Roland Charles Garner

On October 29, 2020 Roland Charles Garner passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Roland was born to Hazel Parramore and Clarence Leon Garner on June 15, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended South High School and after graduation enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably in World War II as an electrician’s mate aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Halsey Powell. He, like many others of the greatest generation didn’t speak very often of his service during the war, but we know his ship was caught in a typhoon and survived sixty-foot swells while some other ships without fuel ballast capsized and many sailors were lost. His ship also was damaged by a kamikaze attack that left them vulnerable to further attack. After repairs were made in the U.S. his ship was among those selected to lead the Pacific fleet into Tokyo Bay for the signing of the surrender papers that ended World War II. After the war Dad went to work for Utah Power & Light. He worked rotating shift work for his entire career and retired as a shift supervisor after 38-years.

See 7 Photos

Dad married our Mother Julia Louise Ruoti on June 18, 1945. They were married for 54 years until our mother’s death in July of 1999. They had a very good marriage and a close relationship with our mother’s mother and sister who lived right across the street. Dad and Mom showed all of their children how to love and care for family. Grandma Ruoti and Aunt Lucille were an inseparable part of our family and Dad provided much care and service to them. One of the endearing aspects of our parent’s marriage was their running account of who was the most hard headed. They both would claim the other was a world class hard head and now they will be able to continue that debate for eternity.

After Mom’s death Dad worked for Garner machine and was a valuable employee and helped in building their success. Dad married Zenna George in May of 2002. They enjoyed being married until Zenna’s passing in February 2007.

Dad was always available to help his family when needed. He preceded google as a source of information on how to build, remodel, fix and repair almost anything. He was a master woodworker who built and finished many fine pieces of furniture and these pieces have become family heirlooms. Dad also loved sports and was a big fan of the Colorado Rockies, Utah Jazz and BYU Cougars. In his later life he probably contributed to the success of ESPN single handedly. Dad was a fisherman and spent a lot of time with his family at various lakes around Utah along with some trips fishing in the ocean.

Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an ordained High Priest. Dad was an example of Christ like love and he demonstrated that throughout his life. He was a man of few words, but his life and his actions have had an enduring impact on his family and friends. Survived by his children Gerald (Janice) Garner, Leslie (Susan) Garner, David Garner, Robert (Leesa) Garner, Patricia (Chris) Holmquist, 15 Grandchildren, 37 Great Grandchildren, 14 Great, great Grandchildren. Preceded in death by: His Parents; wife, J. Louise Ruoti Garner; wife, Zenna Peck George Garner; Brother, Clarence; Sisters, Leona and Marrion.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral will be by invitation.

Interment will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Salt Lake City Cemetery located at 200 N Street E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103.

Following Salt Lake County’s mandate on facial coverings, face masks are required at all public gatherings. Social distancing will be enforced. For those unable to attend the services, Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries are offering a live streaming of the funeral service on Zoom.

Joining by computer

Go to zoom.us in any internet browser

Click “Join Meeting”

Enter the meeting ID – 8019693456

A box will open saying “https://zoom.us wants to open this application”. Click “Open Zoom”

Click “Join with Computer Audio”

Click “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral service

Joining by phone or iPad

Download the Zoom app

Open the app and select “Join a Meeting”

Enter the meeting ID – 8019693456

Select “Join without Audio”

Select “Call using Internet Audio”

Select “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral service