S Calvin Sorensen

Stanley CALVIN SORENSEN passed away peacefully on February 8, 2015 at the age of 91. He was born on May 6, 1923 to Soren and Lillie Sorensen in Salt Lake City, Utah, the youngest of eight children. He attended East High School and the University of Utah. On March 31, 1943 he married Rebecca (Becky) Sharp in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their early-married life was spent operating a dairy farm in Woods Cross, Utah, until he was drafted into the Army to serve in the Pacific in World War II. After college, Cal joined his brothers in developing South East Furniture Co. into Utah’s largest furniture store where he managed the floor coverings department. He received the National Award for Retail Excellence from the Carpet Institute of America. He was actively involved in Sugar House business affairs, serving as president of both the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International.

Cal and Becky settled in Holladay, Utah, where they lived for 30 years, raising a family of 7 children. They had a full life, enjoying horses, skiing, boating, choice friends, and the beauty of the mountains. Cal’s life-long love of horses drew the family together for fun adventures and provided many opportunities to teach his children the value of hard work and responsibility. He created lasting memories for neighborhood youth by hosting annual rodeos on his property.

Retiring from the furniture business in 1978, Cal, Becky, and sons Lowell, and Chris, moved to Hollister, California, to raise Arabian horses. Those were challenging yet happy years as they worked together on the farm. After 11 years, they returned to their roots in Holladay to be close to family, friends, and the things they loved.

Cal was a devoted member of the LDS Church and his life was guided by strict obedience to gospel principles. His was a life of broad and diverse church service. He held many leadership positions and especially enjoyed working with the youth.

He was proud of his Danish heritage, exemplifying his immigrant ancestors’ hard work, thrift, and devotion to faith. He treated everyone he encountered as a friend. People were drawn to his positive outlook and ability to see the good in everyone. As a husband, he treated Becky with love, respect, and kindness during their marriage of 71 years. As a father, he showed love and taught hard work, integrity, patience, and commitment to the Lord. As a friend, he showed understanding, loyalty, and admiration.

His parents, siblings, son, Lowell, and great grandson, Weston, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Becky, his children Stafford (Debbie), Mark, Becky Sorensen Seare (David), Soren, Sharp (Laura) and Chris (Marce), 16 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Saturday, February 14, 2015 at noon at Holladay 18 Ward, 2625 E Milo Way (4910 So). Visitation Friday 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Dr.) and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery.