Thomas Alvah Stannard

Thomas Alvah Stannard 1932 ~ 2006 Thomas Alvah Stannard, loving father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend, died April 29, 2006 in Layton, Utah, of natural causes incident to age. Born July 7, 1932 in Cadillac, Michigan, the only surviving son of Alvah Linus Stannard and Hortense Madeline Nelson. He was in Muskegon near Lake Michigan, and later attended Jr. High and High School in San Jose, California. In 1952 Tom enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Korea as a radio operator. He was forever proud of his service in the Marines and was dedicated "Jarhead" all his life. Tom became the first in his family to receive a college degree when he graduated with a BA in Education from the University of Utah. While attending the "U", he met Judith Ann Reed and they were married March 31, 1956. They later divorced, but remained lifelong friends. Tom was also married to Nancy Buck (later divorced) and Dollie Heisler (later divorced). For 30 years, Tom taught English and French in secondary schools in Utah and California, mostly teaching 7th and 8th grades. He had a special understanding of adolescents and was a mentor to many students. Keenly aware of social pressures and the awkwardness of the teenage years, he developed several after-school programs to help build students' self-esteem and allow "latch-key" kids a place to go after school. One program he started was a Model Club where students could work on model airplanes, cars, etc. An avid reader, Tom could rarely be seen without a book in close proximity. He was very creative and enjoyed woodworking, writing, drawing, and working on models. He was sensitive and caring to those less fortunate. He had a great love of animals and usually had a dog or two by his side at all times during his retirement years. Survivors: daughter Rebecca (Paul) Rose, Kaysville, Utah; son Matthew (Andrea) Stannard, Laramie, Wyoming; sisters Carol Huber, San Jose, California; Donna (Robert) Miner, El Dorado Hills, California; Mary (Gary) Lukehart, Naches, Washington; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; also loving nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Friday, May 5, 2006, 2:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Farmington Mortuary, 1941 No. Main Street, Farmington, Utah 84025. Tom would be pleased to have a donation made in his name to: Navy-Marine Relief Corps Society, c/o Capt. Chesla, 12th Marine Corps District, 3704 Hochmuth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92140. Semper Fi, Dad - until we meet again - your Rare Gem. Online guest book:www.russonmortuary.com