Merlin Surn Bastian

Merlin Surn Bastian, 86, of Malad, passed away June 21, 2004 at his home. Merlin was born September 26, 1917 at Weston, Idaho, the son of Niels Soren and Ethel Sullivan Bastian.

He married Christie Corbridge May 21, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. She passed away December 29, 1988. Merlin later married Deon Stanger on May 16, 1992 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. She passed away April 22, 2001.

Merlin was raised and educated in Weston, Idaho. He also attended Utah State Agricultural College for two years. He served an LDS mission in the North Central States Mission, and had served in the bishopric, stake presidency, as bishop, stake executive secretary, high councilman and many other stake and ward auxiliaries.

He served as Oneida County Commissioner. He was named Young Farmer of the Year of Idaho, and Grassman of the Year of Idaho. He had been the president of the Marsh Valley Cattlemen’s Corp. (Big Onion). He was a member of the Marsh Valley, Malad, Cache Valley and Portneuf Chariot Racing Assns. He enjoyed horses, hunting, fishing and sports.

He is survived by four sons, Brent M. (Helen) Bastian, Logan, UT; Vern K. (Connie) Bastian, Malad, ID; Dan K. (Julie) Bastian, Malad, ID; Lynn S. (Christine) Bastian, Arimo, ID; one daughter, Kay (Craig) Cummings, Farmington, UT; and one brother, Delos Bastian; 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and spouses, three brothers, Eldon L., Rolen V. and Dale C. Bastian, one sister: Ruth Tingey, and a grandson, Jason K. Bastian.

Services will be June 24, 2004 at the Malad LDS Stake Center. Services are under the direction of the Horsley Funeral Home.