Darwin Myron Pope Jr's Obituary
On February 19, 1939, Darwin & LaVaughn Pope brought their first baby boy into the world. The young father was so proud to have a son that he named him after himself, Darwin Myron Pope, Jr.
As a young child in Salt Lake City, Myron’s maternal grandparents lived next door, and he learned German at his grandmother’s knee. Though his parents were not active church goers, he attended Primary at the invitation of a friend, and became a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
During his years at East High School, Myron joined the ROTC, which led to his career in the military, where he served in the Utah National Guard, 142nd Military Intelligence Unit, and at the Army Reserve Pay Office at Fort Douglas. After his honorable discharge, he worked at Lowe’s Hardware.
After high school, Myron expressed interest in serving an LDS mission. His father told him that if he would save $1000 of his own money, then he would support him with the rest of the expenses. He was called to the Central German Mission in 1958, where he served 30 months, mastering the language quickly. It was in Germany where he met his future wife, Karin Hella Weispfennig (Hella). They were married for 56 years before Hella passed away in 2018.
After returning home to Utah, Myron welcomed Hella as she immigrated, and they were married on March 23, 1962. Within four years they welcomed three little boys to the family, Mark, Michael and Robert, and a few years later one more, Gregory. Finally, they added a daughter, Casey, to the family through adoption. Myron always said that God directed Casey to the family. They built a home in Sandy, Utah, in 1965, where they raised their children, and remained for the remainder of their lives.
Myron was a master marksman, and won medals competing in the biathalon, which consists of cross-country skiing and target shooting. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors. He was also a talented leather worker and woodworker, keeping Hella supplied in wooden items to paint. He enjoyed traveling with her to art shows, and took great pride in her success as an artist.
Myron travelled the world, his most favored visits being to Jerusalem where he felt he had walked where Jesus walked. In his later years, Myron served as an ordinance worker in the Draper Temple.
He loved to support the weak and downtrodden, and always had an eye out for someone in need. His favorite hymn was, “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?” His generosity brought many beloved friends into his circle.
He is survived by his brother Mike Pope and sister-in-law Jean Cabezas, his five children and three daughters-in-law: Mark, Michael & Jeanene, Rob & Nancy, Greg & Jolie, and Casey, 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Internment and Military Honors will take place at 11am on Friday, August 22 at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale Utah. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 am in the Hillcrest 1st Ward, 8485 S 1000 E, Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to
Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale UT 84065
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