Mervin Clifford Pyne, “Chief,” age 85, passed away peacefully in his home in Tooele, Utah, on Jan. 25, 2019. He was born Nov. 23, 1933, in Orem, Utah, to Walter Leroy and Theresia Clayton Pyne. The oldest of five siblings, he loved to play with toy cars and trains as a child. He grew up on a farm with chores to do, animals to care for and a fruit orchard to tend. As a youth he delivered newspapers, sold fruit door-to-door, worked in a cabinet shop and a grocery store where he learned the value of hard work. He played the tenor saxophone in a dance band, ran track, and played tennis in high school. He met, then married VaNeta Taylor on June 19, 1953, in the Manti, Utah, temple. Together they had five children. He loved playing baseball with his sons, fishing, camping, and hunting pheasants with his family and friends. Merv loved German shorthair pointers, with Sadie being one of his favorites. He loved his career as chief engineer of telecommunications at Dugway Proving Ground. After he retired he started his own business, Pyne’s Chem Dry in 1982, eventually creating a second company, Merv’s Floor Covering, where he worked until he could no longer run a knee kicker. He was a two-time cancer survivor. He loved his family, friends, coworkers, customers and employees. He was a friend to all who knew him. Merv would help anyone in need. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is preceded in death by his “lovely bride,” VaNeta Pyne; granddaughter, Melissa Pyne; grandson, Dustin Pyne; great-grandson, Dayton; parents, Walter and Theresia Pyne; brother, Leslie Pyne. Mervin is survived by his children: Roland (Holly), David, Craig, Scot, Stacey Nigh (Derek); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Julia Groesbeck; bother, Cordell Pyne; sister, Loretta Nelson (Mark); sister-in-law, Janet Pyne; and his faithful Labrador retriever companion, Tank.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, Utah, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, at the LDS church, 200 S, 200 West, at 11 a.m. with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:45 a.m. with interment in the Tooele City Cemetery. Luncheon to follow interment at the 200 S. 200 West church building.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to all those who gave care to Merv over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Primary Children’s Hospital in his name.