Deseret Morning News, 11/30/05 



Gerald Ross Toomer 1925-2005 Our father, grandfather and hero died peacefully in his sleep at his West Valley home Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005. He was 80 years old. Born Sept. 22, 1925, to Lavon Barkdull and Clifford "Tip" Toomer of Montpelier, Idaho. Graduated from Montpelier High School. Graduated in 1947 from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Served in the U.S. Army's 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions - a proud Screaming Eagle. Served in Berlin, Germany, following World War II, and in Vietnam as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army. Married Barbara Greenlee, at Ft. Bragg North Carolina on September 5, 1953. 

Ross played saxophone in a dance band in his youth. He loved fly-fishing in Idaho waters, playing cards, cracking jokes, and crossword puzzles. He was a connoisseur of all things sweet, and never met a chocolate chip cookie he didn't like. He loved literature and history. He had a 2,000-tome library, and had read each at least once. He wrote poetry, and recently won a national contest through Readers Digest, which also published a short story he wrote. He was a lifelong Democrat, and once ran for the Minnesota House of Representatives. 

A child of the Depression, Ross lived modestly. But he invested in what mattered: people. He often gave freely and selflessly to friends and family who dreamed of starting their own business, had fallen on hard times, or just needed a lift. He loved to chat with everyone, and particularly enjoyed people he met at the VA. His final gift is that of himself: He donated his body to further the education of University of Utah medical students. 

Survived by wife, Barbara; children Stephen, New York; Jean Layton (Willis), James, and Jennifer Toomer-Cook (Tim), all of Salt Lake; three grandchildren: Eric and Bethany Layton and Lauren Cook; sister, Joann Berrey, Idaho Falls. Preceded in death by parents and sister, Jean. Please join us in an open house to honor Ross and share stories, laughter and tears. Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 4264 W. 3785 South, West Valley. Godspeed, Ross. We will miss you.