Arden LeRoy Eckersley

Our loving husband, father and grandfather, Arden LeRoy Eckersley, 89, passed away on March 2, 2004, in Logan, Utah. Arden was born October 27, 1914, in Smithfield, Utah, the third child in a family of five children, to Mabel Nelson and Orson Samuel Eckersley. Except for a few years, he lived his life just two doors west of where he was born. When he was 13 years old, he met the love of his life, on the 4th of July in Hyrum, Utah. On October 5, 1936 he married his eternal sweetheart, Vivian Arlene Curtis in Salt Lake City, Utah. They began their life together living in Salt Lake and then Ogden, but made their home in Smithfield where they raised five children. Arden attended Smithfield Elementary and Junior High School, and North Cache High School. At the age of 19, he went to work for the Utah Idaho Central Railroad. He worked for them for three years and then transferred to the Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked for 43 years. He retired in 1976. Arden was a member of the LDS Church, where he served in many different callings and capacities. He has served on both the ward and stake level. He served as an officiator in the Logan LDS Temple for several years, where he learned the Spanish language, enabling him to work with the Spanish speaking people. He found great joy in this. Arden was a hard worker and has provided well both temporarily and spiritually for his children and wife of 68 years. He always kept their home in good repair and their yard well groomed and well tended. He taught his children to love working outdoors and to care well for their yards and gardens. He was a well read, self-educated man. He was excellent in wood working and has made many pieces for his children and his grandchildren, which reflect his love and which they all appreciate and hold dear. In 1970 he became a pilot. We each share memories of traveling to our vacation spots either by plane or by way of the Union Pacific Railroad. At 89 years old, Arden was still devoted to his wife and children. He is survived by his wife, Vivian; one son: Arden Ursula Eckersley, Ruidoso, N.M.; four daughters: Sharon Norr Hendricks, Smithfield; Judy Don Burkhead, Simi Valley, Calif.; Nansi Jim Bingham, Amalga; and Jan Bruce Allen, Smithfield; 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and two grandsons. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 12:00 p.m. at the 16th Ward LDS Church, 79 east 200 South, Smithfield, Utah. Friends may call Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolence may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .