Allen Burnside's Obituary
Allen Burnside passed away at the age of 87. He was adored by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was friends with many and always ready to help if he could.
He was born in Kenilworth, Carbon County, Utah on December 31, 1937, to John Mitchell and Sitha Anderson Burnside. He was very premature and they put him in a shoebox in the oven and didn’t think he would survive. With very special care he grew and thrived.
His father was killed in a coal-mine accident when he was 9 and his mother moved her family to Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah. There he attended school where he played sports and sang in assemblies. He graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1956.
He attended Utah Technical College in 1957 - 1958 and graduated in the field of Auto Mechanics. He moved to Salt Lake and found work at VacUDent, after that he worked at Safeway for 25 years until they closed. He then worked at Aspen Distribution until retirement.
He and Gwenlyn Irons courted for four years and were married on April 10, 1965, in the Manti LDS Temple, sixty years ago. They made their home in Taylorsville.
He was one of the ‘good guys’ who would help anyone, anyplace. He spent a lot of time under the hood of neighbor’s cars. He especially enjoyed his family and as soon as one of the kids was old enough, he took them with him everywhere.
His passions were hunting and fishing and his children all learned to like the outdoors, too. He and Gwen spent one day a week fishing in their retirement years and always thought they should have done it more often. He loved estate/yard sales and was an avid collector of various vintage things. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held various positions throughout his life.
He was a fantastic husband and great father, much could be said about his friendliness and vibrant personality. He always carried a hopeful, positive outlook – even in difficult times. Allen was truly a great guy, deeply loved by many, and his presence brightened the lives of everyone around him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gwen, and cherished children: Mitchell (Kim), Corey (Johni), Nanette (Brian) Hogan, Russell (Angel) and Camille (Greg) Simister. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, with two more coming; and many extended family members and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers (Bernard and Ernest) and two sisters (Lois and Madge) and his parents-in-law.
A viewing will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Taylorsville 9th Ward Chapel located at 2030 W 5225 S. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11:00 am also at the Taylorsville 9th Ward Chapel with a viewing from 10:00 – 10:45 am prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S Vine Street (900 E).
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received.
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