Delwyn Ray Birdsall Obituary (1939 - 2019)

Delwyn Ray Birdsall passed away peacefully on April 19, 2019 after a lingering illness. He was born to Ernest Ray and Edith (Wilkinson) Birdsall on July 9, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the eldest of eight children. Soon after graduating from high school, Delwyn joined the United States Navy in 1958. After his honorable discharge from active duty, he joined the Naval Reserve. He served in the Reserve until his retirement in 1990. While in the Navy, he met and married Sandra Ann Saye (later divorced). They were blessed with five children. He also married Penny Jackson (later divorced) and were the parents of three children. He later married Karen Dean (later divorced). Delwyn was active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many organizations and positions. He loved learning and teaching others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Music was an important part of his life. He especially enjoyed singing and playing the piano. He enjoyed nature photography, camping, fishing, and gardening. He was also an excellent cook. He was a highly skilled electronics technician worked for several firms in California. After moving to Utah in 1973, he worked for KSL TV and Mountain Fuel Supply. He also earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Westminster College. Delwyn is survived by his children Crystal (Jed) Petrovich, Eileen Fackrell, Deanna (Jeff) Wirtz, Michael Birdsall, Debra Miller, Matthew (Kim) Birdsall, Melinda Birdsall, and Alexandra Birdsall. He has 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kendall Birdsall, and one granddaughter. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 11:00 AM at the American Fork 9th Ward building, 673 E 300 N, American Fork, Utah. There will be a viewing prior to the funeral service at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. Following the funeral service, interment will be at Timpanogos Memorial Gardens, 1000 N 400 E, Orem, Utah. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers that attended to Delwyn. In particular, the staff of the Stonehenge of American Fork care center.