Dante Leslie Shumway

Dante Leslie Shumway
Our loving father, Dante Leslie Shumway, died peacefully at home on November 19, 2013. After being diagnosed with cancer in September, he decided to forgo aggressive treatment, choosing instead to return home and maintain the quality of his life for as long as possible. We are grateful that his wish has been fulfilled.
Dante was the first child of Quentin H. and Martha Wickham Shumway, born on February 19, 1932 in Franklin, Idaho. He was raised in Cove, Utah and left for the first time to serve in the military, where he was stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona. There, he met his love, Bonnie Rae Peacock. After a brief courtship, they married in the Mesa LDS temple in 1956. Dante and Bonnie raised their four children in Cove. Then, in 1989, the almost empty-nesters made a life changing decision to leave Cove and move to North Logan. They both cherished this time in their marriage, referring to their new home as the enchanted cottage.
Dante was known far and wide for his mechanical ability. He got a kick out of fixing things that everyone else had given up on, and his garage always held a job or two that he could tinker with at his convenience. He had a curious, sharp mind and often said that if he could do it all over again, he would become an air crash investigator, which would have suited him well. Dante also spent many years building a beautiful collection of guns, often cleverly introducing his latest prize to Bonnie after the sting of the purchase had passed.
Dante had several professions before retirement, including mechanic, farmer and machinist. He loved working the land, and often reminisced about the smell of freshly plowed dirt as it mixed with diesel fuel exhaust on a cool fall morning. “Best smell on earth,” he said. Until recently, Dante, with his son Darren and grandson Charlie, played with their fully restored John Deere tractors by participating in antique tractor pull competitions throughout the state, winning awards and leaving others, literally, in the dust. Even though Dante was a quiet person by nature, he enjoyed what he called “good ol’ boying” with his friends. He had a great sense of humor and relished unexpected one-liners, responding in kind with his own brand of understated sarcasm.
Dante was a lifelong member of the LDS church. After Bonnie died in 2010, he began attending a grief group and met wonderful friends that helped him endure the loss of his wife. During this period, Dante also renewed sibling relationships and strengthened close ties with each of his children. He spoke often of having great anticipation to see Bonnie again, believing their love for each other would carry far beyond this life.
Dante is survived by his four children: Angela King (Ron), Katy Jo Stevens (Bob Miller), Darren L. Shumway (Wendy) and April Shumway (Tracy Markus). Also survived by siblings, Carlyn (Tim) Rickert (Devoe), Jean Wilkey (George), Caroline Condie (Frank), Thad M. (Nick) Shumway (Marion) and Judy Toolson (Kay). He is survived by his grandchildren, Joni Rose, Alecia, Andrea, Jason, Charles and Emma. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, and both parents.
A viewing will be held at Allen-Hall Mortuary (34 East Center) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22nd. Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Saturday, November 23rd at North Logan Fourth Ward stake center (2750 North 800 East), with a viewing one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment is in Franklin City Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .
Dante was an intelligent, warm hearted man who had the natural ability to make others feel comfortable and at ease in his presence. His kindness – in all circumstances – is the great gift he leaves behind. We love him dearly and will miss him always.