Verl Topham

Verl Reed Topham

August 25, 1934 -

May 10, 2022

Salt Lake City, UT—Verl Topham was born in the Southern Utah town of Paragonah to Angus Reed Topham and Louesa Wilcock Topham. As a descendant of Mormon Pioneers, he and his sisters, Ludean and Janette, grew up amid farming and ranching. Later, the family relocated to Salt Lake City where Verl attended West High School. After his junior year, he was awarded a scholarship through The Ford Foundation and he was admitted to the University of Utah at age 16. He graduated from the University of Utah in pre-law at age 20 and subsequently served as an officer in the United States Air Force for three years. While serving in the Air Force, he married Darlene Sharp, who died in 1961.

Following his service in the Air Force, Verl returned to the University of Utah and received his J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law in 1960. He was a clerk for Justice Alan Crockett of the Supreme Court of Utah and subsequently began his legal career in private practice.

In 1962, Verl married Joyce Moss. They had three children, Lisa, Reed and Maria. Verl and Joyce welcomed ten grandchildren.

Verl had a very diverse and accomplished career. Following several years in private practice, Verl took a position with the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Utah. From there, he was recruited to join the legal department of Utah Power and Light in 1972. Verl held a number of positions at Utah Power, moving from Associate General Counsel to Chief Financial Officer and Commercial Manager and ultimately Chief Executive Officer. Following the merger of Utah Power with PacifiCorp, Verl served as a member of the Board of Directors and General Counsel of PacifiCorp until his retirement.

Throughout his career, Verl realized the importance of community involvement and worked with many organizations, serving on and chairing several boards and committees, including the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Utah Opera, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Westminster College, Natural History Museum, and others. He served as one of three members of the Executive Committee of the Bid Committee for the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games 2002 and he was very proud to be part of the efforts to bring the Olympics to Utah. Verl also enjoyed the many social connections he made at the Alta Club and the Salt Lake Country Club.

Among many awards, Verl was proud to be honored with the Giant in our City award by the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. He also received honorary degrees from Southern Utah University and Westminster College.

Verl believed strongly in education, emphasizing a strong foundation in history, art, and the classics. He passed these values on to his children and grandchildren, as well as numerous students he mentored over the years.

Verl is survived by his wife Joyce, his children, Lisa (Paul) Fotheringham, Reed (Anna) Topham, Maria (Kirk) Bowden, and ten grandchildren: Jason, Scott, Tom and Megan Fotheringham, Will, Matt and Tyler Bowden, and Austin, Cole and Finn Topham.

Family members wish to express their great appreciation for the loving care and professionalism of the staff of Legacy Village Sugarhouse and Enhabit Home Health & Hospice.

A private family service will be held prior to internment at Wasatch Lawn. To honor Verl, contributions to the Utah Shakespeare Festival or the Verl Topham Scholarship at Westminster College are welcome.