Rod was a music lover and writer, spiritual teacher, jack of all trades, food adventurist and cook, pro french toast maker, explorer, camper, sailor, swimmer, fisherman, dead-eye with a sling shot, pro knot tier, inventor, Frisbee flipper and picnic table jumper.

See 30 photos

He was skilled in archery, pitching horseshoes, whittling and carving.

He loved to square dance, waltz, and do the fox trot.

He made a kayak out of walrus skin, built a sailboat, told stories with his ukulele, and directed road shows.

He loved to live life to its fullest, and loved to share its adventures with his family.

Rod was born in Grants Pass, Oregon on August 7, 1933 to Eva Blanche Hopper and Paul Erwyn Bruner. He joined the Air Force and was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 17. He met his sweetheart, Evelyn Dawn Backes, at a church dance in Grants Pass and they were married for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 21, 1955.

They had eight children, all boys but six. He faithfully served in many callings in the Church including seminary teacher, branch president, and bishop. His favorite callings were Gospel Doctrine teacher and choir director.

He passed away just before his 87th birthday and 65th wedding anniversary.

He left an enormous legacy behind even though he was an only child.

Rod is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his children, Cynthia Dawn (Larry) Jensen, Sharla Deane (Bret) Alford, Jeri Renee (Steve) Foutz, Stanley Todd Bruner, Alisa Beth (Rod) Kearl, Lyle Garth (Jennifer) Bruner, Kelly Annette (Tony) Tippetts, and Tamera Roxanne (Robert) Lefavor, 35 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren (and counting).

Please join us for an online Celebration of Life on Facebook on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. MT: https://tinyurl.com/y3o4wh2u or over Zoom: email garthorama@gmail.com for a link.