Raymond Conrad Edvalson

MMA - Mixed Medium Art Thank you, Ray Edvalson, a genius in art who as a kid I didn't know had a master's of fine art. At 10 years old for a nickel I would take a bus from Millcreek to Sugarhouse - I loved the private art lessons at your house. The kiln in your basement, the patience of Job, coloring, painting, firing, pouring, creating art with mixed medium, with sand and with plaster of paris and tiles cut to inlay a child's folding table with a flamingo and flowers. Meticulous...

I have treasured childhood memories of visits with "Aunt" Trudy (my father's first cousin) and "Uncle" Ray Edvalson. Their home was filled with love and laughter. It was pure joy playing with my cousins Trudy Lynne, Joanne, and Carrol. Uncle Ray was a wonderful man. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a beautiful smile, and a hug ready for everyone. He will always hold a special spot in my heart. We all loved our family reunions and I'm sure my mother and father are so happy to see him....

I was sorry to hear of Mr. Ed's passing. In my senior year I was a huge Beatle fan and he helped me complete life sized busts of Lennon and McCartney. I still have them in my living room, and keep a lot of the other art I created over 4 years in his classes. Sadly, I was never able to make a career of my art, but it has been a wonderful hobby and I owe a lot to this man for helping me unlock my talents. - Dave Bench, East High Class of '82

Every spring, Mr. Ed would select pieces of artwork done by his students to go to the Springville art show. During my senior year (1980-81), he selected a piece of art I'd completed the previous winter, a black and white abstract of Alice in Wonderland. I was embarrassed that my artwork hadn't been framed, and I couldn't afford to have it framed. The Friday before the art exhibit, I walked into homeroom to find my artwork beautifully framed. This gentle giant of a man took the time...

Trudy,
I know my mother (Lucille Tolman) would want me to express her condolences to you at this time. She thought so much of you, and you were such a special friend and colleague of hers, I am sure that her thoughts are with you even though she has long ago passed on. May our Heavenly Father's choicest blessings be with you.

We will always remember the Edvalsons as wonderful neighbors and great friends we could always count on. Dennis, Sandra and I have many choice memories including Ray as my first Scoutmaster. We were sorry we found out late and were unable to make the viewing or funeral. Please know of our love and assurance that a loving, kind and faithful husband, father, grandfather and friend has moved on to his eternal reward. May the Lord's peace and His choicest blessings and the comforting and absolute...

I remember both Brother Edvalson and Sister Edvalson when we all lived in the Highland Park Ward. My maiden Name was Nancy Humphrey and I was 18 then. I am now 72. My Mom was Viola Martain and she and my Step Dad Jack, were in the same Book of Mormon Study Group many years ago. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing and my prayers are with Trudy and family. He had a wonderful life and I have many memories of him in the "old" ward.

Nancy Miller
Palm Harbor, FL

I will always remember Ray as a stalwart friend with an empathetic heart. He and Trudy were my mentors in meeting life's challanges with a positive attitude sprinkled generously with faith. Our sincerest condolences to Ray's family.
Neil and Joan Van Leeuwen

In the ‘70s at East High, we called him “Mr. Ed”. He was an exceptional artist, teacher and human being.

Though I had a number of excellent teachers, I don’t think there is anyone who had a more profound and lasting influence on my life. To this day, drawing, painting, sculpture continue to be important components of this life. I love looking at others’ work and creating my own.

I also recall one sculpture I made that I had put a lot of work into and was quite...