Lowell J. Roskelley

Lowell J. Roskelley

OGDEN a€" Lowell John Roskelley passed away at his home on Thursday, May 3, 2007. He was born February 14, 1913 in Brigham City, Utah to C.O. and Ella Frances Smith Roskelley.

One of the greatest gifts he left to his children and grandchildren was his incredible work ethic. He learned this at an early age by hoeing beets, picking cherries, and milking cows for neighbors as a boy. He graduated from Box Elder High School, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Manufacturing from Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) in 1934. In his professional life, this ethic was reflected in his work in the dairy industry including such jobs as laboratory technician, foreman in a commercial dairy, market milk specialist, and ice cream manufacturer. Later on, he completed a successful career in environmental health.

Lowell shared his love of the outdoors with his family and friends. He took every opportunity to take them hunting and fishing. As a young boy, he spent time with his father as he surveyed. One of his favorite sports was cross-country running. As a spectator he enjoyed many other sports.

Lowell supported his children and grandchildren in all their artistic endeavors watching concerts and listening to them perform often. He especially loved to listen to violin music and tenors.

Lowell also left a legacy of service and dedication in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Alta Roskelley on June 4, 1938 in Tacoma, Washington, and they were sealed by David O. McKay in the Salt Lake Temple on September 9, 1938. He served faithfully in many callings, including 25 years as ward clerk. A dedicated volunteer, he served as an employment specialist and supervised quality control at the canning facility in Idaho Falls. Lowell enjoyed serving in the Idaho Falls Temple, and he and Alta served as Family History missionaries in the Ogden Family History Center.

Lowell was dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America. He served in many capacities on the Snake River (Twin Falls, Idaho) Boy Scout Area Council, acting as chairman of various district committees, as an executive board member, and as district vice-chairman. He received the Governor Len Jordan award for outstanding Boy Scout achievement work a€" one of the first such awards presented in Idaho.

Lowell also loved and served his country. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in R.O.T.C. at Utah State. He was classified as an expert marksman. He served six years active duty in the U.S. Army, including all of World War II, continuing in the Army Reserve for a total of 30 years. During this time, he participated in varied training schools and served as an intelligence staff officer, anti-aircraft searchlight commander, coast artillery commander, and plans and training staff officer. He received an American Defense Service medal and retired as a Lt. Colonel.

A child of the depression, Lowell was frugal and avoided waste. However, when there was a need, he gave without reserve and without question. He loved without prejudice and without judgment. Those who knew him best will remember fondly that nothing could ever slow him down, and that beneath a tough exterior was a most kind and generous heart. We will miss him. Lowell''s family wishes to express their appreciation for the tender and watchful hospice care provided by Annette, Mark, and Stephanie.

Surviving Lowell are his wife, Alta; daughter Diane (Larry) Bastian, and son Lowell John II (Vickie). He also leaves one sister, Mary Carruth, eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his brothers Edward, Rigby, and Dean, a sister, Eunice, and his beloved great-grandson Jonah Kai.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Friends may call at the mortuary on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, Smithfield, Utah Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Primary Children''s Medical Center, 100 N. Medical Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84113.

Email condolences to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com or www.legacy.com