W. Paul Wharton

W. Wharton Obituary

W. Paul Wharton
In Loving Memory
SALT LAKE CITY-W. Paul Wharton, died Thursday, February 14, 2019. He was 82. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Nathaniel and Deeda, he had four siblings, Ralph, Lenny, Sheila (deceased) and Elsa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel C. Hale.
Paul was tenacious, brilliantly intelligent, and a spectacular orator. He attended Harvard without completing his degree before enlisting in the US Army, 1958-61. His experience with WHRD, the university radio station, proved helpful as he hosted a classical music program on AFN, the American Forces Network Europe, in Frankfurt-am-Main.
Following the military, Paul briefly worked in Idaho Falls at the National Reactor Testing Station before relocating to Salt Lake City. He worked as taxi driver and later dispatcher before enrolling at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. He served as editor of the Journal of Contemporary Law. After passing the bar, he became a staff attorney for Utah Legal Services, defending and advocating for the rights of seniors.
Paul was a staunch liberal and defender of the common man. He was committed to social justice and advocating for those without a voice.
The light of Paul's life was his wife, Ethel. For more than 50 years, they were companions, community activists and long-time advocates for peace and equality under the law. They loved to garden, tend to their property, named Singing Waters, and feeding the birds that shared their home.
In 1970, they challenged the broadcast license of KSL, establishing the right of ordinary citizens to be heard while contesting licenses. Carrying on that experience, they drafted the broadcast license application for community radio station 90.9 FM KRCL. He served for 15 years on the Board of Directors and ad hoc attorney for the station.
He is survived by Steve Bogden (stepson), Robert and Heather (grandchildren), four great-grandchildren and a loving extended family.
Services will be held at their home, 436 East 800 South Salt Lake City on Wednesday, February 27 at 4:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Utah Chapter of the ACLU (www.acluutah.org) or KRCL.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for W. Wharton

8 Entries

Janet Jones

March 16, 2019

The world has lost a very special person when Paul left this world. He was there for me to steer me through a legal nightmare at a time when there was no one else. He had such a cool and suave manner about him that it made you feel like everything was going to be alright. He could make you laugh when you really wanted to cry. He did so much to help me in a time of need and I will never forget him.He left the world a little better than it was when he came into it. It would be nice of there were a lot more like him. He was a special man.

Katherine Elizabeth Hill Adams

February 27, 2019

I wish our family's had been closer. I always loved to talk with and listen to my Aunt Ethel and Uncle Paul. I'm deeply saddened I did not see more of either of them. I will miss being able to call and talk with them. Peace to you Uncle Paul.

Daela Taeoalii-Higgs

February 27, 2019

We met through KRCL. He held his wife Ethel in the highest esteem. A fantastic storyteller but never more so then when he was referencing his beloved. May their reunion be sweet.

Elizabeth Giraud

February 25, 2019

Paul and Ethel were true stalwarts of the Central City Community Council. How refreshing to meet people as committed and joyous as they were. Thank you, Paul and Ethel, for lifting the liberal torch high and for bringing us KRCL! Our city is better because of you. Thank you for making a difference.

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Dorothy (Suzy) Wigod

February 25, 2019

Cherishing the memory of my beloved old friend.

Maggie Laun

February 25, 2019

I remember going door to door with Paul when we were campaigning for some cause. He did know every nuance of Salt Lake City. Which side of streets were even and odd and how to navigate. But beyond that, he was a true mentor for me as I navigated the world of KRCL. And beyond that,, he helped me reset my compass to what was right. I also learned a bit about gardening. A beacon that will be missed.

Bruce Plenk

February 23, 2019

That smile and a bow tie captured a lot of Paul Wharton. A clear thinker with a radical left perspective on American history, he worked for "the little people," who were big for him. His work at Utah Legal Services was always done with an open heart and a sharp mind. He used the legal system to redress wrongs, not to cause them.

Probably the only aspect of Paul's life that wasn't specifically focused this way was his work as a cab dispatcher, but even then he was known for helping the drivers. Way before Google maps made everyone an expert on streets, Paul knew every street, place, alley and way in and around SLC and could get a driver there on the most direct route. He used that same analytic part of his brain and his long memory in his legal and political work, helping those around him to understand where they had to go. He and Ethel were our elders on a lot of good causes over the years, always showing up and helping us find the right path.

Stephanie Woody

February 22, 2019

I admired this gentleman a great deal when I knew him during my early years with Salt Lake County Aging Services. Thank you Paul for all you served.

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