SUNDQUIST, Kayle

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/17/2013 Kayle Sundquist, born Jan. 26, 1926, came into this life to a loving and happy home, born to Edna and Emil Sundquist in Vernal, Utah. He was one of four children, younger brother to Gene and Hatch (deceased) and older brother to his sister Joyce. After growing up in Vernal, Utah, Kayle graduated from Vernal High School and at age 17 entered the U.S. Army in 1943, and was the driver for general officers during World War II. At this time, Kayle met the love of his life, Kate Fredrickson, during his service overseas in Norway, and after sweeping her off her feet, they married March 31, 1946, at the Reims Cathedral in France. Kate and Kayle returned to the United States to Vernal, Utah, where their first child was born; they named her Barbara. Five years later, they brought their second and final child into the world, naming her Elizabeth. In 1951, Kate and Kayle moved their family to Pullman, Wash., where Kayle attended Washington State University and worked on “Old Man Boeing’s” ranch to support his family while in school. He graduated summa cum laude in three years with a degree in animal husbandry. Kayle then went on to work for ASU’s agriculture program from 1954, retiring in 1988. Kayle’s eldest daughter Barbara brought three beautiful daughters into this world; Julie, Melody and Katie. Kayle was the finest of fathers/grandfathers/great-grandfathers. He was gentle and loving, supportive yet stern. He included his daughters and his granddaughters in everything he did, teaching them the meaning of hard work, keeping your word, loving without conditions, and trust. He didn’t spoil them with monetary possession; he spoiled them with consideration and love, with education and with his time. After the loss of their own father in the Marines at a very young age, Kayle was the only father figure his granddaughters could remember and he filled the role better than many fathers. Kayle enjoyed building things, and with the help of his wife, in-laws, daughters and eventually his granddaughters, he built a beautiful home in the White Mountains. Kayle enjoyed fishing and tying flies. He was an outstanding fisherman, the kind who doesn’t need to exaggerate his catch. He enjoyed horses and, of course, animals of all kinds, and he handed down the love of animals to the rest of his family. Kayle worked hard every day of his life. He was an outstanding provider for his family and excelled in everything he put his mind to. He was a kind and valuable friend to everyone he knew, yet there was no doubt that a big papa bear was inside ready to defend his family to the death. You always knew where you stood when with Kayle. He was a no nonsense kind of man, a cowboy to the core. Kate and Kayle had a marriage most only dream of, with a love from nearly the moment they met, living and thriving for almost 70 years. “I have never seen a man who took such great care of his wife and Kate in return took exceptional care of him. Kayle will be very missed and the memories with him cherished by all. Loving husband, father and papa, we are so grateful for who you were to us. All your girls. Thank you for everything. Thank you for your tenderness. Thank you for encouraging us to work hard, to always keep trying, to listen to our hearts and follow our dreams. Heaven is that much brighter, now that you are home.” Kayle is survived by his loving wife Kate; daughters: Barbara and Elizabeth; granddaughters: Julie, Melody and Katie; 11 great-grandchildren and his sister Joyce. A private family service is planned. Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.