Serving the Wasatch Front & Tooele County with old-fashioned warmth and sincerity since 1979.
Wade Barr Bitner

Wade Barr Bitner

Wade Barr Bitner

Born at the old Miner’s Hospital in Park City Utah, to Rosemund Hall and Blaine Barr Bitner, June 14 1942, Wade lived the first 10 years of his life on “The Ranch”.  He worked his next 14 years there taking a break to enlist in the Utah National Guard and then he served a Central British Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

With immense courage he stormed the fortress of BYU to capture the heart of Sandra Lee Goff and with much wooing, and the promises of a horse, he married his eternal companion on June 30, 1966.  They invited and cherished three and a half dozen children to live with them on this earth which numerically translates to 5 sons and 4 daughters. Breneman (Ladean) Bitner, Justin (Celeste) Bitner, Rebecca (Russell) Juber, Morgan (Connie) Bitner, Jennifer (Scott) Anderson, Preston (Jodee) Bitner, Jane (Blake) Burbank, Kathryn (Cody) Myers, Spencer (Chelsea) Bitner.

Wade’s accomplishments are innumerable, but he always wanted to be known as “Faithful”.  Always he was that. Always he was true to himself. His values are Work, Education, Productivity, Decisions based on correct information, Responsibility with Accountability, Balance and Honor.

He graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Biology, completed a M.S. in Horticulture at Utah State University. He finished as an Associate Professor Emeritus Extension, for Utah State University.  He worked 26 years, 16 as Tooele County Extension Agent, 10 years in Salt Lake City as a Horticulturist.  After retiring, he spent 3 years in Nauvoo, Illinois, serving two consecutive missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Later he entered the political arena, becoming the Chairman of the Tooele County Commission for 4 years. 

He taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the age of 16 onward, serving as Bishop, in the Stake Presidency, Counselor to various Bishops, Primary Teacher, Stake Missionary, High Council member, and Ordinance Worker at the SLC and Nauvoo Temples. 

An avid Boy Scouts of America supporter, Scoutmaster, Cubmaster 3 times, Committee Chairman, he culminated this with the Silver Beaver award.

In Tooele he held responsibility for the Tooele County Livestock show and the Tooele County Fair. He worked for years with the 4-H Youth Programs. He was a founding board member of the Scott M. Matheson Urban Nature Preserve dba, Governor’s Grove. He was the State President of the Utah Extension Agriculture Agents and later the State President of the Utah Extension 4-H Agents Association.

Always the kind, stable, and determined working man, he would never quit the work until a brain tumor dramatically called him home to his Father in Heaven.  He was hands on, always learning, interested in everything, and a fount of knowledge, truth, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Wade’s philosophy ”Life is uncertain, eat dessert first”.  Enjoy dessert with those you love.

Please join us for a celebration of life on Thursday June 17th from 6:00-8:00 at 115 East Cherry Street Grantsville, Utah.  Funeral Service 11:00 Friday June 18th, visitation prior to the funeral service from 9:00-10:30 115 East Cherry Street Grantsville, Utah (https://grantsville.live/grantsville5th). Interment at the Grantsville City Cemetery under care of Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories shared at daltonhoopes.com. 

8 Comments

  • Judyth Bramwell Posted June 15, 2021 2:12 pm

    Dear Sandra and family, my deepest sympathies. He has been such an example and a great force for good. He will be missed and remembered fondly.

  • Kathy Riggs Posted June 15, 2021 10:27 pm

    Wade was a good friend and fellow USU Extension colleague. One of our bonding experiences was a 3-day horse-packing trip in Tooele county to train-the-trainer for Agents and Volunteers. I don’t know that I’ll ever forget his distinctive voice or smile. My deepest condolences.

  • Carolyn Vandenakker Posted June 17, 2021 7:51 pm

    Preston and Jodee , we are so sorry to hear of your great loss. What a wonderful man he obviously was. We extend our sincere condolences and pray you and all your family will feel God’s peace, love and comfort.

  • Gina Bresciani Posted June 17, 2021 8:44 pm

    Preston and family – I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. Sending heartfelt condolences across the miles.

  • Duane Bitner Posted June 18, 2021 3:24 pm

    Wade had memories of Grandpa Bitner he shared that were precious because Grandpa died before I was born. Always willing to serve and to help out when he could at the ranch along with his kids. Wade helped out quite a bit during his mission when my wife’s family did a family reunion in Nauvoo and my brother-in-law unfortunately passed away while we were there. I’m grateful to know him and to be his cousin.

  • Kathy Thompson Posted June 18, 2021 3:33 pm

    Wade was my favorite male cousun. Growing up we had many fun times together with Carol and Maryann. Great memories! He will missed.

  • Traci Jensen l Posted June 26, 2021 1:40 am

    Kathryn and Bitner Family,

    I am so sorry for the passing of your father. You are in my thoughts. Sending all the hugs and condolences your way.

    Sincerely,

    Traci Jensen

  • Valerie Roberts Posted February 12, 2022 1:30 am

    What a great knowledgeable teacher he was for the USU Extension Master Gardener Course. Always kind and willing to answer any question. Thanke you.

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