"Loving Papa"
Our much loved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Monday, December 27, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his family, after a life long struggle with poor health.
He was born August 31, 1929 to Winnie Mary Olsen and Andrew George Lavin, in Salt Lake City, where he resided his entire life. Married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Haslam, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 27, 1949. They were happily married for 55 years, but he felt they had been in love even before this life began. Mom describes dad as her adorable sweetheart. Ken was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in various callings including Bishop's counselor, Ward clerk, Elder's quorum presidency, and counselor in the Branch presidency serving Doxey Hatch Convalescent Center and St. Mark's Hospital for many years.
For Ken, family was everything and all new family members were welcomed and accepted with unconditional love. He led his family with love and taught us by example the attributes of hard work, loyal companionship and endurance of trials without complaint. He taught the men in his family how to be true gentlemen by the way he treated his wife. He was a constant jokester, who never let an opportunity pass to brighten somebody's day with a good laugh. Ken's life was one that was marked by his service to others. He always put everyone else's needs before his own. His giving, unselfish nature endeared him to his family and friends. When someone needed help, he was always among the first to arrive and the last to leave. He took pride in caring for the widows in his neighborhood.
Ken's yard was always a show place with a freshly manicured appearance. He was a builder by trade and was the consummate handyman who could fix anything. He enjoyed camping and various other activities that involved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all of us who love him dearly. He is our hero!
Ken is survived by his loving wife, sons Bob (Jo) Lavin, Randy (Leslie) Lavin, and daughter Suzanne (Tom) Hofhine; sisters Joyce (Keith) Parkin, Irene Hansen, Melba Stewart, and sister-in-law Lavon Lavin; special grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with four more on the way. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Arthur George Lavin, sisters Inez Loveday and Grace MacKay, precious daughter Lisa Lavin, and triplet granddaughters Rebecca, Brittany and Karen Lavin.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 31, 2004 at 12:00 p.m., at the Winder 8th LDS Ward, located at 1361 East 4000 So. Visitation 10:00-11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.