Comments: ~OBITUARY~
DENNIS MYRES
1934 ~ 2017
Dennis "Keith" Myres, 82, of Pleasant Grove, UT (formerly of Del Mar, CA) died after a struggle with cancer on May 27, 2017. He passed away at home with his family and beloved wife, Paula.
Keith was born in a small Icelandic community in Mountain, North Dakota on July 24, 1934. He was welcomed to the home of John J. Myres (Svold, ND) and Emily Vatnsdal Myres (Mountain, ND). The family moved to San Diego when he was six months old. He graduated from Sweetwater High School in National City, CA in 1952. He loved running, and was involved in track.
In 1957 he graduated from Brigham Young University in Political Science/Econ. It was in college that he said he made the two best decisions of his life: marrying Paula Faye Haymond, of Springville, Utah, and joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His two goals in life were to be a good father/husband and to build the kingdom. He spent the rest of his days trying to honor this commitment.
Keith was always mindful of the covenants he made, and never lost his enthusiasm for the gospel. He tried to consistently improve and be better until the last days of his life. His passion for the Book of Mormon permeated his life. He deeply studied and wrote about this great book for 60 years. His favorite possessions were his books of literature, history, and poetry. Keith was a man of ideas and creativity--a wordsmith, poet, and historian.
Keith was passionate about helping others. He was generous with praise, and was known for being a builder of people. His motivation was to help others see themselves as they could become--always seeing the good and positive.
He was endlessly fascinated with people, and truly called everyone his friend. Thousands of people have been touched by his talks and service. He loved serving in the Church, and served as a seminary teacher, bishop, stake president, Regional Representative, Mission President of the Texas Houston Mission (1984-87), temple sealer, and a missionary with Paula in Glendive, Montana and the Nashville, Kentucky missions.
Keith and brother, Jerry, started a trucking company, South Bay Transfer, and worked together for many years. Most of the children and some grandchildren were able to work with their grandpa. He wanted his posterity to work hard and "Do the Difficult."
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 59 years, Paula Haymond Myres. His children, Maryan Gudrun (Joseph) Shumway of Doha, Qatar, Kaylene (Rob) Coleman of Katy, TX, Garth Lauren (Sara) Myres of Alpine, CA, Dana (Blake) Murphy of Quito, Ecuador, Geralee (Ron) McArthur of South Jordan, UT, Anne Elise (Wes) Sine of Ithaca, NY, Nathan Keith (Kristin) Myres of Double Oaks, TX, Denice Emily (Brian) Rasmussen of Reno, NV, Jared Alec Myres (Amy) of Holladay, UT. He was an attentive cheerleader to 54 grandchildren and 13 (and counting) great grandchildren. He was a beloved son to John and Emily Myres, and brother to Vernon (Jean) Myres of El Cajon (deceased), Shirley (Rod) Sims of Chula Vista, CA (deceased) and cherished brother Jerry "Lanny" (Barbara) Myres of Heber, UT.
A viewing will be held Friday June 2, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Olpin Family Mortuary 494 South 300 East Pleasant Grove, UT 84062. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30-10:45 at the LDS Chapel 480 West 1300 North Pleasant Grove, UT 84062. Interment will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pathways Education program or the LDS missionary fund.
Published in Deseret News from June 1 to June 3, 2017
Report from daughter Kaylene Myres Coleman 23 January 2010:
My parents, Keith and Paula, are both in good health. My dad swims every morning at 6 a.m. They both lift weights and eat carefully. Dad had a bout with prostate cancer a few years ago and broke his neck in two places last year, but is now doing great. He is determined to stay strong.
They are currently visiting Nicaragua for an extended period of time. They are visiting my sister, Annie, and her family. My dad is there because he wants to "Do Good." He is helping to get some libraries going there for the branch. He is also helping branch members get to the temple in Guatemala City.
My parents served a CES mission to Glendive, Montana. They served another CES mission in Kentucky. They are hoping to serve a third mission. |