Alma Ernest Gygi, age 82, devoted and much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, left this stage of his eternal progression peacefully on January 6, 1994.

Alma was born December 30, 1911 in Salt Lake City to Rudolph Gygi and Liesetta Caroline Riedelbauch. He married Vera May Coleby on July 3, 1935 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.He was the proud father of Gerald (Norma), Gordon (Kathie), Donald (Judy), Marilyn Jacobs (Parley), and Barbara Homer (John). He had 35 grandchildren and eight great-grandsons. Foremost in his life was his dedication and love for his family who brought him much joy and happiness.

He had a great love for and knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an LDS Mission to Germany and Switzerland. He later presided as supervisor for the Church Building Program in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. His life was one of unselfish service as exemplified by his many church callings and capacities.

He loved to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a great missionary.

Alma's professional life spanned many careers: grocer, farmer, general contractor, and prominent businessman. He yearned for knowledge at a young age, was self taught and became recognized as a scriptorian, poet, and author of several books. He enjoyed lecturing on business topics at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University.

He is survived by his wife, Vera; his children and grandchildren, five sisters, Ruth Hilton, California; Berniece Ryser, Wyoming; Helen Lach, Florence Blodgett, and Thelma Aylett, all Salt Lake City. Preceded in death by five brothers and one sister, George Gygi, Joseph Gygi, Wilford Gygi, Orson Gygi, Ralph Gygi, and Mary Sorenson; grandson, Matthew Alma Jacobs.

Funeral services Monday, January 10, 11 a.m., Olympus 1st Ward, 4100 South Camille Drive (2400 East). Friends may call at the Cottonwood McKay Mortuary, Sunday evening, 6-8 p.m. and at the Olympus 1st Ward Monday, one hour prior to services. Interment, Holladay Memorial Park, 4900 Memory Lane.

"Your strong hands have guided us and enriched our lives."
Published: Jan. 8, 1994 in the Deseret News