HUGH DEARDEN

Hugh Gunn Dearden 1962 ~ 2011 Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Hugh Gunn Dearden, born Nov. 29, 1962 in Midland, Texas, to Marion Gunn and Melvin Owen Dearden, was called home on April 4, 2011.Hugh spent his early years in Texas and Louisiana, and his adolescence in Utah. His lifelong love of organized sports began with Peewee baseball in Houston and on the banks of the Mississippi in New Orleans. He was a graduate of Brighton High School in Salt Lake City, where he enjoyed playing football and baseball, and also mixed in some church softball; all of these activities created lifelong friends. He was an avid BYU fan. Hugh was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and found great joy in serving in many different capacities throughout his life. Faith and hope through the gospel were central to Hugh's character. He had a wonderful experience serving in the Netherlands Amsterdam Mission, for a short time with his brother, Bruce. After returning he earned a degree in economics at the University of Utah, where he was a member of Sigma Chi. While at school, Hugh found the love of his life, Diane Davis, and they started their eternal family by being married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 3, 1986. Hugh made a career in advertising sales and took his growing family to live in St. George, Utah; Spokane, Washington; and Boise, Idaho; finally returning home to Cottonwood Heights, Utah. He made good friends everywhere he lived. He had a unique way with words, and a sly smile and sense of humor that were sources of entertainment and endearment to all. To his friends, he was a gentle giant. The devotion and support of his friends has been a constant well of strength for Hugh and his family. Hugh's children were his pride and joy and he certainly considered them his greatest accomplishment. He loved making memories with his family, and liked nothing better than watching them perform or play. He particularly enjoyed watching soccer, and rather than criticizing the referees for bad calls, he studied and became one (we're sure he never made a bad call)! Many great family memories were made on trips to attend tournaments. Hugh was preceded in death by his father Melvin and father-in-law Jerry Davis, and is survived by his mother, Marion, his wife, Diane, sons Daren (currently serving in the Mexico Mexico City West Mission), Jerry, and Conner, and daughter Libby, by siblings David (Denise), Bruce (Anne), and Leslie (Brendun Lawson) and by mother-in-law Betty Lynn Davis and brothers-in-law Rick (Jeanie) Davis and Jaren (Kim) Davis, as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 11 at 12:00 noon at the Dover Hill Ward, 3625 Dover Hill Drive (7660 S.), Cottonwood Heights. Friends and family may call Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, and Monday at the ward from 10:30 to 11:40 a.m. Condolences can be sent to the family at hdearden.blogspot.com or www.larkincares.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dearden children at any Chase Bank branch in the name of Diane D. Dearden, or mail to Chase Bank at 6275 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121.