Steve Van McKendrick

My name is Steve McKendrick, I was born on January 7, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah. I passed away on December 7, 2022, in South Jordan, Utah. My parents were Larry and Jean Goodman McKendrick. I had two brothers and one sister – David, Danny and Julie.
In September of 1975, I married my soul mate Sheri Catlin. We were happily married for 47 years. We always tried to do little things that made each other happy. Sorry hun – you're going to have to pump your own gas now. We had two wonderful children. Our son Mike and his wife Kim have two boys, Michael and Charlie. Our daughter Melissa and her husband James also have two children, Skyler and Sydnee. My grandkids are the light of my life and I love them very much.
Most of my growing up years were spent in Magna, where I forged some life-long friendships and made some great memories.
I was always a hard worker and learned many skills along the way. Starting as a young teenager I found many ways to earn money. I often told stories about all the good times I had working at Dean's car lot with my dad. I worked hard and did whatever I needed to do to take care of my family. I spent the first 12 years of my career working for Kennecott. I then transitioned to a job at the State of Utah. (Kind of the family business at the time.) I spent the next 34 years traveling the state and taking care of buildings and communication equipment very few people even know exists. It was a career I enjoyed that gave me a chance to see and travel to many remote parts of Utah during every season. I also worked with a lot of great people.
My family knew they could count on me for anything they needed. I may have been a big guy, but I was a teddy bear at heart. I always tried to be a good husband, father, grandpa, friend, and neighbor. Sheri and I never missed a dance recital, school performance or sports activity that our kids or grandkids were involved in. I was the go-to guy in any emergency – day or night. Just ask Missy.
I enjoyed traveling, NASCAR races, puttering in the yard, tinkering on old cars, and spending time with my family. One of my bucket list items was to race stockcars. I enjoyed the time I spent doing that with Mike. I don't think I ever apologized to Mike for stealing his racecar and making it my own. I am thankful for all the memories and time spent together at the race track all those years.
Although my life didn't last as long as I would have liked; it was a good life filled with love, great experiences and good memories. I want my family to know that I love them. I want to say a special thanks to my wife Sheri. She was always there for me and never left my side, even when I got sick and was a pain in the neck patient.
I was proceeded in death by my dad, my brother Dave and my sister Julie. Survived by everyone listed above, my mother and my brother Danny.
My family would like to thank Jonathan and Erin of Dignity Hospice for their compassion and care of me and support for Sheri.
Services: Saturday, December 17th at 11:00 am
Family invited to lunch after the service.
Family will receive friends: Friday, December 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 17th at 10:00 am
Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home
4335 West 4100 South
West Valley City UT 84120