I love you dad!

The last week has been a blur for me. My father started having a difficult time breathing on Sunday evening. Monday he continued to struggle and he basically went into a comatose state. I realized then that my dad physically would not be around with us long. Tuesday night, July 29th 2008 at 8:19 p.m. my father passed away. My mother, brother Russ, aunt, and I were by his side. The disease that took my father was a very cruel disease. I know that my dad is in a place were he can now be his old self. I miss him horribly though. I just want all of you know how great my father was and is. He is my hero in so many ways. Some of the words that I think of when I think of him are: Hard worker, lover of life, vivacious, entertainer, lived his beliefs, diligent, creative, passionate, stubborn, smart, warm personality, always makes people feel special, powerful spirit, competitive, talker, orator, professional, knew how to put his foot in his mouth-but of course could always talk his way out out of it, proud, athletic, non-judgmental, great father and this is just the start. I feel so lucky that he is my dad. I will miss you dad but I know you will be there to help me.
I love you dad!

Gerald (Gary) Hollis Raddon 1935 ~ 2008 Our wonderful husband, father, and friend, Gerald (Gary) Hollis Raddon, 72, passed away on July 29th, 2008.He was born October 26, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Hollis and Evelyn Raddon. Later, his family moved to Portland, Oregon where he attended high school. Gary attended Brigham Young University, where he was a member of the Vikings. He graduated with a degree in History and Political Science. While at BYU, he met his wife, Lynda Toliver, and they were married June 12, 1963 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Gary earned his MBA from Brigham Young University in 1965. Following graduation, he and Lynda settled in Northbrook, Illinois. They resided there for over 35 years. After working in the banking industry, Gary formed his own company Raddon Financial Group (RFG), a strategic research and consulting firm, in 1982. In this role, he became a well-known industry expert and speaker. He served on the faculty of several state banking schools and authored a book, "Developing New Financial Products." Gary sold RFG in 2007. Gary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His many callings were part of his lifelong service to others. He served a full-time mission in the Canada Quebec mission in the mid 1950s. Recently, he and Lynda served a mission at The Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, Utah. Over the past seven years Gary and Lynda have resided in Sandy, Utah and Swan Valley, Idaho. In his retirement, this self-proclaimed all-around sportsman made the most of his time. It was not unusual for Gary to run five miles, play tennis, float the Snake river, hit golf balls, and fly fish in one day. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Lynda; his children, Russell (Allison Hemming), Richard (Katie Bonnemort), Ryan aka Kaskade (Naomi Miranda), Kelly (Shawn) Frye, and Rebecca; his grandchildren Georgia, Macy, Grant and Walt Raddon (Colorado), Nicholas and Clara Raddon (Los Angeles), Mia and Sasha Raddon (San Francisco), and Cruz Frye (Salt Lake City). He is also survived by his brother, Stan Raddon (Carolee) and sister, Nina Goodwin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Evelyn Raddon. Gary and his wonderful legacy remain alive in all who knew and loved him. A visitation will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary: 3401 S. Highland Dr. SLC, Friday August 1, 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Gary's life will be held at the LDS Church building: 9880 S. 3100 E. Sandy, Saturday August 2, 11 a.m. Graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either: UCSF-MAC CJD Research Fund Attn: Natalie Kliper Box 1207 350 Parnassus Ave, Suite 905 San Francisco, CA 94143. (Make check payable to UC Regents. Please note on check 'in honor of Gary Raddon.') or Deseret International Foundation: deseret-internationl.org.