Vard DeLeeuw Forsyth

Vard DeLeeuw Forsyth, 94, of Taylorsville, Utah, a loving husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.Vard was the youngest of six children. He was the son of Charles S. Forsyth and Emma DeLeeuw Forsyth.

Vard was a loving husband to Fayona Taylor Forsyth for 75 years. Vard and Fayona were married on July 3, 1950, and were sealed in the Temple for time and eternity on April 1, 1977, sealing their family together. Vard and Fayona danced their way through life. Dancing was one of their favorite pastimes. Vard could really cut-a-rug.

Together they raised four children: Connie (Bob) Corrus, Hudson, Wisconsin, Don (Merrilee) Forsyth, Taylorsville, Utah, Gary Forsyth (preceded in death), Becky ( Kenny) Meldrum, Littleton, Colorado.  He had 14 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.

Vard worked as a long-haul truck driver for many years. It is estimated that he drove over 6 million miles over his long trucking career. Over the course of those many miles, Vard was an angel on the road and helped many stranded travelers.Vard served his church and community. He served in many callings and leadership positions, traveling long distances as counselor in the branch presidency in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Vard was one of two Elders instrumental in starting a new branch in Gateway, Colorado.

Vard was such a sweet humble man who enjoyed the simple things in life. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, fishing, mowing his lawn, blowing snow from his driveway , and watching the Jazz play basketball. Vard's sense of humor was infectious. He was the legend of one-liners. If you had the pleasure of Vard's company, you were blessed with his good humor and great attitude.Vard was a gentle man. He lived his life with kindness and generosity. He never held back his tears of joy and was very generous with his hugs. You always knew how much you were loved. Vard was a rare gem of a person. We will miss that beautiful, crooked smile that could light up any room. Sweet Husband and Dad, you will be greatly missed.

There will be a viewing for friends and family on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6 - 8 PM, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

A second viewing will take place prior to funeral services on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Academy Park Ward Building, 4715 South 4300 West, in Kearns, Utah, from 10 to 10:45 AM, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM.