Bryce Asher Merkley Obituary (1933 - 2018)

Bryce Asher Merkley, 84, passed away peacefully in South Jordan, Utah on 2 February 2018. Bryce was born in Vernal, Uintah Co, Utah to Birda Lewis and Asher Merkley on 16 December 1933. He graduated from Uintah High School in 1952. He married Merlene Davis, his high school sweetheart, in the Salt Lake Temple on 5 June 1953. He attended the University of Utah and graduated from Denver University in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He worked at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver and Hotel Utah. He then changed careers and worked for Mountain Bell and US West for 27 years. After he retired, he did communications contract work in Albuquerque, Phoenix, Washington D.C. and Salt Lake City. Bryce had a passion for flying from an early age, and reached his goal of becoming a private pilot and owning his own plane. He shared this interest with his sons, which created a life long bond between them. He was always a planner and problem solver and looked for creative solutions in most aspects of his life. His love of classical music brought him much joy, and he was a devoted listener to the weekly Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast. He cared about people and tried to lift others as he showed attention to the details of their lives. When his wife, Merlene, suffered a stroke in 2014, he dedicated his time and efforts into caring for her. His love, service and attention over more than 1,000 days showed his willingness to help her endure to the end. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held many positions in both the ward and stake. He loved being a Bishop and gave his all to the calling. Bryce and Merlene served an honorable full-time mission in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where they enjoyed working in the mission office. They followed in the well-placed footsteps of their parents, who also served senior missions providing a wonderful legacy for their posterity. Bryce is survived by his children Janette Gould (Wayne), Richard D. (Amy), Reed L. (Debra), and Marilyn Duncan (Trent), 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Merlene, parents, sisters Virginia Hacking Giles and Kathyleen Ahrnsbrak McOmber, and his brother Douglas L Merkley. The funeral will be held Saturday, 10 February 2018 at 1:00 pm in the Millstream Ward located at 3400 South 1100 East Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will be held at the ward that same day from 10:30am to 12:30 pm. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in the Rosemont Section at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Perpetual Education Fund or the LDS Humanitarian Fund. Online condolences would also be welcome at www.jenkins-soffe.com.