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Jan 14, 1928 - Jul 31, 2013
Our beloved father and grandfather departed this earth just as he would have wished, quickly and independently on July 31, 2013 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. Spencer Bonham Child was born on January 14, 1928 to Jonathan Wright Child and Mabel Bonham Child in Clinton, Utah. He is survived by his older brother, J.R.Child; Spencer was the 2nd of two sons.
Spencer attended Claremont High in California where he met his eternal sweetheart, Virginia Smith (CHS 1946). They were sealed in the Salt Lake City L.D.S. temple on June 2, 1947. She preceded him in death in 2007 and is buried in Medford, Oregon where Spencer will also be interred. He wished to be cremated; that was done in Arizona.
Spencer was a devoted father and husband, he leaves 2 daughters and 2 sons; Cynthia Donalson, Bountiful, Utah, Deborah Mitchell, Sandy, Utah, Brian Child, Gilbert, Arizona and Brett Child, South Jordan, Utah. One daughter, Melanie Child, died in an automobile accident in 1973. He is also Grandfather to 13 Grandchildren and 22 Great-Grandchildren.
Spencer raised his family in faith and service. He served many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His beliefs never wavered and he was a very noble, honest man. His lifelong passions included flying; he was a pilot from his youth. He also loved motorcycles, hunting and every form of outdoor activity. His family is left with many great memories of camping, travelling, hunting and "tote-gote" riding while growing up in Oregon, Virginia and Kansas. Spencer's career with the Department of Agriculture was long and distinguished. Prevented from becoming a Commercial Pilot suddenly by the end of World War II, he worked jobs ranging from County Agent to jobs of more responsibility in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City. His proudest achievement was designing and implementing the nationwide computerization of his department, working directly with Senator Ted Kennedy.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 2 p.m. at the LDS chapel 1170 E 12300 S, Draper UT.
In lieu of flowers, etc. Spencer asked that you make any desired contribution to the L.D.S. humanitarian or missionary fund in his name. Donations can be made online @ldsphilanthropies.org.
Published in Deseret News on Aug. 15, 2013
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