Douglas King Gottfredson was called home on July 11, 2015, and has had a joyful reunion with his wife, Janice, whom he has been eagerly waiting to join for nearly six years. Doug, the youngest of three boys, was born on January 27, 1933, to Raymon Ward and Utahna Riddle Gottfredson in Ely, Nevada. He graduated from White Pine County High School and attended BYU for three years prior to serving in the Western States Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Three days after his return, on June 8, 1956, he married his sweetheart since age 14, Janice Leone Walker. He graduated from BYU in 1957 with a degree in music, and music was a big part of his life. He played the bassoon, saxophone, string bass, clarinet, piano, and organ. He played in his first dance band at the age of 7, and paid his way through college performing at dances, and then joined the Utah Symphony playing bassoon. He served for many years as a ward choir director and played in many community orchestras. In his later years, he served as an organist at the Jordan River temple. After graduating from BYU, he joined the Air Force and rose to the level of Major. He served as a navigator as well as many other positions including as an operator in Minuteman Missile silos. Fortunately, he never had to push the button. Over the first 13 years of his career, the family lived in 17 different places, including Germany. After 12 years in the Air Force, Doug went back to school at BYU where he earned his Master’s and PhD in psychology. He worked for the Veteran’s Administration as a clinical psychologist and served for a period as Acting Chief of Psychology. Among his accomplishments were helping countless people overcome alcohol and drug addictions and being a pioneer in computerizing psychological testing, for which he received the Professional Achievement Award. He served in the church throughout his life, including as branch president in three different locations, as a member of bishoprics, on the stake high council, as stake patriarch, and as a temple worker. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, art, photography, technology, target shooting, and reloading his own ammunition. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, his brothers, Harold and Ches, and by his daughter Melanie Dallon. During Janice’s many years of health challenges, he was a tireless caregiver.

He is survived by his children: Mark and Christine Gottfredson, Vicki and Jerry Hunsaker, Colette and Steve Neish, Craig Dallon, and Karen and Kerry Cox. He was a loving and wonderful patriarch to his family that now numbers 73 family members including five children, 24 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 1 pm at the South Jordan LDS Parkway Stake Center, 9894 South 2700 West, with a viewing from 11:00 to 12:30 am. A viewing will also be held on Friday, July 17, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, Utah. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Published 14 July 2015 in The Salt Lake Tribune (UT)