Byron Ray Bracken's Obituary
Byron Ray Bracken
1934 - 2020
The world lost a gentle soul Thursday morning, November 5th 2020. Dad slipped away quietly in his sleep at his home, just the way he wanted to go. (We appreciate you Judy Bracken for being there with dad and caring for him.)
Byron Ray Bracken was born in Nephi Utah, on June 22nd 1934, to Milow and Isabelle Kendall Bracken. His Twin Brother Boyd currently resides in St. George, Utah. Byron and Boyd were the youngest of five children, which included three older sisters.
Byron married his sweetheart Constance Jane Burklund Bennett on December 2nd 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised four children. After Connie’s death in 2007, Byron later married RoseAnn Stokoski.
Byron had a love for gardening, fishing, hiking and camping with his two sons. He liked to do things with his hands, like woodworking, painting, ceramics, and building things. Dad was a builder, especially a builder of family. Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He retained a testimony of the gospel and importance of family through the end of his life here on Earth.
Bryon was preceded in death by his father and mother, Milow and Isabelle Bracken. step-Mom Flora Bracken, First wife Constance Jane Bracken, Second wife RoseAnn Bracken, grandson Scott Bracken, and sisters Betty Isabelle Francom, Tessa Elinora Roberts, and Margaret Elizabeth Hansen. Dad is survived by his twin brother Boyd Bracken. Four children, Becky (Danny) Schmiett, Ron (Ellen) Bracken, Judith Ray Bracken, Kevin (Carrie Sue) Bracken. Sixteen grandchildren and their spouses. And twenty five great grandchildren.
We're grateful for the last few months with dad. Months that we grew closer. Months where memories were indelibly etched upon our minds forever. Memories both good, and sad, and hard and happy! Memories of his repeated thank you's, and I love you's, and "Oh Hell's!" A special thank you to Inspiration Hospice. Their nurses and aids, Terri and Anya. (We've appreciated them so much, they’re angels in our book.)
Dad is in a better place. We know that. We know that he's no longer trapped in a body that cannot do anything on its own. He's with his sweetheart Connie again. He has missed her greatly and has repeatedly asked Heavenly Father to take him back home to her. I am sure their reunion was joyous, and we will try to remember how much healthier and happier and stronger his body and mind will be. But his children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss him greatly. We love you dad! Our hearts are hurting and so happy at the same time. We know that the veil is thin at times like these. We know that we will see you again. We know that someday all of this hard will be worth it. Till we meet again dad! Please give mom a hug from us! Thank you for loving us all! Thank you for being our dad!
Funeral Services with be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the Centennial Park Ward, located at 3372 S Merry Lane, West Valley City, Utah, . Viewing for immediate family - 1:30PM to 2:00PM. Interment will be at the Redwood Memorial Cemetery - 6500 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT.
Masks and social distancing will be required.
What’s your fondest memory of Byron?
What’s a lesson you learned from Byron?
Share a story where Byron's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Byron you’ll never forget.
How did Byron make you smile?