Udell George Player

Udell George Player, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at home. Udell was born on September 15, 1930 in Murray, Utah to George Warner and Emma Brown Player.

Udell graduated from Jordan High School. He served his country in the Korean War was a radio operator and a machine gunner. Later, Udell attended trade school to become a draftsman and steel detailer. He worked for many years at his trade, even learning computer-based drafting in his 60s and not retiring until the age of 79.

His good friend since the fifth grade, Val Farnsworth, introduced Udell to Shirley Gaster. Val was dating Shirley's best friend and cousin, Betsy. Udell and Shirley were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 1, 1957. They were married 62 years until Shirley passed away this past May. He missed her so much. Udell and Shirley were blessed with three sons: Udell, Jr., Gene, and Mat.

Udell was a gifted artist. He loved to camp and hunt. He loved being in nature with his family. He loved wildlife, and he loved visiting Valle Grande, an elk-gathering place near Santa Fe. He enjoyed times spent at the family cabins in Midway and on the east shore of Bear Lake. Udell especially loved fishing. He loved fishing the Weber, long line fishing at the Bear Lake cabin, and cat fishing at Utah Lake. He had such talent as an angler.

Udell was a faithful member of the LDS church. He served quietly and diligently. We love and admire his kindness, his thoughtfulness, and his never-ending support.

Udell loved his family. He was the best dad. He was a fantastic and supportive grandpa. His grandchildren remember sleepovers, and no one could fry bacon like their patient grandpa. His malts and milkshakes were legendary. We are grateful we took advantage of time and opportunity to be together. This past year, our Dad and Grandpa has needed help with medical issues. It was an honor and blessing for his children and grandchildren to have this time to serve him and learn from him. We are grateful for the kindness of many family members and friends. We are grateful to the loving care he received from his primary care doctor, Dr. Peter Christensen, the nurses at Alta View Hospital ICU, and Rocky Mountain Hospice.

Udell is survived by his three sons: Udell, Gene (Kim), and Mat (Marcela). His six grandchildren also survive him: Andy (Alicia), Judd (Cami), Rustin, Auggie, Soledad, and Guadalupe, as well as one great-grandson, Jax, with another on the way. Grandpa was able to learn this exciting news prior to his passing. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Naomi Hansen, and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, and many others. We know he is enjoying time with them now.

A viewing will be held in Udell's honor on Friday, December 27 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Park Ward building located at 1050 East Galena Drive in Sandy, Utah. There will also be a viewing on Saturday morning, December 28 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the same location. Funeral services will then follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the South Jordan City Cemetery (10630 South 1055 West). In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a milkshake with your loved ones.