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Shorland Hunsaker Obituary
A remarkable, honest, generous, dedicated, loving, devoted, tall dark & handsome son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother 'Shark', uncle, teacher, friend, and neighbor. Also affectionately known as Pa, Poppy, Pop, Grandpa, and Gpa. Shorland Garth Hunsaker, 88, left us peacefully on March 30, 2018 from a broken heart with the recent passing of his sweetheart Helen L "Blondie" surrounded by his children.
Born July 27, 1929 to LeGrande & Rachel Annie Harper Hunsaker in Tremonton, UT. The 9th of 11 children. Raised on a farm in Honeyville, UT, the city founded by his Great-grandfather, Abraham Hunsaker, of the Mormon Battalion. Dad was baptized at Crystal Hot Springs on July 1, 1937. He wanted to stay and swim afterwards.
Actively involved in Scouting and 4-H Club. Shorland was an entrepreneur from an early age. Starting at 14 years old he purchased a small herd of dairy cows.
Graduated from Box Elder High School. He excelled in sports taking All State championship for 2 years in Football, Wrestling, and Boxing. He received a scholarship to Utah State. Served an Eastern States LDS Mission including New York City where he met Sister Lehman, his future wife who would be the love of his life for over 65 years. He married Helen L in the Salt Lake Temple June 20, 1952.
Drafted into the Army, serving from 1952-1954. Attended Utah State earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Business and Social Science, June 1957. Earned his Masters degree in Economics while on a teaching assistantship at the University of Florida in Gainsville, June 1959.
Shorland taught at Murray High School for 28 years, 1959 - 1987. He was respected and voted "Teacher of the Year" several times. Many of his students thought he should run for President of the United States. Active member of the UEA & President. Received many awards, including 1 from Governor Norm Bangerter, for "Excellence in Teaching." He was retired for 31 years and enjoyed every day of it!
Shorland loved & had a zest for life, many interests and stayed involved in all of our lives. He was serious, fun and full of adventure. Always gave an endearing "Good Luck." Other occupations were builder, carpenter, Utah farmer, small aircraft pilot, Montana rancher, developer, realtor, investor, and janitor. A brilliant man, hard worker and could fix anything. Mom always said she got the "best one in his bunch."
Shared his love of learning, enjoyment of the outdoors and nature with all of us. Hobbies and other interests include family events, snowskiing was his passion, fishing, boating, water skiing, camping, hunting, canyon cookouts, hiking, snowmobiling, roller blading, snowboarding, traveling, boogie boarding, cross country road trips, spending over 40 years of family time at Snowbird, visiting relatives, museums, national parks, other cultures, listening to music. He enjoyed outdoor scenery, family, cards games, chess, and checkers. Loved thinking games.
Being an avid reader, he almost always had a magazine in his hand. Since age 9 he read the Readers Digest from cover to cover every month. Dad had a photographic memory.
Encouraged us to try new experiences, take some risks, live our lives to the fullest. Dad was supportive and attended the events we were involved in. Try until you succeed. He accepted his losses so he could move on.
Shorland is survived by 6 children, Helen Jane, Shorla, James (Karen), Dudley (Kym), Susan, Randall (Paige); 13 grandchildren Andrew, August (Jessica), Kory (Monica), Heidi (Ryan), Corbin, Parker (Natalie), Samantha, Dustin (Ashlynd), Bailee (Brady), Brooke, Allison, Cash, Chadwick; 12 great-grandchildren Isaac, Hayden, Kaleb, Brielle, Londyn, Abigail, Harrison, Blake, Henry, Seth, Eliza, Rowan, and 1 more boy on the way; 1 brother Dan (91); 1 sister Betty (86); 2 sisters-in-law Ruth Johnson (101) and Cleo Barthule (96); many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his bride Helen L; parents; 7 brothers; 1 sister; daughter Sally (Susan's twin); great-granddaughter Claire; son-in-laws: Stephen Higdon, Richard McCarver.
Viewing will be held Friday April 6, 6pm - 8pm. Funeral service will be held Saturday April 7 at 11am preceded by a viewing 9:30am - 10:45am. Viewings and Services will be held at Willow Creek Stake Center 2350 E Creek Rd (8200 South) Sandy, UT 84093. Interment at Memorial Mountain View 3115 E 7800 South (Bengal Blvd). In lieu of flowers, please donate to your nearest food bank.
Please take the opportunity to share a memory of Shorland and read the extended obituary at www.memorialutah.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shorland Hunsaker
Steven Jarvis
September 13, 2024
Mr. Hunsaker was my World History teacher MHS in 73-74
Last time I spoke to him was over at Harmon's Grocery Store Sandy city believe it was 1998 he still remembers me we spoke for a little while best History teacher I've had in my life time very intelligent man. RIP Shortland.
Nils De Jager
February 10, 2020
Honoured to have been taught by Mr Hunsaker as a South African foreign exchange student in 1976/77. He made a huge impact on my life. Taught me to think critically, observe and analyse events and people. Took me on an adventure to his Montana ranch with his boys. Forever grateful. Good man. RIP. Thoughts with his family.
Joe Tate
February 9, 2020
I loved Mr Hunsaker. I took a couple of his classes in 1980 and 81. My degree from the U in Economics is in part a testimony to him. So smart and witty. His classes were always good for me. Thank you Shorland!
Sako Chater
December 18, 2018
I think the last time I saw Shorland was in 1990. I was just talking to a friend of mine who speaks so highly of him and wondered how he was doing so we decided to look him up and say hi to him. Shortland was more than a human being, he was an angel. Although we had our own speed boat and we were few decades younger, he would invite us to visit him and go for some water skiing in his boat occasionally. He was such a gentle and respectful soul that we could not miss the opportunity to spend time with him, so we would. He would cover so many topics, have a such a great dialog with us that we would be in awe every time that we would spend time with him. I thank you Shorland for all that you offered to us, for all that you thought us as a friend. I wish Shorland's loved ones and his siblings lots of health and happiness. We were thinking of visiting him in our next visit to Utah and although we may be late but regardless, Shorland's generosity and humanity was so appreciated then and even now that it would stay with us till it's time for us to check out. May god bless your soul Shortland since we truly appreciate all that you did for us. Thank you, sir.
May 23, 2018
I was out of state when this happened, and I'm so sorry the planet has lost such a sterling human being. I loved/was terrified by his Social Problems classes, but I carry things he taught us to this day. My condolences to the family of this amazing man. Karla Jacobson Nye MHS 1966
Sherrill Anderson
April 11, 2018
Honored to have had him as a teacher. He was amazing and helped me believe in myself. Sorry for your loss.
Lynda Johnson
April 9, 2018
Dear Jim and Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time. May the tender, fun and treasured memories with your Dad comfort you.
Knowing your parents are at peace is a great blessing.
Love, Brent & Lynda Johnson
Steve Oldham
April 8, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker was the single most important influence in my high school education. He personally helped me through challenging times in my life, doing so without judgement but with compassion. As a member of the class of 68, I want to thank God for the opportunity to know and learn from this very decent man.
Kathy (Harr) Forgie
April 7, 2018
Wow, what an amazing teacher! He taught his students how to "think" and analyze different perspectives. He was a teacher with high expectations, true, but also a fair one. Back in 1965, as a senior at Murray High School, I had a solid A- grade in his American History and Social Problems class, but I flunked the final exam because of so many other tests I had to study for the night before. Still, he threw out that grade and gave me an A- anyway. Above his photo in my '65 Crest yearbook, he wrote: "That last test, what happened to it?" I believe it was his way of saying he hoped I never forgot the lesson of the final exam, a lesson of generosity and certainly a lesson of kindness. I've never forgotten, and I will never forget Mr. Hunsaker. He passed life's final exam with true brilliance.
Kathy Olson Hoggan
April 6, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker was one of my favorite teachers at Murray High School. He was a teacher that challenged me and helped me learn how to think through questions and situations. To thrive when being challenged, and to know how to think critically are skills that have served me well my whole life! I send my sincere sympathy to all those grieving for this great man.
April 6, 2018
I had Mr. Hunsaker when I attended Murray High School. He was one of my most challenging teachers but I never forgot what I learned nor did I ever forget him.
Kelly Bennett
April 6, 2018
I have many wonderful memories of my Great uncle.
He has always been a giant of a man. Spiritually,
Intelligence, and physically. I'm proud to say I'm
Related to this great man.
Robert Dalton
April 6, 2018
About a year after I graduated from MHS I ran into Mr Hunsaker at LAX. He was behind me in line at the Western Airlines counter . He put his hand on my shoulder and asked how are you doing Mr Dalton? I was returning home early from my mission to Australia for medical reasons and was really struggling. He gave me a hug and we had a long talk that meant so much to me. It was a tender mercy. When I was able to go back out (this time to LA) I wrote him a note letting him know and thanking him for his kindness.Mr Hunsaker was a class act and although a tough teacher he had a kind heart and truly cared about his students. So very grateful to have known him.
Frank Diana
April 5, 2018
I was very fortunate to have Mr. Hunsaker impact my life in two very different ways.
First, he had a very positive and profound effect on my sister Penny. She spoke of him and how hard his class was, but looked forward to the next day when she could attend his class. When she passed away in April of 1971, my parents asked him to speak at her funeral which he did. My parents were very grateful and deeply moved by his remarks. My Mom found comfort in his comments and spoke of him often in the years following my sister's death.
Second, I had him in my senior year at Murray High School. He remembered my sister and let me know that I had a lot to live up to. To say the least, he challenged me to learn and to this day I will never forget what a positive impact he had on me and my family.
Rest in Peace.
Rex Hale
April 5, 2018
I invested a penny stock start up as a class exercise and I was the only one who did it. I remember him each day putting the new price of the stock on the chalk board. It gave me a zest for investing and understanding of market risk as I lost my $100 investment. Because of that I now am very diversified and defensive in my portfolio choices to stave off any systemic risk! Thank you Mr. Hunsaker!
Shane Roe
April 5, 2018
Although I'm sure I was a thorn in his side, I loved Mr. Hunsaker as a teacher. He was as good as they come. My condolences to all who loved him.
Steve Stauffer
April 5, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker was one of my finest teachers at Murray High. So sad to see his passing. He was one that took time to visit with you and was always interested in what was going on in your life. I truly remember how many times we discussed things like hunting, fishing and he will be remembered by me for the rest of my life.
Lee Ann Hunter Taylor
April 5, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker always made us think in his class room. If we gave him the correct answer he would work the question again so we had to come up with a different answer. He was one of my favorite teachers.
April 5, 2018
As a student of his I remember what he wrote on the chalk board and left it up all year round.
It said in big letters covering the whole board."READ THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL" It really started me thinking about the world around me and has had a huge impact on me through out my life.
Lynda Bott
April 5, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker, you were an inspiration to me at Murray High school. I was in your U.S History class. You made me work hard to study and learn about history. I read and researched beyond the text book so I could impress you with my essays. I wanted to learn more, because of you! Thank you for your belief in me. I became a teacher too!
Melinda Diefenderfer
April 5, 2018
My sister had Shorland at Murray High School and I knew him as the Roller Blading teacher from Robidoux Road. I would always stop and talk to Helen and Shorland because they lived a couple of door from my parents Dic and Rosella Arnold. He loved teaching and was a inspiration to many. They both will be missed. He was an intellectual giant. He and Helen will be off to a new journey now. I remember he would always talk shop with me as I taught school myself for 31 marvelous years. He would always let me know what new article or book he was embarking on. To your family and all of your friends my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Rosenhan
April 5, 2018
I had Mr. Hunsaker my senior year at Murray. Hardest class I ever took, yet the most satisfying. He was the sharpest teacher in the building. I still remember what I was taught all those years ago.
Jean Canestrini
April 5, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker was one of my favorite teachers. I loved going to his class and hearing his insights. He had a way of making history come alive. He was a good person and kind to everyone. He will be missed.
April 5, 2018
Mr. Hunsaker was one of my favorite teachers. I always looked forward to his class and his insight. He had a way of making history real. He was a good person, kind to everyone.. He will be missed.
Chris Millsap
April 5, 2018
Just a few weeks ago I was telling a friend of Mr. Hunsakers class and how much I enjoyed his style and how much I learned. He definitely affected my life in a positive way.
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