Obituary: Arn Barton Gatrell, D.D.S.

Arn B. Gatrell, D.D.S. 1950 ~ 2006 Arn Barton Gatrell returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father August 24, 2006, after a short and unexpected three-month battle with a rare form of liver cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, dentist, and fisherman who had a great love for the outdoors, scouting, woodworking, and an unrivaled sense of humor. Arn spent as much time as he could in the great outdoors and cherished most the time spent camping and fishing with his family. Arn's integrity, honesty, and devotion to his beliefs were a great example to both his family and friends. He faithfully fulfilled many church callings, including a brief Church Service Mission with his wife, cut short by his illness. Arn was born March 9, 1950, in Tacoma, Washington, and spent his younger years living all over the world with his family while his father served in the Army. He fulfilled an LDS mission to the North German Mission from 1969-71 and shortly thereafter found and married his sweetheart, Venita Durfee, in the Salt Lake Temple March 30, 1972. He served in the Navy in Great Lakes, IL, from 1978-82. He graduated from Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in 1978 and began practicing in Salt Lake City in 1982. Arn loved his patients like his own family and provided an unparalleled level of care. He was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Utah Dental Association for his lifetime of service to the profession. He was a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, member of the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and alumnus of the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. He also spent 23 years serving the Dental Education Program at the University of Utah. Arn is survived by his wife, Venita; his children, Anna (Shane) Sanders, Bountiful, UT; Gregory (Alyssa), Portsmouth, VA; Kristin (Brock) Bryant, SLC, UT; Russell (Phoenix), SLC, UT; Elaina (fianc?, Lance Lindberg), SLC, UT; Allison, Brazil Rio de Janeiro North Mission; along with six grandchildren, Josilyn, Kohl, Kylie, Bennett, Brady, and Erica; parents, Wallace and Ruth Gatrell; brothers, Cloyd (Kathryn), Garth (Cheri), Lance (Laurie), Quinn (Jenny); sisters, Shawna (Jack) Dortzbach, Aleta (Paul) Grandy, and Tamara (Gene) Van Tassell. The family wishes to thank the many healthcare providers, friends, and family that helped them through this difficult time. We would especially like to thank Melanie Bowen, Juliann Andreen, and Senator Orrin G. Hatch for bringing Gregory home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 12 noon at the Butler Stake Center, 7035 South Nutree Drive (3255 E.), SLC, UT. Viewing will be Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and Wednesday at the church, 10-11:30 a.m. prior to services. May Arn's example of diligence, perfection, and integrity live within each of us.