Wallace Penrose

Wallace Kay Penrose was born April 11, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Wallace Herbert Penrose and Laura Ann Kay. He passed peacefully at home in Taylorsville, Utah on October 21, 2024. He was happy, patient, and witty. He greeted everyone with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

Wally grew up near Liberty Park, where he learned to ice skate and play hockey. After graduating from East High School in 1949, he began working at Nehi Beverage Company.

Wally served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Isles. While there, he had the privilege of reading the contents of the cornerstone box at the London Temple dedication. After his mission, he attended the University of Utah and later, Brigham Young University, where he added his tenor voice to the Men's Chorus. He enjoyed singing in church choirs, quartets, and double quartets.

From 1953-1955, he served in an Army tank division during the Korean conflict. After six additional years in the National Guard, he was honorably discharged in June 1961. Many unique experiences from his service in the Army have been told and retold to family and friends. Wally was very athletic and played on one of Utah's early travelling hockey teams, the Salt Lake Seagulls. He also enjoyed playing baseball and later in life, watching football, tennis and volleyball.

He married Edith Clarine Lank June 3, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a home and began family life in Taylorsville, Utah. Wally and Clarine welcomed four children into their lives: Roger, Robert, Keith, and Laura. These days were always exciting. Many families in the Taylorsville area became cherished friends and neighbors.

Wally retired from Hercules Incorporated after a 31-year career in estimation and negotiations. Upon retirement, he spent his days searching out his ancestors and helping others with their genealogy.

He served in many callings in the church and had a strong testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. He understood the gospel principles and covenant path, often expressing his testimony to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Clarine; children Roger (Bonnie), Keith, and Laura Johnson (Craig); daughter-in-law Laural Penrose Rigby (Jamie); ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Wally is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Laura Mae and Darlene, brothers Russell and Johnnie, and son Robert.

A memorial service will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Westbrook 7th Ward (6364 South 3200 West, Taylorsville, Utah) with interment at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please do an act of kindness for someone.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent health care administered by professionals from the United Fire Agency, Intermountain Health, Monument Health, and Inspiration Hospice. Special thanks to Eduardo Allencar, Jenna, Jolene, and Juan, who were with Wally and his family often throughout his hospice.