Good bye sweet Gus...

{Dad Blackham and Gus}

Our sweet Uncle Gus passed on to be with is darling wife Lulie. My Sam's full name is Samuel Angus. He was named after this amazing man. We are sad for our temporary loss, but thrilled for those who have gone before.

Angus Udell Blackham

The mortal life of Angus Udell Blackham came to a peaceful conclusion on March 18, 2009, due to complications associated with Parkinson's disease.

He was a beloved husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a patient teacher, a loyal friend and a valiant disciple of Christ. All who knew him were better as a result of that association. Udell (as he was known in his early years) was born April 16, 1926 to Angus L and Mary Berniece Christensen Blackham. He spent his early years in Ruth, Nevada. He married his "Sweet and Lovely," Lula Belle Bamgartner, on June 5, 1946, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Their marriage was blessed with six children: Patricia (Merlin) Fish of American Fork, UT; Kathie (Alfred) Adams of Lindon, UT; Valerie (Douglas) Whitaker of Provo, UT; Udell (Pheobe) Blackham of Alpine, UT; Laurel (Dru) Nielson of Fairfield, CA; and Marshall (Nikki) Blackham of Houston, TX. Their posterity to date numbers 100.

After graduating from White Pine High School in Ely, NV, Angus (as he was known for the balance of his life) served in the United States Navy. He later graduated from Brigham Young University and then received his Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. He accepted a professorship at BYU in the Chemistry department where he worked for over 40 years, specializing in the field of Organic Chemistry.

The hallmark of Gus' life was his ability to accept all and love unconditionally. Countless people were the recipients of his kindness, generosity and understanding. Two scriptural references provide an appropriate description of his character, "A [man] in whom there is no guile," and "I the Lord love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right." His affable nature especially endeared him to his children and grandchildren. He was quick with a wink and a smile, abundant with praise and possessed a delightful sense of humor. He served faithfully in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including his service as a Bishop and twice in the Philippines as a missionary with Lulie as his companion. Their influence is still felt there through the Livelihood Assistance Foundation, an organization they established to promote self-reliance by teaching life and employment skills.

His wife, his parents and a sister, Mary, preceded him in death. He is survived by a brother Sam (Sybelle) Blackham, a brother-in-law Lee (Maxine) Bamgartner, and his entire posterity.

Because of his love and commitment to the people of the Philippines, the family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Livelihood Assistance Foundation, 1632 S. 200 E., Orem UT 84058.