Sherwood Elgin Bridges Obituary (1935 - 2018)

Sherwood Elgin Bridges, beloved husband and father, passed away Friday, April 20 at his home in Springville Utah, from complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Sherwood was born October 21, 1935 in Montpelier, Idaho to Elgin S. and Marie N. Bridges. As usual, his impatience brought him into this world 2 months before his anticipated arrival. He was a questioning child, always wanting to know "how and why" things worked. This trait stood him in good stead for the opportunities that came his way in life. He met his future wife, Ann Marie Nielsen, at Brigham Young University. They were married June 2, 1955 in the Manti Temple. They both transferred to Utah State University (formerly USAC) where they made a home in the converted army barracks that were located just east of the campus. Sherwood completed his baccalaureate degree in Chemistry and Photography at USU. He became part of the Bear River High School faculty in 1958 where he taught Chemistry, Physics and Electronics for 10 years. During his tenure at Bear River High School he completed a Master's degree and doctoral work at Utah State University. He also served as an Assistant Professor at USU. He completed additional doctoral work at Michigan State University. He was awarded National Science Foundation Fellowships at Utah State University, Humboldt State University, University of California - Berkley, and Hope College. He became an associate professor of Education at Central Michigan University in 1968. In addition to teaching, he developed the Instructional Systems Center for individualized study. He was also instrumental in designing and implementing mediated classrooms for the university. After retiring from CMU in 1998, he and his wife moved to Monroe, Utah. In 2000 they were called as missionaries to Monterrey, Mexico where they implemented courses for English as a Second Language for the Church Educational System. Upon their return to Monroe, Utah, they were called to develop the Family History Training Center where they taught Family History classes for 10 years. They moved to Springville, Utah in 2012, spending spring and summer there and late fall and winter in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Sherwood loved the Crossman Peak Ward in Lake Havasu and enjoyed his calling as a ward missionary. Sherwood has always been active in service in the LDS Church. He said the most important calling he had was that of Home Teacher. He dearly loved all the families that welcomed him into their homes. He has served as Bishop, Bishop's Counselor, Elders Quorum President, Sunday School teacher, High Priest Group Counselor and teacher, Stake Executive Secretary (Midland Michigan Stake) Physical Facilities Representative (where he was responsible for overseeing the construction of 14 chapels in the Midland Michigan Stake) and Chicago Temple Worker. He had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and dearly loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie Bridges, and his four "Only True" daughters, Terilyn (Nick) Mead, Carin (Kent) Hadley, Dyana (Rick) DeVries and Jenifer (Wayne) Boren. His posterity includes 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elgin and Marie Bridges, his only sibling, Lois Lee Hulme and her husband Phillip Hulme. Sherwood will long be remembered as a mentor, friend and teacher. Through all of his service he developed many long-lasting associations with colleagues and students. He will be missed. Services will be held Saturday, April 28th at the Springville 9th Ward Chapel. Viewing will commence at the Chapel at 9:00-10:45am, prior to the funeral services which will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Historic Springville Cemetery. To express condolences visit LegacyFunerals.com