Verl A Walker

Verl A. Walker KAYSVILLE – Verl A. Walker, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend, passed away unexpectedly from heart failure on April 19, 2007, after a lifetime of service. Lovingly referred to as “VAW” by many, he will be sorely missed by all who received his love throughout a colorful and fruitful life. Verl was born to Erastus and Mary Alvina Smithies Walker in Annis, Idaho on January 14, 1918. He married Dorotha Hazle Green on December 15, 1937 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Verl is survived by Dorotha, of Kaysville, Utah, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years; daughters Dawn (David) Naylor, Clearfield, Utah; Julia (Craig) Fisher, Morgan, Utah; and Reva (Craig) Taylor, Kaysville, Utah; 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sisters Velma (Morgan) Lake and Laveta (Virgil) Willyerd. He was proud to have served as a radar specialist in the Navy during World War II and participated in many of the now famous combat landings in the Pacific. Verl had a distinguished career in the Food Business. He began as a Sales representative for National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), where he gained notoriety as one of its top sales associates in Phoenix, Arizona. He was invited to join Hod and Clover Sanders in Kaysville, Utah, as one of the original Sales Representatives for Clover Club Foods Company. He opened many markets for this small growing company, including Idaho and Arizona, where Clover Club became a household name. In later years, he became its Executive Vice President and General Manager. He made many great friends and associates while overseeing Clover Club’s growth throughout the Western United States. When Clover Club sold to Borden’s in the 1980’s, he was hired to consult with its international organizations and traveled to many parts of the world. Verl served as President of the Worldwide Snack Food Organization in the 1970’s, traveling with his wife, Dorotha, throughout the world. He was chairman of the Easter Seals Society. He also served on the board of directors for Idaho Fresh Pack (Idahoan Brand), Barnes Banking Company, and Don Julio Foods/Clover Club. Says one chief executive with whom Verl served for many years, “Verl was one of those rare men who had the integrity to always do the right things for the right reason, and never compromise for any reason. Whenever a decision was to be made, it was done with clarity and purpose, having been well thought out.” He was a “giant of a man.” Verl’s family always came first in his life. His grandchildren and great grandchildren will cherish the memories of camping trips, barbecues at the pool, fresh donuts, feeding the ducks at the park, his every-day telephone calls, one-line notes, and his trademark smile. Verl was a mentor to all, and his wise counsel and availability will be sorely missed. He constantly lifted those around him and never complained nor spoke ill of anyone. He gave love to everyone. Above all else, his most lasting legacy will be the unforgettable memory of his constant, around-the-clock devotion to his beloved sweetheart, Dorotha. For the past 15 years, she has suffered the effects of several strokes and ill-health. This will ever be remembered as his most significant act of service Verl was a High Priest in the Kaysville Eighth Ward. He valued the ideals taught in the LDS Church. If the essence of the gospel is love and service to others, then most assuredly, Verl A. Walker connected all the dots in life through demonstration and action. We love you Verl. “Bye for now.” Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Kaysville Rock Chapel, 200 East Center Street. Friends may call Tuesday, April 24 at the Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Rd. from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.