Delray S Sanderson, 79, of Provo passed away at home, Wednesday, April 6th surrounded by his beloved family. For a season we said good-bye to our "ironman", patriarch, mentor and finest example of hard work and goodness.

Delray was born July 28, 1942, to Effie LaVerda Jensen Sanderson and Verl Sanderson in Eureka Utah. He enjoyed the life of a farm boy roaming the hills of Elberta and Goshen but was delighted when his family moved to Provo at the age of 16. He graduated from high school in 1960 and soon found himself serving as a missionary in Finland for 2½ years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's here that he developed a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and a love for the Finnish people.

It was during the Viet Nam era that Delray enlisted in the Utah National Guard Linguistic Unit of Utah and faithfully served his country. His next adventure found him working at Carson's market in Provo (BYU Creamery) and attending Brigham Young University. It was here, while sharing an English class, that Delray met a young freshman, Patti Mitchell, from Richland Washington. Their courtship grew over the years, and they were united in marriage on September 7th, 1967, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Within the next ten years their family numbers grew from 2 to 7; today numbering 43. His legacy lives on.

Delray was devoted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serving in several callings within the church. He especially enjoyed his years working with young people at the Youth Correctional Facility in Provo and looked forward to hours spent in the baptistry of the Provo City Center Temple. He so admired the friendships developed throughout those years.

Our Delray was a man of integrity, determination, and quiet nature, but his smile became bigger and broader as hunting and fishing seasons approached each year. Consequently camping, fishing, gardening, and the draw of the mountains were just a few of his favorite things. These traits passed to his children and grandchildren resulting in a happy, fun, and crazy "Team Sanderson"! Delray's life was happy and full, and his family will mourn this separation until we meet again as an Eternal Family.

He was predeceased by both parents, his big brother Lynn and his baby sister Kathy Stubblefield. He is survived by his brother, Joel (Jeanette), Annabella, sister, Larraine Lawrence, Virginia, sister-in-law, Mimi Mitchell and family and brother-in-law, Scott Hansen and family. He leaves behind his wife Patti of 54 years, his son Shaan (Kodi) Lindon, daughter, Aimee Wind (Tom) Lindon, daughter, Ashlee Barney (Blake) Highland, daughter, Brittany Sanderson, Provo and son Joshua, Pleasant Grove.

His name is honored by our precious grandchildren: River, Bailey, Savanna, Mitchell, Austin, TJ, Addison, Morgan, Maycee, Brayden, Alec, Maegan, Anderson, Ally, David, Elizabeth, McKenna, Matix, Zoe, and Hazel. Doubly honored by seven greats: Levi, Laila, Raymi, Isabelle, Leo, Charlotte, and Mazie.

A visitation will be held at the Bonneville 12th Ward chapel from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Wednesday, April 13th. The chapel is located at 715 South Utah Ave in Provo. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon. Dedication of the grave and burial will take place in the Provo City Cemetery following the service. All events are coordinated through the efforts of Walker Sanderson Funeral Home and condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkersanderson.com where a Live Broadcast of services can be viewed beginning at 12 noon.