Larry Topham

Larry Sawyer Topham, November 3,1948 - December 9, 2022

Larry passed away at the age of 74 On December 9th 2022, in West Valley City Utah.

It is a rare opportunity to write one's own obituary, but here it is; 

I gave it a good fight, but finally lost the battle to kidney disease brought on by 40 years of dealing with diabetes and all of its side effects.

I was born in Cedar City, Utah on November 3, 1948 to Fred Topham and Willowdean Sawyer Topham. I was the 2nd of 4 children my brothers Dewey, Bruce, and sister Nancy. I Grew up in Parowan, Utah. 

Larry graduated from Parowan High School in 1967 and went on to serve a mission in Ohio, where he met many wonderful people, several of which he stayed in contact with. After returning home Larry attended Southern Utah University (SUU) where he studied for 2 years, finishing college in 1969.

Larry started his career as a Security Guard for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he continued to work for them for 41 years (December of 1972 - April of 2013). He had many great experiences, especially the time he was assigned to work directly with President Kimball. One memorable experience he had was the time he had helped the prophet give a blessing of health, to one of the 12 Apostles.

Larry was married to the love of his life, Rebecca (Asay) Topham on July 23,1971, in the Saint George Temple. The couple had four children; Joseph Levan of Bluffdale UT, Clifton Fred of Pleasant Grove, UT, Tamara Yermolayeva of Velikiye Luki, Russia and Lenora Nichole of West Valley, UT.

Some of Larry's fondest memories growing up and into adulthood, were deer hunting and fishing with his Dad and brothers.

Larry was best known for his love of all sports. He spent many years refereeing for several youth and teen football games, He was also well known for his kindness and being a very humble and loving friend, neighbor, uncle, father, grandfather, great -grandfather.

Larry is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Asay) Topham, Grandaughter/ Daughter Lenora Nichole Pulsipher, Son in -Law Christopher Pulsipher of West Valley, Son Joseph Levan Topham, Daughter in-law Natalie Kay Topham, of Bluffdale, Son Clifton Fred Topham of Pleasant Grove, Daughter Tamara Yermolayeva Topham of Velikiye Luki Russia, Bruce and Trish Topham of Cedar City as well as 7 Grandchildren and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Larry is preceded in death, by his Father Fred Topham (1993), Mother Willodean Sawyer Topham (2012), Brother Dewey Topham (2013), Sister In-Law Valorie Topham (2012), Nancy Topham (2016) and Grandson Eric (2009).