Charles Elmer Sorensen was born Nov. 8, 1944 in Tremonton and grew up in Howell. He died Jan. 7, 2000 in his home after a two month bout with cancer. He maintained his positive cheerful attitude and his never-ending concern for others to his last breath.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ariel Elmer Sorensen and LuAna Baker Sorensen; and his brother David. He is survived by his wife Kathy Barth Sorensen; three daughters, Michelle (Jason) Allen, Amanda (James) Yapias, and Adrienne, all of Salt Lake; five sons, Charles (Leigh) of Stockton, CA; Paige (Amy) of Layton; Jon-Paul of Huntington Beach, CA; Andrew and Heath both of Salt Lake; four sisters, Annette West of Salt Lake; Mariel Parker of Wildomar, CA; Marie White of Tremonton; Dianne Walker of Phoenix, AZ; two brothers, Alvin of Palmyra; and Carl of Logan; and eight grandchildren.Charles served in the Great Lakes Mission (Ohio, Indiana and Michigan) and as Missionary Committee Chairman for the Tabernacle Choir's 1998 European Tour. He was fervently looking forward to serving a mission in retirement.
Charles proposed to Kathy as they waded in the Danube River by the artist community of Szentendre, Hungary. They were sealed in the Manti Temple. Charles sang with Kathy in the Tabernacle Choir since 1988. Music filled his life. He played tuba and string bass and toured Europe with the School Band of America, graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Music degree, was a travel coordinator for several Tabernacle Choir tours, and manager for five International Children's Choir tours, including Israel and Jordan this past summer.
Charles had the opportunity for a career in a symphony orchestra, but decided the schedule was not conducive to a good family life, so he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and entered the world of business. He was employed by Connecticut Mutual Life/Massachusetts Mutual Life since 1972, specializing in employee benefits and retirement planning, and serving on the national Agents Advisory Committee. He served as President of the Salt Lake Assoc. of Life Underwriters and President of the Utah Assoc. of Life Underwriters. He was voted by the Utah Assoc. of Insurance and Financial Advisors to receive the Life Achievement Award for contributions and leadership in his profession, community, church, and family. He is a charter member of the BYU Risk Management Dept.
At the time of his death he was president of the Board of Directors of the Imperial Hawaii Vacation Club (a Waikiki resort), president of the International Children's Choir School, State National Committeeman for UALU, and vice chairman of the Western States Forum of the National Assoc. of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He also held positions on national committees for that association.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. in the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3600 S. 3103 East (from 3900 S. go north on 3100 E.) Friends may call Friday evening 6-8 p.m. in Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple and Sat. 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the East Millcreek Stake Center. Music will be provided by the Tabernacle Choir and the International Children's Choir. Interment in Larkin Sunset Lawn. In lieu of flowers, contributions for a special recording honoring Charles may be made to the International Children's Choir at 3229 S. 1940 E., SLC 84106-3919.