Our beloved “Pa”, husband, father grandfather and great grandfather, Larry Blake Fordham passed away surrounded by family Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at home in Orem, Utah at the age of 82. Dad was born April 18, 1936 in Grover, Utah. He was the oldest of eight kids born to Blake Taft and Fay Metta Covington Fordham.
Dad loved growing up in Grover, Utah and had fond memories of farm life where he learned hard work and to be impeccable with his word. It broke his heart when the family had to move. He slowly adjusted to “city life” when the family relocated to Pleasant Grove, Utah in 1948, but his roots would always be in Grover.
In 1954 Dad joined the U.S. Army and spent the next four years serving his country and seeing the world as a combat engineer. Shortly after finishing his army duties, Dad met a beautiful red headed girl named Lue. She was working at a café.
Dad asked her out, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Dad and Mom were married in Pleasant Grove, Utah on November 15, 1957. They have three daughters; Shellee, Penney, and Robbin.
The family was later sealed in the Manti Temple, December 12, 1964 for time and all eternity. Dad and Mom celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in November of this year. Throughout their marriage, they have been a wonderful example of love and devotion.
Family was the center of their world, and they were diligent in keeping their family close and creating numerous memories. The greatest joy Dad felt in his life was being with family, and watching his posterity grow. Each child, grandchild and great grandchild has been blessed by his sweet influence and unceasing love.
He was a hard worker throughout his life. He worked for and retired from US Steel after 38 years of service, and receiving many accolades and awards. He also consulted for National Steel in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan for five years.
His favorite job came after retirement, when he worked for the Aline School District driving a school bus for fourteen years. He loved the kids and his regular route, but his favorite part of the job was taking athletic teams to events. Dad loved being a small part of the teams and really took to heart all of their wins and losses.
Dad and Mom served in a calling at Summerfield Manor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter – day Saints for ten years. They loved the being part of the presidency and loved the residents of the manor. Dad had a passion for reading and could always be found with a book nearby.
He also loved woodworking and golfing. The greatest joy in Dad’s life were his girl’s. Dad loved being a Daddy to all of his daughter and being Mom’s sweetheart.
The family loved traveling and going on camping trips in their motorhome. Throughout his life, Dad has been a quiet pillar of strength and an example to those around him. Dad said, “I will do everything in my power to replace pride with something more worthwhile, like genuine happiness, true appreciation, absolute acceptance and unequivocal equality”.
He is survived by his sweetheart, Lue Ann Fordham, Orem, daughters: Shellee (Ken) Larsen, Spanish Fork, Penney (Bret) Tobler, Orem and Robbin (David) Adamson, American Fork, 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and his siblings: Don Fordham (Deceased) Gerry Fordham, Beverly Jarvis, Connie Ormond, Wendy Mills (Deceased) Steve Fordham and Todd Fordham. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove where family and friends may attend a viewing from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery with military conducted by The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4918.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www. olpinmortuary.com.
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