Harold Smith Vawdrey

Harold Smith Vawdrey, 92, passed away on August 10, 2017. Harold was born in Draper, Utah on August 2, 1925 to Jehu and Alice Smith Vawdrey. He grew up in Draper, graduated from Jordan High School, worked briefly for Geneva Steel, then for the railroad. He could weld, build, design, and manufacture anything, and in 1946 went to work with his father in construction. He married his sweetheart, Vonna Enniss, on September 9, 1949, and over the years they built Vawdrey Ditch Lining Company, using the slip form the family invented for lining concrete ditches. Harold began working construction for large contractors like WW Clyde and Gibbons & Reid in specialty concrete work; he once said he had "concrete for blood."

His humor, ready wit and respect for his fellow man made him an ideal boss, friend and father. After retirement, Harold began a second career as an artist, carving "pine pals" and silversmithing. He and Vonna travelled throughout the West, selling their fine art and jewelry. In later years, when he grew tired of living in the snow, they moved to St. George, Utah. They enjoyed the sun, golf, and the many friendships they developed there.

He was active in the LDS church all his life, serving in many callings, and sharing his devotion to God. He especially loved working in the St. George Temple Baptistry in his eighties. Harold was preceded in death by two children, Steven J. and Kaylyn Vawdrey. He is survived by his wife, Vonna; their children: Karla (Karl) Kelly, Jazan (David) Cracroft, Paula (Mark) Stevens, and Keven (Chris) Vawdrey; nine grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, both human and animal. A private family memorial service will be held in Sandy, Utah through Goff Mortuary. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Primary Children's Medical Center.