1922-2012



Wallace B. Mears died peacefully at his home in Bountiful, Utah, on the sunny morning of June 27, 2012, in the presence of his wife, Shirley, and eldest daughter, Janene Spencer, having spent the previous evening with all his children and several grandchildren. Born May 9, 1922, in Salt Lake City, Wally graduated from South High School, attended the University of Utah for less than a year, then forfeited his football scholarship to enter flight training for the Navy. He later served in the Merchant Marine as a Midshipman Engineer. In 1944 he married his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Jean Fellows, beginning their 68 years together as husband and wife.

He is survived by his wife; five children: Mark (Kathy), Janene Spencer, Lu Ann Samuelsen, Scott (Wendy), and Kenny (Kriston); 14 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. In his earlier years Wally was a scratch golfer and an avid hunter and fisherman, but his lasting passion was skiing. He was a ski instructor at Alta for 60 years, teaching on Saturdays as a second “job”. After developing a chronic lung condition at the age of 84, he continued to ski the Albion run at Alta with his oxygen tank strapped to his back until even that was impossible. (He was also known to play a round of golf, placing the oxygen tank on the ground between his feet before swinging away.) He worked at the Utah Oil Company refinery (later Amoco) for 40 years, starting on the labor crew and finishing as manager of the product inspection laboratory. After retiring in 1984, he enjoyed traveling with his wife (and often friends and family) in his RV. He and Shirley remained lovingly involved in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, attending many school and athletic events, and never forgetting a birthday. Wally was a faithful member of the LDS Church, holding a number of service positions in his ward and in the Bountiful Temple.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Intermountain Medical Center ICU and the South Davis Community Hospital for giving Dad more time with us and South Davis Hospice for supporting and comforting Dad and the family during his decline. Special thanks to you, Danny. A viewing will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, July 6, 2012 at Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah). Funeral services will be held at noon on July 7, 2012 at the Bountiful 28th Ward meeting house (2285 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah), with a viewing prior to the funeral at 11 a.m. Condolences may be posted at http://www.larkinmortuary.com.