Obituary: BLODGETT, GARY

Gary Ray Blodgett1934 - 2012Beloved husband and father, Gary Blodgett, returned to his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2012, after a valiant battle with cancer. Gary held his family dearest to his heart. He was born on April 22, 1934, to Carl and Lila Blodgett of North Ogden. He and his wonderful wife, Janice Johnson Blodgett of Bountiful, Utah, shared 7 children, 20 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Gary and Janice were married on July 16, 1987, and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They had a special closeness and a love of sports. Gary was a newspaper reporter for 50 years, writing for The Ogden Standard Examiner while attending Weber High and Utah State University. After serving in the military, Gary wrote for The Deseret News' Davis Bureau and received their Pulitzer Prize before obtaining his dream job covering sports, an assignment that offered him more time with family who often accompanied him in the press box at college football and basketball games. He was inventor of Realistic Football, an exciting board game based on probability. Gary was a long-time resident of Bountiful and well-known in his community. He was a wedding and portrait photographer, owning his own photo studio for years. He served on several worthy committees including The Task Force for Drug-Free Youth and was a reporter, photographer, and editor for The Davis County Clipper, always striving to depict others in a positive light. He will be missed for his friendly personality and great flare for storytelling. Gary is survived by his wife Janice of Bountiful, Utah, and children Jeffrey Blodgett of Zanesville, Ohio (sons Tyler, Kevin, and Ryan) and Deanna Avis (William) of Roy, Utah (daughters Tyann and Joee), along with Kerry Brinkerhoff of Vermont, Michael Brinkerhoff (Leslie) of Bountiful, Debbie Brinkerhoff of North Salt Lake, Karen Brinkerhoff of Bountiful, and Stewart Brinkerhoff (Sherry) of Kaysville, Utah. He was preceded in death by his loving sisters Jean Shaw and Janis Hudgens and parents Carl and Lila Blodgett. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012 at the Val Verda 6th Ward Chapel, 2651 South 500 West (East off the 2600 South exit). A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main and Friday morning 12:45-1:45 p.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com. Donations are preferred in lieu of flowers. A memorial fund in Gary's name has been set up at America First Credit Union.