Walter (Bud) R Ellett Obituary (1927 - 2012)

"THE QUINTESSENTIAL LAWYER"Our Loving Husband, Wonderful Father, Incredible Grandpa & Thoughtful Friend, Walter ‘Bud’ Ellett, passed away from complications due to prostate cancer. He fought a brave battle and endured till the end. He had an amazing attitude which helped the rest of us cope with his illness.Bud married Claudia White on Aug 9, 1956. They had a wonderful life together for over 55 years. They had 3 children, but the joys of his life where his 2 grandsons, Jackson ‘The Stick Man’ and Cooper ‘The Bouncing Ball.’Bud was a commissioned officer in the US Navy and served as the legal officer onboard the USS SITCO BAY and the USS KEARSARGE during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School and had a long and successful career in the field of law. He was in private practice in Murray for thirty years before joining the District Attorney’s office in 1985. He enjoyed the challenge of the office and served with three District Attorneys as Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Criminal Division. After retirement he was appointed Judge Protempore in the Third Judicial District and served in the West Valley court.Bud was a member of the LDS Church, the Utah state Bar, the Senior Bar, the Murray Rotary Club, the Utah Crimson Club, the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club, and past president of the Footprinter’s Club. He inspired many people who were fortunate enough to be in his classrooms as well as his courtrooms.His greatest passions were sailing, designer suits, playing cards, slots in ‘Dover and especially new cars. He was a loyal Crandall Ford man. He formed a long personal and professional relationship with them and considered himself to be part of the Crandall Ford family. He traded in his ‘old’ cars for new Fords, Lincolns, Mercurys, Convertibles and Thunderbirds. Many people stood in line to buy his old car before he turned it in for a new one. His sailing days were some of his happiest. He could get away from the rigors of the office and completely relax while he sailed up and down the Great Salt Lake. He was also a diehard Ute fan and followed the basketball and football teams for over fifty years.Bud is survived by his wife of 55 years, Claudia and his three children, Robyn (Gary) Montgomery, Chris (Holly) Ellett and Angie (Mike) Greene, his two grandsons, Jackson & Cooper Greene, his sister Jeanne Parks and many loving nieces and nephews. His parents Judge Albert H. Ellett and Florence Rowe Ellett preceded him in death as did his brother Kenneth W. Ellett.We want to express our gratitude for the loving care received by the Care Source Hospice. A special thanks for the compassion shown by Michelle. To Lori our nurse, our champion and our friend always, we extend a gratitude that words cannot express. She was an inspiration to Bud and our family and they shared many jokes and good stories together.Funeral Services will be Monday, February 20, 2012 at 12 Noon at the Little Cottonwood Stake Center, 6120 S. Glenoaks (855 E.). A viewing will be Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State St., and Monday at the church from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment: Murray City Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bud's honor to Caresource Charitable Foundation (801-266-7200).We love & miss you!