Gary Canham

Gary Canham
1937-2021
Gary Hyrum Canham was good at many things — and great at many more. He was a talented manager at Smith’s and a do-it-yourself handyman. He was a devoted husband who has taken steadfast care of his wife in her later years. He offered unending encouragement and support to his family and friends. He buoyed them with a message or a smile. He was generous with his praise and unafraid to express his love.
To Gary, being devoted came easily; love radiated from him. He was our family’s Superman.
He died in his sleep on Dec. 29, 2021, in Salt Lake City at the age of 84. He was born April 8, 1937, the son of Melvin W. and Agnes Sainsbury Canham. He is preceded in death by his brother, Lee, and his surviving siblings are Dick and Dennis.
Gary went to West High School where he fell in love with Kay Brundage. She was interested in one of Gary’s friends, but as they spent more time together, he became smitten and she eventually fell for the “good guy.” Their courtship was interrupted when he enlisted in the Navy in 1956. On Aug. 24, 1957, during a short leave, he and Kay were married in Elko, Nevada. He was serving as the barber on the USS Warrick when he received a telegraph announcing the birth of his first son, Gregory. He was later stationed on the USS Russell County.
Back at home, Gary worked as a mechanic and eventually opened a service station, although most of his career, more than 30 years, was spent at Smith’s Food and Drug. He retired as a store manager in 2001 and delighted in seeing old coworkers. Just about everywhere he went someone would holler “Gary!” and happily visit with him.
Gary and Kay had five children. He is preceded in death by his sons Gregory (Joseph) and Gary Steven (Lisa), and his infant daughter, Melinda. He is survived by his sons Robert (Rachel) and Michael. His grandchildren include Greg and Joe’s daughter, Brandy; Steve and Lisa’s sons, Matthew (Leah), Kristopher (Marin) and Adam (Tara); and Bob and Rachel’s children, Ian, Brandon, Benjamin and Kaylee. His great-grandchildren are Mia, India, Evalyn, June, Marx and Lexi. His four-legged grandpuppy is Oliver.
Gary was a devoted fan of the Jazz and Utes. He loved joining the family at home football games and hosting the annual Super Bowl party.
A viewing and brief service will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Memorial Estates Mountain View Cemetery beginning at 1 p.m. The dress is casual. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Aaron Lowe or Ty Jordan memorial scholarships.
And go Utes!
To view a live streaming of the services, please click the link below:
https://my.gather.app/remember/gary-canham
If you plan on attending the services, please wear a mask and social distance. Thank you.
Service Information
Viewing January 8, 2022 at 1 - 1:45 pm
3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121





Funeral Service
January 8, 2022 at 2 pm
3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121