Douglas Fred McKendrick passed away April 11, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born Feb. 27, 1943, in Tooele, Utah, to Ray Orson and Annie Leona Nelson McKendrick.
He was an intelligent, active and very loving son and brother. He had a creative mind and loved music and dance. He was known throughout the state for his “Fast Feet” as he tap danced and taught dance with Dorothy Searl Dance Studio for many years. He performed his fast tap on national television twice. Playing the piano was a joy and therapeutic. He entertained many with his music whenever there was a piano or organ nearby. Having a gift for music he was asked to play the drums for the stake orchestra even though he had never played drums before. In a very short time, he mastered the art and served as the orchestra drummer.
Doug was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Central Atlantic Mission. He loved the people of Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. He had a valiant testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Doug served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in different areas, but Rota, Spain, was his home base for several years. He met many friends whom he always spoke highly of. He returned to Utah and obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah. While there he was a member of the ballet dance troop and performed in the Nutcracker several times. He worked for the Tooele Army Depot for many years in data processing before retiring to care for his beloved mother.
He is survived by brothers Clair (Lorene) McKendrick, Grantsville; Steve McKendrick, Tooele; and Sharon Bennett, Bountiful. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane, brother Lynn Ray McKendrick, and nephews Terry Bennett and Michael McKendrick.
The family wishes to thank the great caregivers from William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home for the love and service they have given Doug for the past four years. Graveside service will be Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11a.m., in the Tooele City Cemetery.
