Carlos Bitner Dunford Obituary (1937 - 2009)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” The glorious reunion has begun for our husband, father and grandfather who began a new chapter of his life on January 18, 2009. He left this earth surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home. Having heart disease for 27 years he could fight no more. Carlos was born on March 2, 1937 to Love Clayton and Elizabeth Bitner Dunford, the oldest of their nine children. He graduated from East High in 1955 where he was a cheerleader and sang in the Acappella choir. He served in the New England States Mission from 1957-1959 and then married the love of his life, Judy Hansen in the Salt Lake Temple on June 22, 1961. They were married for 47 years. In 1962 he graduated from the University of Utah where he served as President of Delta Phi Fraternity. Carlos was taught a strong work ethic, starting with the family business, the Dunford Bakers, and later working in the travel industry. He also was a financial planner and Retirement Consultant. In 1992 he and his wife started the Quilted Bear where they risked and gave all they had to start a brand new business. Carlos and Judy have eleven children and are survived by nine of them. Debbie (Brent Sirstins), Cindy (Terry King), Mark (Kendra), Kevin (Kelly), Ryan (Carrie), Kim (Cameron Howell), Chris (Niccole), Darren (Liz), and Paul (Jessica) Dunford. He was met on the other side of the veil by sons, Michael and Derek, a grandson Dillon Howell and both parents. Carlos and Judy have 31 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers David, Doug, Robert, Daniel and John along with sisters Gayle Wilson, Carolyn Kasteler and Gloria Lloyd. He loved traveling, computers, sending letters by Email, going to Bear Lake, St. George, Costco and eating watermelon. The greatest joy of his life was his family. He will be remembered most for the example he set, not only in words, but how he lived his life. He tried to follow the example of his parents and pioneer ancestors by living a life true to their beliefs. He never wavered in his faith, a calling, or an assignment. His ancestors sacrificed everything for their belief in Jesus Christ and he did not break that chain. His greatest legacy will be his faith and testimony of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully and was never without a calling. He truly was a gentle man and will be greatly missed. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Draper Stake Center, 13085 South 300 East. A viewing will be held Friday at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 So.) from 6-8 pm and from 9-10:30 am prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Carlos’ name to Primary Children’s Medical Center.