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In Memory

Vadier Mumford - Class of 1938

Deseret Morning News, 10/06/04 



Nearing the end of his 85th year, Byron Vadier Mumford passed on peacefully at home October 4, 2004, following a long illness. He was born November 7, 1919 in Montpelier, Idaho, the second child of Byron E. and Lenora Butterworth Mumford. 

He was educated in Montpelier schools and then accepted a call to serve as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Northwestern States Mission, headquartered in Portland, Oregon. A significant part of his service was spent in Alaska, then a U.S. Territory. 

Following his mission, he married his high school sweetheart, Lois Perkins, on November 12, 1941 in Logan, Utah, and they soon moved back to Portland, where Vadier spent the World War II years building troop and cargo ships for the Kaiser Corporation at their extensive Swan Island shipyards. After bringing three children into the world, Lois died suddenly on January 10, 1947. 

The young children, left without a mother for a time, were lovingly cared for by family and friends until October 12, 1948 when Vadier married Gloria Mousley in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Four more children were eventually born to their union. Known by the nickname "Doc," Vadier continued his professional life in Portland as a manager and later as a partner in Bruce-Emmett Co., a seller and distributor of electrical supplies and equipment throughout the northwest United States, including his beloved Alaska. Throughout his career, he established a reputation for hard work, visionary planning and integrity. During his last years of work, he opened a Salt Lake City branch office and warehouse for the company, moving permanently from Portland to Salt Lake in 1981. 

As a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served ably in many responsible callings, including Bishop, High Councilor, Stake President, Temple ordinance worker, and Patriarch. The Church welfare program was especially meaningful to him, and he helped to acquire and successfully operate several farm and food processing properties in the Portland area. Following retirement, Vadier and Gloria together served a full-time mission to the Denver Colorado Temple. He loved to sing and throughout his life performed music singly as well as in many duos, quartets, and other ensembles. Fondly remembered by his family are his many signature songs and spoken verses, full of sentiment and gentle humor. He found his deepest joy and delight in the warmth of family life. In turn, his family is forever grateful for his sturdy example of generosity, kindness, wisdom, endurance, and steadfast devotion. 

Vadier is survived by Gloria, his wife of 56 years; by his children Lyle (Susan) of Holladay, UT; Leslie (James) Hinton of Prescott, AZ; Lois (Craig) Stevens of Holladay; Nora (Edward) Moulder of The Woodlands, TX; Mark of Los Angeles, CA; Lorna (Michael) Ball of Spring, TX; and Letha (Randy) Mark of Milwaukie, OR. Also survived by 27 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and by a sister Theo (Max) Holbrook of Gresham, OR and brother Verl (Irene) of Vernal, UT. Preceded in death by his parents and brother Glademere. The family wishes to thank capable, sensitive caregivers at LDS Hospital, Health South Rehabilitation, and Hearts for Hospice for their kind help and encouragement. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humanitarian Relief fund of the LDS Church. Funeral Services will be held Friday Oct. 8, 2004, 12:00 noon at the Highland Park Ward, 2535 South Douglas. Friends and family may call Thurs. evening from 7-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple and from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior at the ward. Interment will be Sat. Oct. 9th at 12:30 p.m. in the Montpelier City Cemetery, Montpelier, ID.