LaVar McCann

Marc LaVar McCann, our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather left this earth unexpectedly on Saturday, January 3, 2009 to return to the loving arms of our Savior surrounded by his family at the IMC Hospital in Murray. He was born on February 13, 1938 to Charles Marc Mare McCann and Martha Hannah Bench in his grandparents home in Young Ward. He was raised in Smithfield, Plymouth, and Portage receiving his education at Smithfield Summit School, Plymouth Elementary, Portage Elementary, Bear River Junior High and graduating from Bear River High School. He served for four years in the United States Air Force taking basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California; being stationed at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California; Thule Air Force Base, Thule Greenland and discharged at McQuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. New Jersey. Upon returning home, he married his sweetheart, Odean Gittins, on May 5, 1960 in the Logan LDS Temple, after corresponding with her for three years while being in the Air Force. They lived in Portage, Hyde Park and settled in Smithfield where they have been for the last 41 years. They are the proud parents of five wonderful daughters. Sandy Larry Starkey, Riverton; Leona Jerry Goodsell, Hyde Park; Pamela McCann, Brigham; Lisa Jim Rock, Nibley; and Lynette David Jenkins, North Logan. LaVar loved to work with his hands and especially working on farm equipment. He worked at Harris Machine & Welding, Thiokol Chemical Corporation and was at Bullen's Farm Equipment for 37 years. Even after retiring, he continued with this passion. He acquired many life lasting friendships as a result of being an expert in his ability to fix any type of farm equipment. He was often called one of the foremost farm equipment mechanics in our geographic region. Some of his greatest loves included fishing, hunting, and camping especially with his family. He also enjoyed woodworking, making model airplanes, collecting coins and many other hobbies. He was a friend to everyone and willing to extend a helping hand to anyone's need. Countless lives have been touched by his quiet selfless service. He will be greatly missed by friends, neighbors and most of all his family. He is survived by his wife and five daughters; 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, one sister and two brothers – Rosalye Smith, Sandy; Wendell Sharon McCann, Garland and John Bonnie McCann, North Ogden. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew – Darin. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 12:00 noon at the Smithfield 4th Ward Chapel, located at 79 East 200 South, Smithfield. Family and friends can call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. January 5th at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and at the church Tuesday, January 6th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield Cemetery with full military rites.