1929-2018
Basil Heber Dunn passed away peacefully on September 2, 2018. He was born on March 17, 1929, in Birmingham, England to Norman and Florence Bradsell Dunn. He attended Church of England schools and the Birmingham School of Music. He played the piano, trumpet, and violin. He received a full scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 16. He emigrated to the United States with his parents following WWII to attend BYU.
Upon arriving in Provo, he met and fell in love with the beautiful lady who had become his pen pal during the war. He and Mary Jewell Goates were married on October 3, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly thereafter, he returned to his homeland in the British Isles to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his arrival home, he was introduced to the first of his seven children, Rosemary (Hyrum) Mead. Six more children followed: Conrad (Jan), Michael Elijah, Cassandra, Julie (James) Hill, Madeleine (the late Dennis) Swapp, and Jonathan. He and his wife have seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jewell; one son, Michael Elijah; a son-in-law, Dennis Swapp; his brother, Melvin (Joyce) Dunn; and three sisters: Norah, Margaret (Ferrell) Massey and Faith (Arthur) Fisher.
He enjoyed history, music, art, and riding his bicycle across the countryside of England, often for days at a time. He spoke French, Latin and Portuguese. He loved his native country, of which he had many happy memories. He later became a naturalized citizen of the United States, which he called home.
He served in many callings in the Church. Teaching Gospel Doctrine and being choir director brought him the greatest joy. Above all else, he loved teaching, as reflected in both his church and his professional life.
Services will be held in the Orchard Hills Ward building 949 North 540 West, American Fork, on Saturday, September 8th at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call prior to the funeral from 10:00 — 10:45 a.m. and on Friday evening at the same location from 6:00 — 8:00 p.m.
I spent a lot of time with the Dunn family in the 1980's. About six years! I was with
their son, Conrad. That's how I got to know the family. I ADORED them!!! Rosemary,
Conrad, Cassandra, Julie, Jonathan, and Madeline.
When Conrad and his family moved to American Fork, they were actually in
my ward! I spent many Sundays with the family at their condo, as well as other days.
My favorite time with his parents was when Conrad and his dad went to general priesthood.
After, his parents took Conrad and I out to dinner for their anniversary. I also went with
Conrad, his mom, sister Cassandra, and Madeline's boy to Disneyland. (My first of 8
trips to Disneyland . . . and 3 to Walt Disney World.) We also went with his sister, Julie (1 year older than me), to a New Years Eve party at Disneyland. We even stayed our last night at the Disneyland Hotel!
I keep in minimal touch with the family these days. Rosemary & Cassandra are my Facebook friends. Julie was in my ward for years. She served as the Stake Primary President in our stake. She also came to my retirement party . . . and her and her husband came to our condo to see the Disney Christmas trees! I am sending Julie and James to a Jazz game. No contact with Conrad in 30 years. I just found out from his next door neighbor that Conrad lives in Logan, and teaches at a charter school. Never saw him at either of his parents' viewings.
When Conrad was no longer in the picture (sad), his family was still in my ward.
Then, they were moved to another ward, then back again. At my dad's funeral, when
I stood at the pulpit as a speaker, there was Basil and Mary sitting on the back row!
I was soooo happy and grateful for their loving kindness and support!
I only went to Basil's viewing (early), because my mom had surgery earlier in
the day. I really hated to miss the funeral! I had to take care of my mother. (Katie
and Jax came to stay with her when I went to the BYU football game.) Unfortunately,
once again, I did not see Conrad. I really miss him and the fun times, talks, dinners,
and trips that we had! It's been 30 years!
RIP, Basil. Soooo glad that you have been reunited with Mary, family, and friends!
If you see my dad, tell him "hi" . . . and that his posterity has grown from 2 to 30!
(No thanks to me!) Thank you for everything, Dunn Family!
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