GEORGE CONLEE

George Wilbur "Will" Conlee 1920 ~ 2010 George Wilbur ("Will") Conlee, loving husband, father and grand-father, passed away December 4, 2010 at CareSource Hospice in Holladay, Utah. He was 90 years old.Will was born on October 14, 1920, the son of Eldon and Arabelle Beasley Conlee, in Louder, Illinois. He fell in love with Grace Adele Tucker and married her in 1942 while a pharmacy student at the University of Illinois. He then served in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for his valor during combat. After the war, Will returned to his bride and remained married to her for 68 years until death separated their mortal union. They raised two sons, Tom and John Conlee, in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. Will was preceded in death by his mother Arabelle and son Tom who passed away in 2005. He is survived by his wife Grace of Salt Lake City, Utah and his son John also of Salt Lake City. He is also survived by his brother John Franklin Conlee of Ana Cortez, Washington, his daughter-in-law Lawanna Conlee of Urbana, Illinois and his granddaughter, Jade Conlee of New York City. Will was a devoted husband and father. He worked for more than 40 years as a potter in the Ceramic Engineering Department at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. He loved fishing, dancing, cooking, and participating wholly in his children's lives. He was gentle and never threatening to anyone. A devout father, Will coached Little League and Pee Wee football, and he was the Cub Master of our troop. We were so proud of you Dad. You were always there, supporting us with your warmth and unconditional acceptance and love. Thank you for all you did for us. I also know what a special place you had in your heart for your granddaughter. You were so proud of Jade's amazing talent and loved to hear her play. You're deep love and appreciation of piano gave you an insatiable ear for her playing, one that was never quite fulfilled. Jade was one of the proudest and most cherished treasures of your life. Dad, you were a gentle giant in our lives. We felt safe in your presence with you guiding us through the maze of life's twists and turns. You're ethereal presence internalized in all who loved you continues to guide and provide an inner source of strength and wisdom. You will be deeply missed. We thank Dr. Hannadi Farrukh of the Madsen Clinic for her superb care of Dad, the Neuro Acute Care Unit at the University Hospital for their professionalism and compassionate care, and CareSource Hospice who made the last day of my dad's life both bearable and inviting. An informal celebration of Will's life will be held at Cottonwood Creek, 1245 Murray-Holladay Road (about 4700 South and 1300 East), Salt Lake City, 84117 on Saturday, December 18 from 1:00 -4:00 p.m.