GatheringGardiners: Terry Gordon Beitler 1947

Terry Gordon Beitler returned home to his Heavenly Father on March 23, 2012, at his home in Toquerville, Utah. Terry developed a very aggressive, non-curable cancer and passed quickly and peacefully at home with his family gathered around.

Terry was born to Henry and Agnes Beitler on April 27, 1947 in Los Angeles. He went to school at Ivanhoe Elementary, King Jr. High, and John Marshall High, where he excelled in many different sports. He was still playing basketball three days a week at the time of his illness.

After returning from a mission for his church to the Southern States of Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, Terry met his little sister’s best friend, Jill Brock, and decided she was “the one for him.” They were married in the Los Angeles Temple on June 26, 1970. Terry and Jill have four children who are the love of their lives.

After some college and a mission for his church, Terry went to work for the City of Los Angeles as a surveyor for 15 years before transferring to the Department of Water and Power where he became a hydrographer living in Bishop. That was his dream job; living and working in the Sierra; hiking or snow shoeing into the backcountry in winter to measure the snow depth, calculating water run-off for the City of Los Angeles. Another 15 years working in the Bishop, found the kids all grown and time for another job change. Terry and Jill moved to Arroyo Grande, on the Central Coast, and he began working for California Department of Transportation as a Surveyor again. After another seven years surveying it was time to retire and play with grand kids. This brought a move to St. George, Utah where three of his children and all of his grand kids lived at that time.

As a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Terry’s church service was mostly working with the young men’s program and as a scout leader. He loved the youth; he had a special talent of understanding the problems of growing teenagers and reached out to help lift them over the rough patches in life. He always provided unconditional love, quiet strength, and a good example of how to live life to the fullest with honor. He received his “40 years of Scouting” pin in January of 2012. His idea of a great vacation was a 50 mile hike through the Sierra.

Terry always loved to sing and over the years he participated in ward choirs wherever he lived. After moving to St. George, Terry had to opportunity to join the Southern Utah Heritage Choir. He loved being a member of the choir, participating in many concerts and events that the choir supported. One of the highlights was traveling with the choir to sing in China. Singing was a gift; Terry shared his testimony through his love of music.

Terry is survived by his spouse of 41 years, Greta “Jill” Beitler of Toquerville, Utah; his children, Jennifer Beitler (Custis Smith) of Venice Beach, Jeremy Beitler (Kirsten) of Washington, Utah, Jessica Stevens (Alan) of St. George, Utah and Zackery Beitler (Kami) of Tooele, Utah; 10 grandchildren; brother, Dennis Beitler of Salt Lake City, Utah; and sisters, Dina Nevis of Garden Grove, Anita Suzanne Fulton of Santa Cruz and Melanie Pabst of Ventura.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Harry Beitler and Agnes Pratt Beitler; brother, Roger Beitler; and his sister-in-law, Pamela Beitler.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 31 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Toquerville building. Viewing will be between noon and 1 p.m. immediately followed by services in honor of Terry at 1 p.m. Internment will take place in the Toquerville Cemetery following the service.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary, 1081 East 700 S. St. George, Utah, (435) 674-5000.

Terry as a young man with his family: