Donald Gary Wall
Donald Gary Wall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away suddenly on Monday, Jan. 23 in Orem, Utah.
He was respected and admired by all who knew him during his 73 years.
Gary was the youngest of four children born to Cletus and Edna (Hanson) Wall, in Price, Utah, on July 16, 1949. He met his sweetheart, Mary Ellen (Ellie) Gaffney, as a teenager in Everett. They graduated together from Everett High School in 1967.
Gary attended The University of Arizona after high school, then served two years in the East Central States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Gary continued his studies after his mission, graduating from Brigham Young University in 1974. Gary also completed a Master of Education at University of Puget Sound and a Doctor of Education from BYU.
Gary had a fulfilling 30-plus year career in education, beginning in Washington State as an assistant principal and assistant superintendent for Lynden School District.
He then served as the superintendent for Granite Falls School District and as an adjunct professor at Western Washington University.
Later, in Utah, Gary taught as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, before finally retiring in 2019 as director of human resources for Provo City School District.
Gary and Ellie were married in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple on June 15, 1971, and raised their five children in Washington State.
Gary served tirelessly in the church as a youth leader, teacher, bishop, high councilor and most recently as a service missionary with Ellie at the Provo MTC.
Gary loved his family and faith. Being a husband, father and grandfather were his passion.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching grandkids’ sporting events and even coaching a little, spending time on his boat in the summer, being on the golf course, playing games, telling stories and silly jokes, and sharing nostalgic experiences like riding Peter Pan at Disneyland with Ellie and each of his 14 grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife Ellie; his daughters Michelle Eldredge (David) and Amy Johnson (Shad); his sons Ben, Matt (Erica), and Dave (Lucy); grandchildren Kelton, Elder Cooper Wall, Elder Eli Wall, Ainsley, Blake, Beckett, Addie, Sam, Gavin, Grady, Griffin, Gabby, Hudson and Brixton. He is also survived by his brother Jim Wall, his sister Marilyn Bower, Ellie’s eight siblings and spouses, and numerous nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tim Wall.
Funeral Services were held Jan. 27 in Orem, Utah.
Interment in Orem City Cemetery, Orem, Utah.
