John Oscar Stimpson

John Oscar Stimpson 1929 ~ 2008

John Oscar Stimpson passed away Monday, October 13, 2008 as a result of the progressive consequences of Parkinson''s disease. Oscar, as he was known, was born July 24, 1929 in Riverdale, Utah to William Francis Stimpson and Bertha Bybee Stimpson. He was the youngest of three sons, and is predeceased by older brothers William Veral Stimpson and Don Francis Stimpson, parents, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He attended school in Riverdale, Utah and in Twin Falls, Dietrich and Shoshone, Idaho graduating from high school in Shoshone, Idaho. He also attended the University of Idaho in Moscow.

Oscar married Gertrude (Trudy) Hubert in the Salt Lake Temple on January 24, 1951 five days before he left to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Trudy later joined him and was with him during most of his service on bases in South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, and Wisconsin. They had nine children: Lynn (Marcia) Stimpson of Dietrich, Idaho; Brian (Claudia) Stimpson of Loveland, Colorado; Cindy (Gordon) Lawlor of Syracuse, Utah; Viki (Phil) Ralston of Dallas, Texas; Lauri (Krehl) Cook of South Jordan, Utah; Jody (Grant) Hulse of Poway, California; William (Catherine) Stimpson of Farmington, Utah; Emily (Stephen) Hansen of Aberdeen, Washington; and Heidi (Scott) Stringham of Layton, Utah. They have 46 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Oscar was happiest when surrounded by his family. He enjoyed holidays and many activities with them including snow skiing, water skiing, dancing, horses and bowling, as well as teaching children and grandchildren his knowledge and skill in gymnastics.

He was an exemplary farmer who believed in managing the land under his stewardship in a neat, orderly and responsible manner, always giving great attention to detail. He implemented soil conservation practices and was an innovator in many ways.

He served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including clerk, stake missionary, bishopric counselor, and twice as Bishop (in Shoshone and Dietrich), stake high counselor.

He served his community as a board member of the cemetery and convalescent center. He also served on the board for Wards Cheese and as a consultant regarding crop input for First Security Bank. He taught county extension classes on forage crops for University of Idaho and served on the board for local Housing Authority. Oscar truly loved everyone and regarded everyone as his friends. His life was an example of love for his fellowmen, service to God, and fulfillment of his responsibility to family, community, and church; as well as an example of bearing patiently one''s trials and enduring to the end. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and cherished friends for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 17, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse Stake Center, 1350 South 1800 West, Syracuse, UT. Friends and family may call Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

A second funeral service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Shoshone LDS Church, 507 N. Greenwood St., Shoshone, Idaho. Friends and family may call Saturday from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Shoshone, Idaho Cemetery.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the wonderful people at Legacy Hospice.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Church Missionary Fund.