Kendall J. Willardson

Richfield, Utah - Our kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, Kendall Joseph Willardson, age 50, of Richfield, returned to Heavenly Father suddenly and unexpectedly, after collapsing while playing basketball in Richfield. He passed away at Utah valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah, Friday, December 13, 2013. Kendall was born December 3, 1963 in Ogden, a son of Glen Pierce and Helen Matthews Willardson. He graduated from Richfield High School, Class of 1982. He served faithfully as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Mission from 1983-84. Kendall married the love of his life, Julie Ware, November 17, 1984 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their love and devotion to each other has been an example to their beautiful family. Kendall graduated with his B.S. in Medical Technology from BYU in 1988 and was in the process of completing his Master's degree in Health Care Administration. He worked as a Medical Technologist at the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield for 25 years where he also served as the Laboratory Manager, Dietary Manager and was recently named the Director of Ancillary Support Services. He also served on the Sevier School District Board and Central Advisory Council for the Utah College of Applied Technologies representing Snow College Richfield. He was very involved with the community, officiating and coaching multiple sports at all levels. Many of the youth looked up to Kendal as a worthy role model and friend. He served the community with pride and gained the appreciation and respect of many. Kendall was a very active member of the LDS Church. He served faithfully in many callings including Bishop of the Richfield 9th Ward; High Counselor; Primary teacher, Young Men's President' Branch President of the Indian Dorm Branch. He always saw the good in others and became a dear friend to all he came in contact with. He was an example of a Christ-like life and exuded happiness and love. Regardless of his busy schedule, he always had time to serve others. His family was truly his pride and joy and God and family always came first. Sports were Kendall's passion. He was a high school sports star and played football at BYU in 1982. He followed his children and family across the state of Utah and even across the country to support them at their games. His children's dearest memories are of their many family vacations. While in high school, he gained the nickname Superman, because of his beautiful blue eyes and his likeness to Clark Kent. He is still known by many as Superman and he will forever be our Hero and Superman, watching us from above. Kendall is survived by his loving wife, Julie of Richfield; children: Brittani and Lance Barton of Salt Lake City; Jason Willardson and Chelsee Willardson, both of Provo; Brandon Willardson and Nicole Willardson, both of Richfield; 2 grandchildren: Derek Barton and Zander Barton, both of Salt Lake City; mother, Helen Willardson of Richfield; mother-in-law: Nola Ware of Monroe; brothers and sisters: Tony and Colleen Willardson of Murray; Russell and Karen Willardson of South Jordan; Shelly and Scott Fife of Auburn, Washington; Barry and Veronique Willardson of Lindon; Marti and Greg Tuttle of Orem; Rick and Melissa Willardson of McKinney, Texas; Jana and Nathan Cherrington of Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his father, Glen Willardson; and his father-in-law: Vahl Ware. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 12 Noon in the Richfield 9th LDS Ward Chapel, 159 North 400 West in Richfield, where friends may call for viewing Monday evening from 5 to 9 P.M. or Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.