John Lewis Siddoway

John Lewis Siddoway, Jr, passed away at home with his family on June 4, 2011. His big heart, humble ways, and cheerful disposition will be missed by all who knew him. Born in Vernal, Utah, September 30, 1922, the oldest of six children and only son of John Lewis and Eva Felsted Siddoway, he graduated from Uintah High School in 1940 and attended the University of Utah for three years before attending George Washington University Medical School in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1946. While in Washington, he met Marolyn Jones, whom he married September 29, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple and cherished for 63 years. He went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, including service in Korea.

John began his pediatric practice in Holladay, Utah, in the summer of 1952 and went on to become beloved "Dr. Siddoway" to many families who appreciated his gentle demeanor, selfless after-hours care, and willingness to make house calls. His greatest service, however, consisted of being a wonderful father to his six children. He coached their teams, taught them to ski and play tennis, took them on trips, gave them a work ethic through example, and supported them in all they did. He was an equally dedicated grandfather, taking his grandsons on remote cabin trips to Diamond Mountain, attending recitals and sports events, traveling to visit them in various parts of the country, and always interested in their lives.

John was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shared his love of the gospel with his family and others. He had attended the first National Scout Jamboree in 1936 and enjoyed working with the youth of the Church, including his sons, in scouting. John also served in a bishopric and on a stake high council, but especially enjoyed his service as a Church service physician for the Utah Salt Lake City missionaries, whom he loved helping and treating. An active skier, golfer and tennis player, John appreciated his friendships with those who shared his interests. He also liked to read biographies and history books, take continuing education classes at the University of Utah, work in his yard, and travel. He frequently expressed gratitude to his Heavenly Father for the many tender mercies and blessings he had experienced throughout his life.

John is survived by his wife, Marolyn; children Roger (Marsha Blackham), John (Judy Stowers), Scott (Debbie Wiles), Barbara Faust, Betsy (Jed) VanDenBerghe, and Mark (Nancy VanDenBerghe); 30 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Eloise Paull. Preceeded in death by his parents, and sisters Carole Squire, Polly Rockwood, Gerry Peterson, and Jayne Richardson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday June 10, 2011, 11:00am at the Holladay LDS Stake Center, 4568 South Holladay Blvd. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and also on Friday morning from 9:30am to 10:40am at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment: Holladay Memorial Park. On line tributes and comments to the family can be posted at www.holbrookmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.