Merlin Brown Dansie

Merlin Brown Dansie, 87, of Taylorsville, Utah slipped quietly away late Monday, January 27, 2020, while holding his dear wife Laureta's hand. Merlin was born August 6, 1932, in Salt Lake General Hospital to Rulon George and Beatrice (Smith) Dansie. Raised in Riverton as the 7th of 9 surviving children, Merlin learned to work hard on the farm. He milked many cows in his days, and helped in the potato and beet fields. Oh how he hated the dirty tails of those cows. He played church basketball as a teen and while attending a party as a teenager, he met a beautiful young 15 year old who he started calling on soon after. For her 16th birthday, he presented Laureta Whetman with a cedar chest filled with dishes, linens and other items. He told her "I knew you were going to be mine." "Because of You" by Tony Bennett became their cherished song. Merlin attended and graduated from Jordan High School in 1951.

Merlin proudly joined the US Army in October of 1952, and returned home on leave to marry his beloved Laureta on February 25, 1953, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. She soon joined him in California for his Army service. They greatly enjoyed the time he served in the Army and spent time in San Luis Obispo, King City, Presidio, San Francisco and Seattle, Washington. Laureta recalls weekly drives with Merlin along the coast and going to a movie for just a quarter. While serving as a pole lineman, Merlin earned the grade of Corporal and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In January 1954, he transferred to the Army Reserve Utah Military District, and they moved back to Utah where they have since raised their 3 sons, Terry, Jon and Kevin in Murray.

Upon returning from the Army, Merlin worked for Murray Smelter, before entering the concrete construction business with two brothers. Dansie Ready Mix was represented in the Murray parade and Merlin was very proud of the little red and blue cement truck that cruised the parade route. He continued in the concrete trade with his own companies, Terry Builders and later Security Builders. His company was known for having the lowest bids and won the contract during most of the 1970s and 1980s for all the government work in Salt Lake City Proper including the sidewalks. During his career of close to 40 years, his sons estimate he and his crews laid close to 600 miles of sidewalk on their hands and knees throughout the Salt Lake Valley, plus did work at many other sites including the Alta Club, The University Club Building, University of Utah Student Housing and Seminary buildings. While working concrete, Merlin was known to look to the cloud filled skies, spot a little bit of blue and say "Sucker Hole, Order the Mud!". He also developed a loud warhoop to get the attention of the cement truck drivers when they needed to stop or move their trucks. It could be heard for a whole city block.

Merlin was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings including Elders Quorum Counselor, High Priest Group Leader, and Bishop of the Murray 10th ward for many years and faithfully attended the Temple. He was an avid BYU sports fan with season football tickets for many years. He loved to play Rook, Uno and even a little Black Jack in Wendover. Taco Sundays were a treasured family event with his Mother-in-Law's signature salsa. He is described as strong, determined, proud, a planner and generous to a fault. Everyone came before Merlin, in his eyes. A friend, Diane Walton, recently described him by saying, "He was a perfectionist. He demanded it of himself, expected it of everyone else and ALWAYS found it."

Merlin is survived and greatly missed by his wife Laureta (Whetman) Dansie of Taylorsville, sons Terry (Carlie Scott) of Las Vegas, Jon (Michelle) of Murray and Kevin (Donna Lindsey) of Midvale. He also has 9 treasured grandchildren, Jaime Dansie, Jeremy (Cari) Dansie, Jonelle Dansie, Brandon (Andrea) Dansie, Megan (Jeff) Stone, Brandon (Rebecca) De Kiewiet, Austin (Mitchelle) Dansie, Alexis "Lexie" Dansie, and Hailey Dansie. Three more grandchildren, Alyssa, Taylor and Jessica Lindsey, will officially join the family in July. His 12 great grandchildren brought him much joy and laughter. His older sister Barbara (Dansie) Beck and younger brother Lee (Margaret) Dansie also mourn his loss with his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rulon and Beatrice, and siblings Marion Dansie, Darrell Dansie, Loren Dansie, Joyce Beck, Vaughn Dansie, a stillborn brother and George Dansie.

A funeral service will be held at 10 am Friday, January 31, 2020, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Westbrook 7th Ward building located at 6364 South 3200 West, Taylorsville, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, the dedication of the grave and interment will be held at Redwood Memorial Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville. A viewing will be held Thursday night from 6-7:30 pm at Goff Mortuary located at 8090 S. State Street, Midvale.

Special thanks to the staff at Intermountain Hospice for their tender and supportive care and to the leaders and friends in the Westbrook Stake and Westbrook 7th Ward.