Vay Simper

"Johnny" Vay Simper passed away peacefully on July 22, 2016 at his home on Simper Lane in Taylorsville, Utah, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Vay was born December 9, 1925 in Naples, Utah, to John Simper and Mary Curtis Simper as the 5th of 6 sons. The family moved to a farm in Taylorsville in 1930 and Vay has called Taylorsville home ever since. He taught himself to read while tending the cows. He read every book available and skipped the 2nd grade. He graduated from Granite High and was drafted into the US Army where he served in the European Theatre during WWII. After the war ended, he was called to the North Western States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving in Lima, Montana, he met Helen Priscilla Marler. At the completion of his mission, Vay returned to Lima to court Helen. They fell in love and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 2, 1949. After attending Utah State University, Vay and Helen settled on a small farm in Taylorsville, Utah on Simper lane where they raised 10 children and Vay milked his cows and raised produce that he sold in the community until the day that he died. He retired from the job he loved at Horne Construction at the age of 83 after 37 years as their Estimator. They have 28 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren, that affectionately call him "grandpa goofy". Vay was an Eagle Scout and loved to serve in the church. One of his favorite callings was as the Executive Secretary to 5 consecutive bishops. He loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. Vay is survived by his beloved wife Helen, brother Calvin, & 9 of his 10 children, David "DJ" (Connie) Simper, George (Ragena) Simper, Donna (Lawrence) Bawden, Glenna (Marc) Desobeau, Diane (Rod) Poulsen, Robert (Jill) Simper, Kelly (Jackie) Simper, Byron Simper, and Loran "Andy" (Jennifer) Simper. Preceded in death by parents; 4 of 5 brothers; daughter Lorna Andersen, and granddaughter Jenny Simper. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville South Stake Center, 3495 West 4850 South. Viewings will be held Tuesday 6-8:00 p.m. and again Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. all at the Stake Center in Taylorsville, Utah. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Missionary Fund. Nickname:"Johnny"Place of Birth:Naples, UtahPlace of Death:Taylorsville, UtahHobbies:Loved readingOccupation:Estimator for Construction