DONALD WILLEY

Donald Marion Willey 1929 ~ 2010 A Giant of a Man Donald Marion Willey passed into immortality on Sunday, January 24, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. His life was one exemplified by integrity, compassion and a magnificent sense of humor.Don was born in Ogden, Utah on September 22, 1929 to Marion and Delsa Willey. In 1936, his family moved to Salt Lake City where he attended Hawthorne Elementary, South High and the University of Utah. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity where he made life long friends. He married the love of his life, Joleen Shurtleff, on November 14, 1950. In 1951, he graduated from Ford Merchandising School in Detroit, MI, and joined his father in the automobile industry. Marion Willey and Son Ford has grown from a small corner dealership on Bountiful's Main Street to the present facility at 1800 So. Main under Don's capable leadership. In 1989, he acquired the Honda franchise also in Bountiful. Now, the third and fourth generation of Willey's are continuing the tradition established by Don: "My handshake is my word." Don served on the Ford Dealer Council, Salt Lake District in 1961 and the National Dealer Council in 1962 representing the western region of the U.S. He was elected to the Ford Dealer Advertising Assn, serving as its chairman for three terms. From 1968 to 1984, he served with Ezra Clark as a director on the Davis County Bank board. In 1965 he joined his good friend, Gerald Christensen, as director of the First Federal Savings, continuing until it was sold to Wells Fargo. He was a charter member of Oakridge Country Club in 1956, and elected as its president in 1965. He was also a member of the Springs Club in Rancho Mirage, CA, and the New State Duck Club for many years. His current memberships include the Salt Lake Country Club and the Alta Club. Many happy days were spent playing golf with the Dunn group and bridge with his buddies at the Alta Club. His love of fly fishing led to the formation of "The Willey," a group of friends gathering annually at the Teton Valley Lodge in Driggs, ID. And after more than 20 years, this group continues into the second generation, fishing the Snake. In 1986, the family cabin was built in Moose, WY, which the family will continue to enjoy for many generations. Mere words are inadequate to fully express the influence this wonderful husband, father and grandfather has bestowed upon us. Memories of his spontaneous wit will continue to evoke laughter whenever retold. "I'll do whatever you want me to: I'll hold the horses or rob the bank." Don was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Donna; and her daughter, Lori. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joleen; his daughters, Shawna and Jim Romera, Susie and Kirk Heaton; his son Duff and Lori, all of Bountiful. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his niece, Pamela Britt; her sons, Josh and Justus; and David Nelson and his family. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Moss Hill LDS Ward, 455 So. 1200 East, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, and before the services Thursday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Ward. A celebration of life will be held at the Alta Club, 100 E. South Temple, for family and close friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Moran Eye Center, 65 Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com