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BORN
1938
DIED
2018
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Gary Walton Obituary
Gary served a three year mission in French Polynesia that began a life-long love of Tahiti, her people, and languages. An outstanding teacher of English, Drama and English as a Second Language for over thirty years, he touched many lives. Gary was passionate about music, always a drummer (on any surface), a harmonica player, and a founding member, 39 years ago, of Jay Welch Choral which became Salt Lake Choral Artists. A lover of literature with a radio-worthy voice, he recorded hundreds of stories for family and friends.
Gary is survived by his brothers Hal and David (Dorothy), his wife of 50 years, Mary Lee (Frampton), their children Mark (Morgane), Paul (Marcie), Michael, James (Maggie), Emily, John (Nicole), and Rose, and their grandchildren Amanda, Nicholas, Charlie, and Moira.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 2nd, 6-8 PM and Saturday, February 3rd 10 AM, followed by the funeral at 11 AM. All services will be held at the Ensign 1st Ward at 135 A Street, Salt Lake City. Special thanks to Dr. Beth Hanlon, Anne Wolters, and the staff at Hearts for Hospice, especially Rachel Reynolds and Tonya Trujillo. Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Walton
Sponsored by Serenity Funeral Home of Bluffdale.
Ray and Nancy Wilmot
February 3, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Walton family on the passing of Gary. He was a valuable teaching colleague for many years. Both he and Mary provided a humorous, balanced influence during the tumultuous teen years of our kids. On a bike trip in the mountains many years ago with many scouts, Gary followed the line of bicyclists in his van, offering whatever encouragement was needed. He was always there to help.
Scott Savage
February 1, 2018
Sorry to hear about Gary passing. He was a great man and great friend. He taught his children well. His son's Mark and Paul were great artist and babysitters for my kids when I lived near by back in the day. Mary was always so helpful and kind, it's just a wonderful family. God be with you at this time as you remember Gary.
January 31, 2018
Our families were neighbors on 10th Avenue and remained friends after we moved to Springdale, UT (Zion National Park). Gary was a gentle soul, a full time dad, and a loving husband. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. I will never forget the time we took care of their dog Sophie while the family went on one of many wonderful vacations. She was not at all fond of Hans, and although she shared our bed for two weeks I don't think she slept. She was using all her energy to growl at Hans.
With much love, The Hans J. Suerig Family
sharon smith (back then)
January 30, 2018
"Mr.Walton" made high school bearable...my favorite teacher. Thank you to his family for all the time he gave to his students. He made a difference.
Scott Perry
January 30, 2018
In my 9th Grade drama class at West High, Gary went on to the little stage and drew the curtain. The exercise was that he would drop an object and we would have to guess what it was; some sort of sensory awareness thing. After he shouted Number One he dropped what sounded like a 2x4. We kids giggled and skittered out the door into the hallway. Number Two! came his shout from inside the room, behind the curtain. Thud! went the dropping of a book. We snickered. Number Three! ... this went on until "7" or "8" before he caught on and hauled us back into the room. Thanks Gary for some of my fondest high school memories; for all you taught me about self-worth and finding my voice. Thanks, too, for the introduction to some of my lifelong friends. You were one of the greats.
Morgane Walton
January 29, 2018
Last week was extremely difficult and at the end of it I lost a father figure. And it hurts me even more that many people I love have lost something even greater. Gary was always curious, always learning, he was smart and kind and silly, and he was generous in his affection, his support and in sharing knowledge. If I believe in an afterlife then I imagine him living in a cabin, surrounded by Zion mountains, able to walk and run again, and there's always music playing, as well as a special radio on which he can hear us, his family, talking, arguing, laughing and singing, because we were his happy place and he will always be ours. Before I see him again, I'll miss him calling me "kiddo", encouraging me, telling me stories, saying things like "Now, with what you know about the roots of this word, what could it mean?", having lunch with Mark and me, and making faces at Moira (even to the very end). I'm so lucky and happy I knew him and that I'm the wife to his son and mother to his grand-daughter, to whom both he gave so much of himself. We translated "Here Comes the Sandman" into French together and I sing it to Moira all the time.
Cgristine Hunt
January 29, 2018
Rich Erwin and I, Christine, are so sorry to hear of Gary's death. We send our condolences. We have many fond memories of him and all the family when we lived on G street.
Jahn
January 29, 2018
Sending warm condolences to the Walton Family. I did not know Gary, but met him recently. He was warm and welcoming to me. I hope Mike and all of his family and friends have those fond memories of their husband, father, uncle and friend to comfort them.
January 29, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a wonderfully grand fellow and I have always enjoyed my interactions with him. May God's blessings be with you all at this time.
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