Blaine W. Braithwaite

Blaine W. Braithwaite passed away peacefully on Jan 8, 2019 at the Southern Utah Veterans Home, in Ivins Utah at the age of 93. He was born May 18, 1925 in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Wallace Hyrum and Mazella Rosley Braithwaite. Drafted in 1943, he served in the US Army and US Army Air Corps in France, Germany, and Belgium until the end of the war. Blaine was involved in the “D-Day” landings with the 2nd Armored Division. He crossed the English channel into France in barges-men and tanks-landing on Normandy beach on the 3rd day. As a young 19 year old, what happened on that beach and days and months thereafter, was too difficult for him to talk about. Only later in life did he share some painful memories. On one occasion when tanks were stopped, waiting for gas, ammo, and supplies, German tanks attacked and Blaine was severely wounded. Dad spent 3 months in an Oxford, England hospital. At the end of the war, he was honorably discharged and awarded multiple medals including 2 Purple Hearts. Blaine is part of the “Greatest Generation”.

Blaine was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, earlier serving in various callings. While in the Ivins Veterans home, the local church brethren would bring Blaine to church services. He has left a legacy of hard work, honesty, integrity, and love of country and family.

He was married in Jan 1947 to Valene Park and they had 2 sons Dennis and Vernon. In 1968 Valene suffered a massive stroke during open heart surgery. In Nov 1971, through mutual friends, he met Diane Riches the love of his life for 47 years. Their Courtship was filled with boating and camping trips etc. Engaged in July 1972 and married Oct 1972. They were blessed with sons Brian and Jason (Nanci) grandchildren Alex, Rachel, and Cole.

Dad enjoyed being outdoors, where he loved camping, boating, hunting, fishing and driving his Rhino thru the mountains of Utah. Some of dad’s happiest memories were spent camping and boating with family and friends at Flaming Gorge. He shared his love of the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives. Blaine loved traditional cowboy music and movies from the genuine Old West. In later years Dad and Mom enjoyed cruises with friends and family.

Blaine was one of the most mechanically inclined people you’ll ever meet and could fix anything. He loved anything with wheels and always took great pride in building and maintaining things. He earned a living by driving and repairing big rig diesel trucks, 30 of those years for Browning Freight Lines. Dad was an excellent technician, maintenance manager, and driver for Browning Freight Lines driving millions of miles without accidents.

Blaine is survived by his wife Diane and sons Brian and Jason (Nanci) and grandchildren, his brother Larry (Connie). Also survived by his son Dennis, Debbie and their children and grandchildren. Daughter-in-Law Sandy (Vernon) and their children and grandchildren. And many sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, and nephews.
Blaine is preceded in death by his parents, his son Vernon, brothers Gerald, Keith, and sister Betty.

Dad was a cherished part of our family and was a great example. He will be sorely missed!
The viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary at 4760 S. State Street, Murray, UT on Sat Jan 19th at 9:30am followed by funeral services at 11am. Following the funeral services, internment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens at 1075 East College Street, Murray, UT. Online condolences can be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.

The family wishes to express thanks to the special staff of The Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, UT for their kind and compassionate care and love for Dad during his time there, as well as their love and support to us.