June 7, 1934 ~ July 12, 2023
Rollo Henry Brunson, 89. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023.
Rollo was born on June 7, 1934 to Henry and Delell- “Jack” Brunson in Fillmore, Utah.
As a youth Dad loved being able to go into the mountains near his home with his dear father and uncles. His selection of a career in Forestry was a natural evolution from his early life experiences in the mountains.
Dad graduated from Millard High School where he participated in the band playing the coronet, playing football, track, wrestling, shop competition, and school plays. He received a four-year tuition scholarship to Utah State Agriculture College in Logan Utah, where he majored in Forest Management and also enrolled in the Air Force ROTC. During his junior year, he met Viola Rae Saltern who was working at his Uncle Max Brunson’s photography studio.
Dad and Mom were married in September 1955. After graduating with a B.S. degree in Forest Management, he secured his commission as a pilot in the US Air Force. His patriotisms to the United States stood firm his entire life. He loves his country. They moved to various assignments including Japan. After finishing his three-year commission, they returned to the U.S. where Dad began his Forest Service career. He worked as District Ranger and Timber-Fire Supervisor in Utah and Idaho for 33 years. Our family shared many fond memories spending summers at the ranger stations in the mountains. Dad’s final Forest Service assignment placed his family in Cedar City, Utah. He retired from the Forest Service in 1992.
Dad and Mom spent many joyful years together raising four children and later ended their marriage.
A few years later, he met Lynne Clark from Saint George Utah and they were married in June 1989.
Dad and Lynne worked together for many years in Lynne’s photography business. Dad learned the skill of building custom frames as part of that business. He completed hundreds of framed photographs of which many of their framed historical photographs are seen in businesses all around Southern Utah. Lynne passed away in October 2021. He loved and has missed her very much. They are now together again.
Dad will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature. His cheerful attitude, laugh, contagious smile and warm hugs. His love for the mountains has been passed on to his posterity. He was also known for his beautiful rose garden and would share his roses generously. One of his enjoyments was singing in the Southern Utah Heritage Choir where he was a member for 33 years and also served on the board of directors for 9 years. He treasured his time with the Choir. He said, “I always have a song in my heart.” Dad was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life he served faithfully in many callings.
Dad left a legacy of love and faith to his posterity. He will be dearly missed by his family. He is survived by his children: Jackie (Bryan) Larsen, Tammy (Doug) Twitchell, Henry (Michele) Brunson, Valerie (Cole) Orton. Stepchildren: Matt (Adele) Clark, Dana (Keith) Kirkland, Collette (Shaun-deceased) Clove, Lynette (Greg) Petralia, Josh Clark. 33 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
We express our gratitude to Zion’s Way Healthcare and Our House Assisted Living.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Married Student Stake Center (520 S. 1100 W., Cedar City, UT). Both viewings will be held at the church on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and prior to the service from 9 to 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Fillmore City Cemetery at 3 p.m., under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Live-streaming and online condolences will be at www.mortuary.org
