Teacher Obituaries

Skyline Teacher Obituaries

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Teachers' Obituaries

(From Skyline Class of ’69 website as of 9/14/2020, listed alphabetically)

 

BARBARA MELINDA BEAL

1925 ~ 2007

Barbara was born on 26 January 1925 in Richfield, Sevier County, Utah. She died November 24, 2007 in Salt Lake City. In 1951 Barbara received a BA degree in English and history from the University of Utah. In 1960 she received a MA degree in English from the University of Arizona, in 1971 a PhD in education administration from the University of Utah, and did postgraduate work at the Universities of Colorado, Pacific, Brigham Young, Utah State, and Northwestern. Barbara taught English and history at Olympus and Skyline High schools in Salt Lake City, and at Las Lomas High school in Walnut Creek, California. She became the first secondary school principal in the State of Utah. Barbara has was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She served as charter president (1968-1970), parliamentarian (19701972), state president (19731975) and research chairman (19851991).
She has received many awards and recognition. Her community and organizational services have included membership on: the Salt Lake County Government Consolidation Committee, Pioneer Memorial State Theater Foundation Advisory Board, Salt Lake Council of the Arts, Utah Council Teachers of English Executive Board, Utah Association Secondary School Principals Editorial Committee, Legislative Advisory Committee, and many other educational, political, religious, and charitable organizations. Barbara never married.

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WILLIAM HARRISON BEILKE

Beilke William Harrison  Born June 16, 1914 Deceased  December 8,  2001    Florence, OR.

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LOIS BERRETT BERENSEN

August 20, 1918 – May 18, 2010

Lois Berrett Berensen passed away on May 18th surrounded by her family at the age of 91. She was a loving wife and daughter, accomplished teacher, caring grandmother, avid bridge player and loyal friend. She had a gentle heart and warm spirit bringing joy to all those she touched. Lois had impeccable style, class and grace. Lois was born on August 20, 1918 in Union, Utah to Raymond C. and Louie Cole Berrett. She graduated from Carbon County High School in 1935 and the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in 1939. She was a member of the LDS Church. On December 31, 1941 Lois married James A. "Jess" Berensen. Lois and Jess were a dynamic duo. Their life together was always an adventure: traveling the world, entertaining friends and providing loving support to their family. Jess passed away November 3, 2000. Lois began her teaching career in Helper, Utah teaching at Helper Junior High and Carbon College (High School Division). She then took a fifteen year sabbatical to work in the business field as an Executive Secretary at Morrison-Merrill- Boise Cascade. She returned to teaching in 1963 and taught business at Skyline High School where she chaired the Business Dept. for nine of her 19 years. Lois was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was elected Alpha Alpha chapter's "Woman of the Year" in 1994. She was active in the Salt Lake Council of Women and served as the chairman of the Education Division.

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LAWRENCE WILLIAM BIRD

9/21/21~2/10/03

"Beloved Music Teacher"

Lawrence William "Larry" Bird, age 81, passed away February 10, 2003.

He was born September 21, 1921 in Salt Lake City to Dr. Charles and Alice Reid Bird. He served an LDS mission to the Hawaiian Islands in 1940, and was an eye-witness to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was a hospital corpsman in the Navy for two years, and in 1945 married Bette Jeanne McDowell in the Cardston, Alberta LDS Temple. He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education from the University of Utah. He taught in the Granite School District at Brockbank Junior High, Wasatch Junior High, Skyline High, and Eisenhower Junior High Schools. He retired after 35 years of teaching band and orchestra in 1983. Mr. Bird was known throughout the Salt Lake Valley as an inspirational music teacher and advocate for the arts. His 35 years of teaching bore fruit in the thousands of young people who developed a vision of their own greatness through learning to love music. His performing groups were models for all his peers and a source of great pride to the young people who were privileged to play under his direction. The lessons he taught us about the potential of each person is being taught by the professional musicians, the teachers, the community leaders, and the mothers and fathers who once called Mr. Bird their teacher. 

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DAREN B. BLANCHARD

1923 ~ 2004

On Thursday, February 12, 2004, Daren Brenchley Blanchard, age eighty, moved peacefully from this life to the next, on the harmony of his beloved children singing the family's traditional "Goodnight" song. He was born November 22, 1923, at home, in the tiny town of Chester, Fremont County, Idaho where his parents, Arlo Murle and Mary Brenchley Blanchard farmed. He was their firstborn, and became the example and protector for five siblings: Arlo Dee, Lawana, Alma Lane, Harriet, and Gail.Daren attended a one-room (six grades) elementary schoolhouse, where in first grade he out-times-tabled the sixth graders, and skipped second grade altogether. At age 16 he graduated from South Fremont High in St. Anthony, where he was the president of Future Farmers of America. He attended Utah State University, served on the Student Council there and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps, where he almost learned to fly off a carrier. But the war ended before he finished training, and he had a more enticing offer in Salt Lake City, where Lila Gay Nelson was waiting for him. They were married October 4, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. He went back to college and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Agriculture. Daren's first love was farming, but he also taught school for 30 years. He liked to say, "I teach school so I can afford to farm, and I farm so I can afford to teach school." Between the two occupations (and because he was a hard worker with a thrifty nature) he managed to build a home in Cottonwood, own three different farms, raise a family of six and stay out of debt.

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WAYNE BREWSTER

1916 ~ 2013

Wayne Withers Brewster, was a kind man with a gentle soul. He died on May 5, just three months before his 97th birthday (July 30). He outlived most of his friends. Dad was part of the Greatest Generation who served his country as a Marine medic in World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He was a high school biology teacher until he retired in 1978 to his new job as an avid golfer. He happily spent many years on many golf courses with family and friends. Dad was a spiritual man who cherished his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his ninety's, he proudly served as a greeter in his ward's sacrament meetings. Dad is survived by his devoted wife, Ethel, who spent hours with him most days when he required care outside their home. When asked why she went so often, she simply stated, "This is what I want to do." On May 21st, they would have celebrated 72 years of marriage. 

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DONALD M BUDGE

Born March 5, 1912 Deceased  May 30, 1993 

Donald Morgan Budge, our loving father, grandfather and friend, passed away May 30, 1993 following a short illness. He will always be remembered by his kind, giving and positive spirit. He was born March 5, 1912 in Paris, Idaho, to Arthur and Fannie Morgan Budge. He married June Clayton December 31, 1943 in Bountiful, Utah. She preceded him in death in 1987. After graduation from the University of Idaho he served as a Captain in the US Army Air Corps during World War II continuing as an officer in the Civil Air Patrol after the war. Professionally he served as a teacher for 29 years at Jordan and Skyline High Schools. In 1971 he was honored as Utah State Science Educator of the Year. He also wrote a weekly column for the Salt Lake Tribune for a number of years. He served his community in a number of leadership positions, including President of the Utah Science Teachers Association, President of the Secondary School Section of the UEA, and member of the Board of Directors of the Salt Lake County Fair Board.

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BARBARA HULL CARLSTON

Barbara Carlston, age 92 passed away December 14, 2016. She was the loving wife of Ralph C. Carlston & beloved mother to Karen Carlston (Barney), JoAnn Hadfield & Kent Carlston (Linda). She received her Master's of Education from the University of Utah; was a member of Phi Beta Kappa; and taught business at Skyline High for 20 years. She is preceded in death by her husband & grandson, Andrew Lawson. She is survived by her children; grandchildren, Rachel, Andrea, Kelsey & Brett; and her dear cat, Jake. Her family will miss her loving and caring nature. Her courageous spirit was an inspiration for all who knew her.

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LESTER VERLAND CATMULL JR    

1937-2006

Lester V. Catmull, Jr. was born to Ada W. Ingelby and Lester V. Catmull on January 30, 1937. He was brought up on the west side of Salt Lake City, and he graduated from West High School. Afterward he attended the University of Utah, obtaining teacher certification, BS degree. He taught Social Studies for nine years at Skyline High School, and at Granger High School, then went to BYU for counseling certification. He was a high school counselor for 22 years before retiring. He counseled at Kearns High School, and Olympus High School. He also attended Illinois Institute of Technology where he earned his Master's Degree in Sociology. He also attended Utah State University, and Colorado College. Les was always involved with sports. He was an assistant coach at Skyline High School for football. Les was actively involved with football for many years. He played one year at the University of Utah.

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SHIRLEY ROCK HOSKINS COLLINS

1931-2008

Shirley Rock Hoskins Collins 1931 ~ 2008 Shirley Rock Hoskins Collins, devoted teacher, mother, companion, daughter and sister, died Sunday (June 8) at her home in Ventura County, Calif., of heart failure. She was 77.Mrs. Collins was a muse and mentor who inspired thousands of students at Skyline High School in Salt Lake City over two decades, teaching advanced and remedial English and gifted and talented studies before retiring in 1991. A pioneering woman journalist at the University of Utah, Mrs. Collins was also a cancer survivor whose strength was matched by her deep compassion and intuition about people. Independent, stylish and sophisticated, she loved music, art, nature, ideas and current events. "I want the parameters pushed. I want students to reinvestigate every ethical and moral value they've ever had," Mrs. Collins said in a Deseret News profile in 1988, when she was nominated for the Deseret News/KSL Sterling Scholar competition's "Most Influential Teacher of the Year." She added, "I've never been afraid of the dark places." Shirley Rock Hoskins was born on May 28, 1931 in Ogden, Utah, to William H. and Mary Leora Rock Hoskins, a music and math teacher and a homemaker. Mrs. Collins became the first woman editor of the Daily Utah Chronicle in 1950-51, a year in which the student newspaper was one of 11 around the country to win the Associated Collegiate Press's All-American Critical Service award. Mrs. Collins was also president of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and earned a Masters of Arts degree in 1973. In between, she lived in New York City and San Rafael, Calif., where she was a writer. From 1954 until 1967, she was married to Albert "Jazzbo" Collins, a jazz disc jockey who created the Purple Grotto at WNEW and KSFO and who briefly hosted NBC's "Tonight Show". After retirement, Mrs. Collins lived in Delray Beach, Fla., and the Washington, D.C. area. 

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ARLENE EDITH COLTON

Oct 1 1940 - Nov 4 1989

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MARYBELL FENTON COON

1925 - 2015

Marybell Fenton Coon died quietly in her home on September 1, 2015 from colon cancer. She was born on July 9, 1925 to Robert Lincoln Fenton and Melita Bell McAllister in Parowan, UT, the fifth of six children. She grew up working in the family drug store, riding horses, playing music, and enjoying the spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures of her birthplace. She attended the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, now Southern Utah University, for two years before moving to Salt Lake City where she graduated from the University of Utah with a major in English and a minor in music. After graduating, she taught on the English faculty while pursuing graduate studies.

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JESSIE COWLEY

Jan 16 1915  - Sept 1982

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MAX CHARLES DICKSON

1924 - 2015

Born October 15, 1924 in Heber City, Utah to Albert Douglas and Ruth Hicken Dickson. Died September 14, 2015. Attended Wasatch High School. Served in World War II. Naval Air Corp, on the USS Independence. Recipient of the Air Medal. Married Darlene Newbold, May 22, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple. Attended University of Utah, receiving a Bachelor's Degree, and two Master's Degrees. Teacher at Park City High, Brockbank Jr. and Skyline High for many years. Vocational Counselor at Skyline and advisor for student government. He loved his students, his family and being in the mountains. 

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ARTHUR AUGUST ENGMAN

 

Nov 22 1928 - June 10 2002

Art was advanced in elementary school and graduated top of the class from Murray High at the age of 16.  Art was awarded a full academic scholarship to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He earned undergraduate degrees in English, Mathematics and Spanish, Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah. After serving his country in the Korean Conflict, Art earned a Masters of Secondary Education at the University of Utah.  He was award two national science foundation grants while in residence at Utah State University. A distinguished teaching career at Tooele High, Central Jr. High and Skyline High School, was just one of his many accomplishments.

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LORENE D. ESKELSON

1922- 2005

'Renie' grew to be a much loved and wonderful woman, sister and friend. In her teens, she playedsoftball with the 'Shamrocks' professional softball team. She was the first woman from Utah to enlist in the USMC during World War II. On completion of basic training, she was stationed in San Francisco and assigned to drive ambulance to transport the wounded men and women from the ships to the hospitals. After the war, she operated a bar before returning to Utah and higher education at the U of U where she earned her Masters of Psychology degree. She became a teacher, counselor and friend to many students ("her kids") at Skyline High. She treated everyone equally and helped many students graduate by using her counseling skills. She loved and missed them after retiring in 1984 after 29 years service having suffered a minor stroke. She was an accomplished, award-winning photographer, and artist.

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VIVIAN WANGSGARD FITZGERALD

June 11, 1913 – November 2, 2006

Born in Logan, UT.  Graduated from Logan High School as Valedictorian and from Utah State Agricultural College as Valedictorian.  She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  She taught home economics at Granite High School, Skyline High School, and Olympus Jr. High School.  Her family was her passion, and her interest included genealogy, family history and travel.

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RAY F. GILBERT

April 29, 1930 - January 12, 1998

Ray passed away unexpectedly  at the age of 67 at his home in Sandy, Utah.  Born in Salt Lake City and married in the LDS Temple in 1955.  He served in the Army during the Korean War. He possessed a passion and talent for teaching and touched the lives of numerous students throughout his distinguished career as an educator.  He taught and shared his love of mathematics for 15 years at Skyline High School.  He was currently at the Salt Lake Community Collee where he taught Engineering, Math and Calculus. In addition to his teaching career he owned and operated Gilbert and Sons Striping. He loved and appreciated the outdoors and was an avid backpacker and fisherman. 

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ELIZABETH B GILLARD

1923 ~ 2010

Elizabeth B. Gillard, 87, died December 10, 2010, after a brief but valiant fight with cancer. Born June 21, 1923 to Charles Owen and Mabel Caroline Jones Bartlett, she grew up in Tridell, Utah, and was valedictorian of her class at Altera High School in Uintah County. She graduated from the LDS Business College in Salt Lake, becoming the Deputy County Clerk in Vernal in the early 1940's. She married Don C. Hall in the Salt Lake Temple in1945. When he died in 1947, she returned to BYU and graduated with a teaching degree. She taught typing, shorthand, and business practices at Twin Falls Business College, Parowan High School and at Cyprus High School in Magna. There she married Hyrum Earl Carlson in 1956, who died the same year. Three years later, she moved to the East Mill Creek area, where she opened Wasatch Jr. High. Her typing classes there had waiting lists, and were the most popular class offered. She married V. Roy Gillard in 1960, and opened Skyline High School, chartering the Future Business Leaders of America, and opening one of the first credit unions run by students for students, Skyline Student Credit Union. She later opened Taylorsville High School, where she was the department chair until becoming the Coordinator of Business and Marketing Education for Granite School District.

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LARAEE HARRINGTON

Sept 25, 1915 - June 20, 2003 

LaRee Harrington,  passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah from complications due to cancer. During the difficult days of the depression, LaRee worked her way through college at Utah State University, something of which she was very proud. In 1934, a drought struck the Bear Lake Valley and many farms and farm families struggled or "went under." The Hymas' were able to hang on, and with the help of her family and a couple of difficult-to-find part time jobs, she was able to graduate. She became a teacher of Home Economics, a career that lasted more than 30 years in schools in Wyoming, Hawaii, and Utah. Most of LaRee's teaching years were spent at Skyline High School in Salt Lake County, where she taught for many of years. In the later years of her life one of her greatest pleasures was being approached by former students wherever she went, and being told of their love and affection for her, and expressions of appreciation for the things she taught them.

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FLORENCE LARUE MAW HATHAWAY 

1925 ~ 2017


Florence LaRue Maw Hathaway, 92, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2017. LaRue was born on March 15, 1925 then embarked on a 69 year adventure of teaching and loving people and life in the Salt Lake Valley, Superior Wyoming, Arlington Heights Illinois, Vancouver Washington and various other stops in her life's journey. LaRue loved and taught music. She taught music at Superior Elementary, Evergreen JHS and Olympus JHS, and other schools in the Salt Lake Valley and Illinois. LaRue ever sought to contribute to that which was good in the world with never a thought for herself. 

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WANDA BAILEY HOUSTON
1915 - 2012
 

Wanda Bailey Houston, passed away on October 27, 2012 at the age of 97. Wanda Bailey was born on March 26, 1915 in Escalante, Utah. Wanda earned a bachelors degree from the University of Utah in home economics. During her work at the University, she studied the effects of naturally occurring vitamins in fruits and vegetables on health. Wanda taught Home Economics, with an emphasis on foods and clothing, at Granite High School and Skyline High School for many years. Wanda taught her students and grandchildren that cooking was vitally important to health and that anyone can learn to cook.

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VIVIAN NELSON JENSEN

April 16, 1911 - Feb. 21, 2010

Recognizing the need for enhanced education, she and Moroni sold their home in 1949 and with sons in tow, departed Sevier County for New York City where she would obtain her Bachelor's degree from Teachers College Columbia University. Returning to Utah, she resumed her teaching career at Richfield Elementary School. In 1952, she and her family moved to Salt Lake City where she held many positions in the Granite School District including teacher at Valley Jr., librarian at Central Jr., guidance counselor at Olympus High. She finished her career in education as a guidance counselor at Skyline High School in 1976. In November 1980, her husband, who was President of the Utah Senate, died. She was appointed by the late Governor Scott M. Matheson to fulfill the unexpired portion of his term in the Senate. In 1982, she successfully ran for the State House of Representatives where she served for one term.

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CLARANN CARLISLE JACOBS LARSEN

January 14 - January 23, 2017

Clarann Carlisle Jacobs Larsen passed away January 23 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born January 14 in Salt Lake City, to Edward C. Carlisle and Priscilla M. Lindsay. She married Reed M. Jacobs, and then later married the love of her life, Arland L. Larsen. Clarann graduated from Granite High School and the University of Utah, where she was a member of Alpha Chi. She was an active member of the LDS Church throughout her life. She loved church music, serving for many years as ward chorister. Clarann loved life and she loved people, and she was a tremendous influence for hundreds if not thousands of people. For 43 years, she taught English and journalism at Skyline High School, and she enjoyed both her subjects and the students she taught. When she received a Huntsman Educator Award for outstanding teaching in 2001, many former students described how important she had been in their lives and careers. Clarann was keenly interested in pursuing knowledge. She frequently listened to National Public Radio and belonged to the prestigious book club Daria. She often attended the symphony, opera, ballet, and Shakespeare Festival. She loved to travel, and visited places like Russia, China, Machu Picchu and Antarctica. She loved family. She actively participated in family reunions and other events, was very supportive of all extended family and was an avid researcher of family history. She could be relied on to have any needed information about generations of family members. She always had a soft voice, sparking eyes and an infectious smile. She was a compassionate listener who never complained. The family will greatly miss the wise council of this dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

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CLIVE L. JENSEN

Dec. 15, 1922 - Jun 19, 2008

He was a teacher in Blackfoot, ID., Emery County Utah, and Granite School District. He retired from Granite School District after 30 years of service, the last 18 as the Director of Vocational Education. During that time he developed and implemented a program where students built homes under the direction of professional contractors. Many of those students went on to become successful contractors and skilled professionals themselves.

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HENRY JAMES MIDDLETON
1929 - 2020


Surrounded by loved ones, Henry James Middleton, Jr. of South Jordan, Utah our loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather peacefully passed-away on Sept. 5, 2020. Henry was born Oct. 13, 1929 in Ogden Utah to Henry James Middleton and Mabel Anderson Middleton, the oldest of 6 children. Dad grew up in Ogden where his family had resided for several generations. Dad married his eternal companion, LouJean Bowman, on August 11, 1948 in the Logan Utah Temple. He greatly cherished Mom and their family. He sorely missed her when she passed in 2015. They have 4 children, Connie (Jeff) Snarr, Craig (Peggy) Middleton, Brent (Tracy) Middleton, and Michelle (Jeff) Thomson. They have 18 Grandchildren and 30 Great-Grandchildren. Dad was preceded in death by his loving wife LouJean, his brother Doug, his grandchildren Kristen Thomson and Brandon Snarr. Dad pursued Education as his career, with a Bachelor's degree from Weber State College and a Master's degree from Utah State University. Most of his career was spent at Skyline High School where he was both a teacher and a Vice-Principal. He was an outstanding educator and throughout his career in education he touched thousands of lives. As his spirituality increased throughout his life, his examples of being a disciple of Jesus Christ emanated from him. Dad loved to serve, with his latest calling to serve as a Sealer in the Jordan River Temple. He was an excellent father who always watched over and looked for ways to help his children, his posterity, and his neighbors. We always knew of his love and support for each of his children and his posterity. He was a truly kind and gracious man.

Post from Dave Player:

Middleton the Mensch,

It was a cold and dark autumn day in 1970 when I first met Mr. Middleton.
My buddy and I decided we needed a coffee and a cigarette, so we decamped to the nearby bowling alley. We had just added the cream to the brews, and I had knocked off the first, flat ash off my Marlboro when Middleton appeared behind my fellow truants’ right shoulder. He was not a small man, but he could move like a ninja.
He said “don’t get up fellas. Enjoy your time and finish your smokes and coffee. When your done come on down to the office I want to talk to you.” He made it clear he wanted to talk to me, not my friend. That was odd because my record was as spotless as that of Paul Olson. My friend on the other hand had a different record all together. So why did Middleton want to talk to me?
We asked for a refill on the coffee and I had a second smoke to steady myself for what I thought would be a very difficult butt-chewing. Middleton had a reputation as a tough-guy who took no crap and he was significantly bigger than me and I was becoming terrified at the thought of what might take place in his office. My mother was probably going to get a call afterward, and that would be equally unpleasant.
I drove my 1960 Ford Falcon back to Skyline and parked it where I usually did. We had a regular spot on the east perimeter of the school lot so my smoke buddy and one other juvenile delinquent friend could borrow my car and have a little fun while I was at school. In fact, if memory serves, I think I tossed the keys to my friend who had other, more important things to do than go back to class.
I walked into the Adin Office, scared and curious. Mr. Middleton invited me in, thanked me for coming and asked me to sit. This is not so bad I thought. He said that he had looked at my record and that he could assure me that I had enough credits to graduate. So, if I wanted to waste my time I could with no real cost to me. However, Middleton went on, my friend who had just bought the coffee was at risk of not graduating. He said that if he continues missing class he will be heading for trouble and that I should think about that before I lent him my car or participated “sluffing” with him.
We finished with me giving him my assurance that I would do what I could. It was a consequential conversation and one that I will always remember. He appealed to my better self. There was no desk slamming, or tough talk. He simply shot straight with me about outcomes and options.
My friend and I changed the car borrowing arrangement and he got more serious about his studies. He graduated and went on to start a successful business that his son now runs. I am proud to say he remains one of my closest friends even though we live 350 miles apart. Middleton saw, way back then in 1970, that behind all the hair and smoke, my brother truant was a special person and he worked to help him, and in the bargain, he helped me.
That was my only encounter with Mr. Middleton, but he left me a better young man for his guidance. I will always appreciate what he did for my buddy and me. There are likely hundreds, maybe thousands of us who had our life trajectory adjusted by the big ninja. Thanks Mr. Middleton!

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HYRUM MACK PATTEN

FEB 9, 1942 - FEB. 12, 2009

Hyrum Mack Patten, passed away with his family by his side on February 12, 2009 at Canyon Rim Care Center in East Millcreek, Utah due to complications after a long courageous battle with Inclusion Body Myositis. Mack taught at Skyline High School in Salt Lake City Utah for 30 years, where he touched the lives of many students that passed through the doors of his classroom.

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ANTHONY LARSON "TONY" PENDLETON

Oct. 11, 1924 - Aug. 9, 2008

He was raised and educated in St. George, then enlisted in the Navy. He served during World War II on the USS Barnstable in the South Pacific as an electrician. He returned to Dixie College, meeting Leah Peacock from Orangeville. He attended USAC in Logan, UT earning his bachelors degree. He then taught Industrial Arts in the Sanpete, Duchesne, and Granite School Districts for over 35 years.

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JAMES ARTHUR PIERSON

July 25, 1939 – December 26, 1996

After 57 years of service and laughter James Arthur Pierson was called home suddenly due to heart failure.  Jim was born in Menan, Idaho; graduated from Ogden High School and then from Brigham Young University where he was a member of the BYU baseball team, leading the NCAA in home runs. Jim taught and coached at Skyline High School in Salt Lake City for 34 years where he loved and influenced all who knew him. He was an active member of the LDS Church. Jim always had a funny story to tell and a great sense of humor. Children were drawn to him, and he will be affectionately remembered by his children, grandchildren and those he taught and associated with. He generously gave of his time and many talents to family, friends and neighbors.

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ELDA POULSON SMILEY (Muirbrook)

April 28, 1913 - February. 11, 1998

Ida was born in Plain City Utah and attended schools in Ogden and graduated from Weber College with a degree in Elementary Education. She worked at Shingletons sewing center for ten years. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1961 with a degree in Home Economics.  She taught at Olympus and Skyline High Schools until her retirement. Ida loved to sew and was a superior seamstress.  She was artistic and creative and could fix almost anything. She was devastated when macular degeneration robbed her of her eyesight.

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BETTY SUE ROSS

Betty Sue Ross, 77, of Sun City West, AZ, formerly of Salt Lake City, passed away on August 30, 1999. Born in Shreveport, LA in 1922, Betty Sue graduated from LSU in May, 1942 with highest honors. Betty Sue taught Latin, English and history at Skyline, Olympus and Granite High Schools, over a span of 20 years.

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DAN ROSS SLAUGHTER

July 21, 1927 - Nov. 11, 2002

Dan was born July 21, 1927 to Steve Andrew and Elizabeth Aeschimann Slaughter. He married Vondell Whitlock on Sept. 15, 1950. They had five children. Dan graduated from Jordan High School, the University of Utah with a science degree and additional 60 graduate hours. He received a full scholarship to the University of Oregon with a masters degree in mathematics plus 35 hours. Dan served two years in the U.S. Navy. He taught math in Granite School District for 31 years and University of Utah. He loved staying fit by jogging, walking, and working in his garden. The past 10 years he has been very happy raising his Champion Arabian horse, Koriadni.

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Pearl Nacenta Sorenson

June 27, 1927 - January 3, 2019
Pearl Nacenta Sorenson 91 passed away January 3, 2019 in Sandy Utah. Pearl was born in Dividend, a small silver and gold mining town in Utah, to immigrant parents Pilar and Antonio Nacenta. Her family moved to Payson Utah where she attended high school. She received a bachelor's degree in education from Westminster College, the first college degree in her family.
Pearl met LaMar Sorenson while teaching at Peteetneet Elementary school in Payson. She fell for his pick-up line, "Hey Toots What's Up". They married and together with teamwork became the founders of the famous, Iceberg Drive Inn.  Pearl taught at Rose Crest Elementary, Hillview Elementary and later at Churchill Junior High and Skyline High School, where she taught Spanish (she affectionately referred to it as the language of God). She and LaMar always gave back, volunteering time reading to the children at primary children's hospital. They promoted the love of reading and opportunity for kids through education and hard work.

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JOHN ALLEN STEVENS

Dec 7th, 1936 - April 25th, 2002

Graduated from Utah State in 1959 and later received a Masters in Education from Westminster College. His career in education began as a coach and teacher in Kimberly, Idaho. In 1964, he continued his career at Skyline High School in Salt Lake City from which he retired after 31 years of dedicated service.  He passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimers disease. 

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James R. Stewart

Aug 24, 1937 ~ Feb 10, 2019

James (Jim) Reed Stewart (81) passed away after an illness on February 10, 2019 at The Abbington Senior Living Community in Holladay, Utah. Jim was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah, on August 24, 1937 to James R. Stewart and Ellen D. Stewart. Jim was the middle of three children and was a graduate of Olympus High School, in Holladay, Utah, Pacific Lutheran College in Parkland, Washington, and the Pacific Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. Jim was a life-long oil and water color artist and a sculptor. He was an avid collector of antiques. Jim was also a long-time teacher of art at Skyline High School and a counselor at Granger High School. Jim loved art, he loved teaching and counseling young people, and he loved traveling and his friends. He touched many lives.

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W. LAMONT THORNOCK 

Aug 25, 1912 - Feb. 2, 2002

Lamont was very out-going and friendly and welcomed all visitors to their home, insisting they eat a meal no matter what time of day or night it was. He was raised on a farm and developed a strong work ethic. He loved sports and excelled at any he tried. He lettered in athletics multiple years at USAC and in 1935 he earned a gold medal in the 145-lb class Inter- Mountain A.A.U. Championship wrestling competition. The high school sports teams he coached always ranked high. In later years he was an excellent golfer and worked out daily at athletic clubs until he was 87 years old. Education was very important to LaMont. He graduated from USAC and attended many advanced courses related to his work throughout his life. He was a dedicated teacher who touched countless lives teaching high school and coaching many sports, especially football and wrestling. He was highly respected and long remembered by his students and co-workers. After he retired, he traveled in many parts of the world and everywhere he went, he met someone who remembered him for his influence in their lives.

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THERON TELFORD (Bud) WISER

November 27, 1026 – May 28, 2009

Theron was born in Lewiston, UT and passed away peacefully at his home in Nampa, ID. He left Lewiston to serve his country in the Merchant Marines and later the 82nd Airborne. He served an LDS Mission to the Southern States and graduated from the University of Utah in Architecture Landscaping and received his teaching degree. He taught History at Skyline High School and was a teacher to all.  He worked as a carpenter for the DFCM at the Utah State Capitol.

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M. JAMES WOODWARD

1925 ~ 2011
Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 13, 2011 in Salt Lake City. He was born June 21, 1925 to Charles S. and Marion Woodward. Graduated from East High. Joined the Marines in 1943, serving in the Pacific on the USS Enterprise receiving five Battle Stars. Graduated from the University of Utah with Masters Degree. Mens Student President, member Phi Kappa Alpha, Skull and Bones, Owl and Key, Beehive Honor Societies, U of U National Championship 1947 Basketball Team, State Handball Champ, All Church Golf Champ. Champion in sports and many peoples lives. Married Marsy Hall in the Salt Lake Temple, 1947. Head Basketball and Golf Coach at Skyline High School. Master woodworker making beautiful furniture for his entire family. Went to Jacksonville, Florida on a mission with Marsy. Faithful High Priest serving in many capacities. Never quit coaching, smiling and never complained.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marsy; three children James H. (Carolyn), Jamey (Gary) Toomb, and Chris (Heidi); sister Marion and brother Ralph; 13 Grandchildren, and 29 Great-Grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and a sister.


Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Big Cottonwood Stake Center, 1750 East Spring Lane. Family and Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, and again one hour prior to the services at the church.

 

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Submitted by Chris Caprin

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VERLE A WORKMAN

July 11, 1935 - Dec 24, 2000

Verle A. Workman, 65, passed away Dec. 24, 2000 at St. Marks hospital of a cerebral aneurysm. Served in the military in the USMC during the Korean Conflict. He worked as an educator in the Granite School District at Skyline High School.