Joseph William Gunn

December 17, 1918 - December 17, 2011

A few years ago, my grand- father's health started fading when he tripped and broke his back. Since that time he has been in a few different care facilities and taken care of day and night. Even during the past few years when he hasn't been feeling well, he'd kept that sense of humor that no one understands, and adored his great-grandchildren. A short time ago, he started having problems with his gallbladder and needed it removed, but because of his age and weak health, the surgery would kill him. He was told he'd get a secondary infection and that infection would kill him, and was placed on Hospice. On Thursday, the 15, my sister called me to tell me that it wasn't looking good. I spent all my available time with him from that day until he passed away 2 days later. On Saturday, December 17, there was a birthday party planned for him. He passed away about a half hour before his birthday party.

His funeral was beautiful. I learned a lot of things about him, but the thing that stuck out t me most was his participation in World War II. I knew he was in WWII, and I knew he was in the Air Force in England. That was all I knew. I learned a lot more. After hearing his stories, I decided he followed the rule of 4. When my grandpa returned from his mission, he married my grandmother on Dec 3, 1941, 4 days before Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was married for 4 months when he left for England to be a bomber pilot in the War. He was away for 4 years fighting in the War, and didn't see my grandmother at all during that time. What a marvelous love they had for one another to endure such hardships. His Battalion had a little over 150 people in it, but only 30-something returned home alive. Apparently, once a pilot did 25 missions, he wouldn't do any more. The reason was many didn't survive that many. My grandfather did more than 25 missions and lived to tell his stories.

At the burial site, he had a bagpipe player and the full 21-gun salute for military honors. As the bagpipe player walked in front of the casket to lead it to its burial plot, the granddaughters were all together in the corner, silently sobbing at the loss of such a wonderful man. He then played "Amazing Grace," and walked away. We listened and cried as the music faded. My grandfather was a good person who truly loved and cared about everyone he knew. His legacy will not be forgotten, and I'm grateful and honored to be a part of it.

Joseph W. Gunn

1918 ~ 2011

Our beloved husband, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph William Gunn, at age 93, passed away on December 17, 2011 after a long and prosperous life.

He was born December 17, 1918 in South Salt Lake, the first of five children of Roy and Mary Ellen Gunn. He enjoyed reading, traveling, singing, and spending time with his family. He attended Granite High School and later the University of Utah, earning his Bachelor degree in education. He taught school in a range of grade levels, from 4th through 9th in Davis School District. He started a commercial garbage company in high school called Utah Waste Paper. He was a member of the Sons of Pioneers. He served for four years during World War II in the 305th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force.

Joseph married Carrol Marinda Bringhurst, December 3, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple, after returning from his first mission. They were a couple for 70 years. He served four LDS church missions, and served in many positions within the church. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life.

Joseph is survived by his four children: Dennis (Gretchen) Gunn, Carrolyn (William) Tinsch, Lynda Lee (Kent) Andersen, and Jolene (Scott) Pruyt, Italian foreign exchange son Guido Ramazio, sister Helen Layton, and brother Raymond Gunn. He is survived also by eleven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrol; parents; brother Hyrum Gunn and sister Barbara Cook; two still born children and grandson Jason Tinsch.

Joseph has experienced many things and visited many countries throughout the world making many friends. He had a unique sense of humor that was felt by many. He never spoke ill of anyone and maintained a positive attitude about everything. He enriched many lives as a teacher, a friend, an acquaintance, and as a confidant. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at11:00 a.m. at the Ensign Peak Ward Chapel, 125 E. North Sandrun Road. Friends and family may call Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive and Tuesday 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.