LaVar E. Stark

LaVar E. Stark OGDEN - Prominent Ogden and Utah lawyer, LaVar E. "Bud" Stark died at the age of 87 on February 25, 2011 following a short illness. He was born July 16, 1923 in Burley, Idaho to Albert L. and Violet Stark. After living briefly in Burley and Denver, his family moved to Ogden where he attended Polk Elementary, Central Junior High and Ogden High, graduating in 1941. In 1942, Bud joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He also volunteered to serve during the Korean War and was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island and Oakland, California. He continued his service as a member of the Naval Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He loved this country and was very proud of the service he was able to provide to it. Following his World War II service, Bud returned home to attend the University of Utah. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1947 and earned his law degree from the University of Utah Law School in 1949. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Bud loved the University of Utah football games and enjoyed his daughters’ annual tailgate and football event, always held on the stormiest day of the season. He fell in love with Mary Jean Skinner and married her on December 19, 1948. Bud and Mary were the parents of four daughters--who loved them both tremendously. Mary died December 19, 1980. In 1986 he found happiness again when he married Joan Krumbach. Joan brought many years of joy and fun into Bud’s life. They have loved and supported each other throughout their marriage. Joan is deeply appreciated and loved by the family. He practiced law briefly in Salt Lake City before moving to Ogden to open his law practice. Among the many clients Bud appreciated and worked with for decades were the Weber Basin Home Builders Association and the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District. He also served as Roy City attorney for several years. He was active in both the Weber County and Utah State Bar associations, holding many different offices including serving on the Utah State Bar Commission and acting as president of the Utah State Bar Association in 1973-74. He is also a former president of the University of Utah Law School Alumni. He was admitted to practice before the Utah Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court of Utah, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Military Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American Inn of Court VII and he is the recipient of the Utah State Bar Association's Amicus Curiae of the Court award. At the age of 75, he earned his certification from the University of Oregon Law School to serve as conflict mediator. Go Ducks!!! He was an avid fisherman, golfer, skier and bike rider and loved traveling, especially to Sun Valley, Jackson Hole and to Newport on the Oregon Coast. He also loved his dogs. After suffering a brief health set back in 2002 at the age of 79, he made a renewed vow to his health becoming a vegetarian and increasing his dedication to active living so he could continue to travel with Joan, walk his dog on the Mt. Ogden Golf Course trail and workout at the gym. He practiced law for 57 years, closing his practice in September 2005. He was a one-of-a-kind person whose life made an impact on many and whose passing will leave a void. He is survived and will be missed dearly by his wife, Joan; his daughters, Susan Stark Haydon, Kristin Stark Bredemann, Nancy Stark, and Diane Stark Rentner; his son-in-laws, Pat Haydon, Mark Bredemann, Harper Loyning, and Steve Rentner; his grandchildren, Wendy Loyning,(and husband Joe Harkins) Samuel Bud Stark-Loyning, Joseph Stark Philip Rentner and Mary Olivia Stark Rentner; his brother, John Stark (and wife Janice) and his sister, Judy Macner (and husband Ed), and, very importantly, his dog, Pip. The family will greet friends on Friday, March 4th from 1 to 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah for those who would like to pay their respects. A short graveside ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road, South Ogden, where full Military Honors will be accorded. The family would like to thank those who have provided support in this difficult period. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of LaVar E. Stark to the Navy Memorial (www.navymemorial.org); World War II Memorial (www.wwiimemorial.com), the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. Email condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com