December 22, 1919 ~ February 7, 2017 "Lucy! Im Home!" LAYTON - Demetrio "Matt" Candia, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, left us morning of February 7, 2017, to be with his beloved Sofia, who came to bring her valentine back home. Demetrio was born to Gabriel and Matiana (Cisneros) Candia, in Garland, Utah. With the loss of his dad at age 10, then raised by his mom, he attended school and graduated from Bear River High. He was member of the swim team, most notably, a high-board diver. He joined the Army Core of Engineers in 1942, where he attended the Aircraft Welding School at Chanute Field IL. He was deployed to the South Pacific and served in the Battle of New Guinea campaign, the South Philippines (Liberation), and Battle of Luzon in WWII. In 1945 he was honorably discharged, decorated with the American Theater of Operations Service Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon, Good Conduct and Victory Medals. In October 2015, he was presented with his WWII Medal of Honor during the Utah Honor Flight to Washington D.C. held in honor of the WWII Veterans. When he returned to Ogden in 1945, with the love of music and dance, he met the love of his life, Sofia, and were married on March 20, 1946. Dad was a welder at Hill Air Force Base and retired in 1978, with 30 years of federal service, to be at home with Sofia who had also retired in 1976. With 67 years together, they traveled frequently with family and relatives. Many of their trips were to the annual Nationals Bowling tournaments in which he completed. He loved sports and was also a boxer, played softball/volleyball and fast-pitch softball, and was a mentor and coach. Most of all, he was an avid bowler and golfed until 2012. He also enjoyed watching the Ogden As ball club play at John Affleck Park, took in a couple of Ogden Raptors games. He also never missed the televised PGA tournaments, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Braves games. Demetrio is survived by two sons: Stephen (Sherry) Candia, Beaverton, OR; Anthony (Karlene) Candia, Loveland, CO; and daughter, Marisa (Dan) Orosco, Layton; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; many relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by Sofia; two sons: Ronald and David; daughter Teresa; and granddaughter, Nicole. Services will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Leavitts Aultorest Mortuary Chapel, 836 36th Street, Ogden. Guests will be greeted starting at 10 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. with the burial immediately to follow. The family would like to thank Dr. Jerry John and staff, Visiting Angels Home Care (especially Rebbecca and Diana), Wasatch/Harrison Point (Reina), and Rocky Mountain Nursing Care facilities and Dignity Hospice. Condolences may be sent to: mjoerosco@gmail.com "Well continue to live by the golden rules you raised us with, and will keep you in our hearts and memories always. We love you daduntil we meet again!" Service Information Date: Saturday, April 29, 2017 Time: 11:00 am - Leavitt's Aultorest Memorial Park Address: 836 36th Street, , Ogden, UT, | Map Services will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Leavitts Aultorest Mortuary Chapel, 836 36th Street, Ogden. Guests will be greeted starting at 10 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. with the burial immediately to follow.