spent at the fishing cabin at Strawberry Lake, Fish Lake and Schofield Reservoir chasing those "lunkers".

Dean was an avid golfer and spent many hours with family and friends at the Hobble Creek Golf Course where he was a charter member. He was a past president of the Hobble Creek Golf Association.

Music was always a major part of his life. He had a wonderful deep bass voice. He performed in men's quartets and choirs throughout his school years and was in demand as a soloist and quartet member in church and community productions. His number one accompanist was his beloved Elsa.

Dean was a faithful member of the LDS Church and served in many church capacities throughout his lifetime.

Dean was the living embodiment of kindness, patience, humility and love. He was a loving patriarch to his family, his extended family and even his neighbors. He blessed the lives of anyone and everyone who met him. He knew his principles and priorities and lived accordingly every day and year of his life. It was impossible to be around him without feeling loved and valued.

Dean is survived by his brother, Klar (Barbara); brother-in-law Mel Redgers; sister-in-law Maureen Jackson; six children: Patricia Sue Hansen, Maureen (Greg) Chamberlain, Wendy Jeanne (Terry) Lamoreaux, Donald Dean (Kiku), Marie (Mimi), and Lisa Ann (Tevis) Vance; 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one due in May; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Elsa Leavitt Oldroyd; son Doug (Julie); parents Celia Sorensen and Andrew Oldroyd; siblings Jennie (Heber) Winget, Wanda (Clayton) Fike, Florine (Jack) Strang, Roland (Faye), Leon, and Dona Redgers

The family would like to thank all those who cared for and visited him in his last days. Hospice care was provided by FirstChoice Home, Health and Hospice. Special thanks are extended to Ariel, Tangi, Spencer and Josh for their gentle care and friendship.

The Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM in the Hobble Creek First Ward located at 555 South Averett Ave., Springville, Utah. Viewings will be held on Sunday, March 13, from 6-8 PM at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South Springville and Monday one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.