Gerald J Dye, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at his home in Elk Ridge, Utah.

Gerald was born March 12, 1925, in Firth, Idaho, to Lucy Jane Dye (nee Jensen) and Myron John Dye. He was the oldest of six children (with one sister, Ruth, and four brothers: Keith, Norman, Larry, Jon).

Following his graduation from Firth High School in 1943, Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army as a cadet in the Army Air Corps. He trained as a gunner and served as a member of a B-29 bomber crew until his honorable discharge, in 1946, with the rank of sergeant.

Two of Gerald’s life dreams quickly followed his discharge. He met and began courting Betty Beryl Spalding, the girl who would  become the love and joy of his life; and the G.I. Bill opened the door to his becoming the first member of his family to attend college, when he enrolled  at Utah State University in Logan.

Gerald and Betty were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 26, 1947.  Their family began in the summer of 1948, with the birth of Sherry.

Following his graduation from Utah State, Gerald accepted the position of principal and teacher at the Goshen, Idaho, school. Gerald served in this position for two years, until he was granted an officer commission in the newly formed United States Air Force. It was during this period, in 1950, that daughter Karleen (Karly) was born.

As Gerald’s Air Force career progressed, the family moved around the country. Gerald, Jr. (Gerry) was born in 1953, in Dayton, Ohio; and Curtis was born in 1965, in Warner Robins, Georgia. Continuing his lifelong love of learning and deep belief in education for all, he earned his Masters Degree in Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Gerald balanced his family and military duties with a deep love of the Savior and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving three times as bishop of congregations of the Church in Warner Robins, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; and Orem, Utah. A fervent supporter of missionaries and missionary work, he counted his calling as bishopric counselor in the Missionary Training Center as one of the most meaningful times in his life.

Following his retirement from active military service in 1970, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, Gerald accepted an administrative position at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. At BYU, he served as Director of University Standards; and later, as Director of Academic Standards,  until his retirement in 1985.

Gerald’s and Betty’s Air Force service in Hawaii was the beginning of a lifelong love of the Polynesian people. Their home was filled with Native American art that Gerald grew to love, from his association at BYU with Native American groups and students. Gerald and Betty served as LDS missionaries in the Hermosillo, Mexico Mission and developed a deep love and appreciation of the Mexican culture and people.  They were an example in offering Christ-like love to all people.

Following their mission service, Gerald and Betty lived in Kayenta, Utah; and later, in Elk Ridge, Utah. Gerald considered their inspiration to settle during their later years in Elk Ridge as one of the greatest gifts of his life, as neighbors and ward members embraced them with constant love and service. His attention and love was particularly drawn to the youth in every ward he lived in, and he celebrated their victories and grieved with them in times of disappointment. To many, he was their adopted “Grandpa.”

While our father’s/grandfather’s life formed a rich tapestry of experiences, service, duty, and testimony, the golden thread that bound everything together and brought the deepest meaning to his life was family. His faith that there will be no empty chair at our family table beyond the veil was unshakable, and he lived his life and gave his all to fulfill that dream.

Gerald was preceded in death by his eternal companion, Betty, in 2015. He is survived by daughters: Sherry Young (husband, Rob, deceased) and Karly Williams (Daryl); and sons: Gerry (Margo), and Curtis (Laura). Gerald and Betty have 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at Walker Funeral Home in Spanish Fork, Utah. A public viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The  memorial service will begin at 1 p.m.  Services will be live-streamed, through this obituary. Check back one-half hour prior to start of services, for the link.

Gerald will be interred in the cemetery at Firth, Idaho, on Thursday, January 28, 2021,at 1:30 p.m., with military honors accorded him, there.

In lieu of flowers please hug your family and make a donation to the Utah Food Bank.