Gary was a devoted husband and father who loved enjoying many pursuits with his family. He loved sharing with his children his passion for science…especially astronomy, air and space flight. There were many enjoyable experiences camping and boating with family and friends. Gary would take his family ‘off-roading’, exploring the west and southern deserts in Utah. He had a passion for the works of William Shakespeare and for science fiction TV shows and movies. In most recent years Gary was blessed with grandchildren, whom he adored.
A dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life, Gary was consistently ready and willing to do his part, serving diligently in many callings. As a young adult, Gary began a passionate effort to understand the gospel’s relevance in his life. Throughout his life he loved to immerse himself in study of the scriptures and could recall all that he learned. He developed a firm knowledge, understanding and belief in the truthfulness of the gospel…that he shared often as a gifted teacher.
Gary was born to Åke and Mariana Renlund on April 20, 1951, and was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. From age 13 to 15 he went with his family on a building mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. After the mission, Gary worked with his father building homes.
Gary joined the Army Reserves in 1971 and trained to be an Army Medical Laboratory Specialist, serving until 1983. He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden (1972-1974).
Gary attended the University of Utah, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry (8/76) and a Master of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering (8/78).
He married Sherrie Hawker in 1976, and the young family moved to Schenectady, New York (1978) where Gary was employed for 12 years at General Electric’s Research and Development Center. While at GE, Gary continued his studies and received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York (12/89).
The family returned to live in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1990. Gary participated in the formation of a ceramic technology company, Triox Technologies. He was also employed at various other technology companies. Most recently he worked for Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation. Gary loved the scientific field. He loved investigation, experimentation, discovery and moving technologies forward.
Gary and Sherrie enjoyed a strong bond of love as they enjoyed over 45 years together. They will reunite at a future time and will be together forever.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Mats Åke Renlund (2009) and Mariana Andersson Renlund (1994). He leaves behind his wife Sherrie (Hawker) Renlund and children: Michael Gary Renlund, Lisa Kristine Hyde (James), Matthew Don Renlund (Robyn Palmer) and Marcus Paul Renlund (Katrina Smith) and eight grandchildren. Gary also leaves behind his brother and sisters: Elder Dale G. Renlund (Ruth), Anita Renlund and Linda Maurer (Ray).
The family is grateful for all the loving care of dedicated Huntsman Cancer Institute and Huntsman at Home care providers.
Funeral services will be held at noon, Saturday October 9, 2021, at the Cottonwood Heights 5th Ward, 7075 South 2245 East. Friends may call at that location one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. We kindly request that funeral attendees please wear masks. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Millcreek, following the services.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Huntsman Cancer Institute: https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/foundation/ways-to-give/
