Karl Warner Devenport, M.D. Obituary (1931 - 2011)

Karl Devenport passed away April 27, 2011 after a six-year fight with multiple myeloma. His family and friends will miss his gentle kindness, tenderness, humor and perpetual gratitude. For 49 years, he and his sweetheart, Sharon, have built a noble legacy of love for each other and their beautiful family. He had a deep love for his seven children and their spouses. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. If you asked him about his grandkids, he would have proudly told you, "My grandchildren are the smartest and most talented grandchildren around--they are the best!" He was born in Rexburg, Idaho on August 1, 1931 to Karl William and Hester Mabel Warner Devenport. The family moved from Rexburg to Ucon, Idaho when he was a young teen. He graduated from Ucon High School in 1949 and, in 1953, from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in Vertebrate Zoology. Karl served a two-and-a-half-year LDS mission in the North German Mission. Karl loved his mission and all the dear people he met while serving the Lord in Germany. Following his mission, Karl pursued a medical degree at the University of Maryland and completed an anesthesiology residency at the University of Washington. He practiced anesthesia for 10 years at Overlake Memorial Hospital in Bellevue, Washington and then worked 3 years at LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho before settling in the Salt Lake Valley. He practiced for over 25 years at Doxey Hatch Surgical Center and other hospitals in the Salt Lake area. Karl was a talented violinist, playing in many orchestras and small ensembles. During college he was principal violinist in the Ricks College and University of Utah Orchestras, and years later he was principal violinist with the Idaho Falls Symphony. Karl was also an accomplished vocalist and sang with the Utah Symphony Chorus. One of the greatest blessings in his life, after the gospel and his family, was singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1989-1993. He treasured these years and was humbled to be a part of this wonderful organization. Karl loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing in Yellowstone, Scouting, camping, and skiing. While living in the state of Washington, he and Sharon joined the Mountaineers and spent many happy times climbing and trail walking the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. The pinnacle of their training was cresting the peak of Mt Rainier. Karl enjoyed flying, receiving his private pilot's license and instrument rating in the 1960's. He also enjoyed aerobatic flying. His other interests included bird watching, traveling, coin collecting, photography, and listening to good music. Karl is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children: Karl Abram, Stephen (Shannon), David (Marcia), Paul (Byeong Ran), Mark (Rebecca), Rebekah (Brian) Janzen, and Jason (Alicia, fiance); seventeen grandchildren; and his younger brother, Eugene Devenport (Vivi Ann). Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm, with a brief viewing will be from 1-1:45 pm. at the LDS Chapel located at 1250 East 4800 South, SLC Utah, under the direction of Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary. Interment: Elysian Burial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LDS Perpetual Education Fund or the Huntsman Cancer Institute.