Charles Phillip Illsley, 60, of Draper slipped his earthly bonds surrounded by family and friends on January 5, 2014.
He was born in Salt Lake City, UT to Charles Frederick Oswald Illsley and Bessie Bowett Illsley on July 8, 1953. Charles was born with a love for puzzles; he had an amazing memory and an early desire to be James Bond. He inherited his mother's humor, her twinkling eyes and his father's stubbornness. He packed 60 years with ten lifetimes of experiences and accomplishments.
As a young Eagle Scout he was selected to "Report to the Nation" and spoke on the floor of Congress. He won many science fairs, speech competitions and yes, debate meets.
He graduated from Granger High School and moved on to BYU. While at BYU he joined the BYU Folk Dancers and performed as an Indian Dancer. He toured with them many times to all parts of the world dancing for hundreds of people including Princess Grace of Monaco, the Mayor of Tel Aviv and for US Troops in Vietnam.
While at BYU, he married Carolyn Dunbar (later divorced) and was blessed with a son, Peter Mathew.
As part of his preparation to attend BYU Law School, Charles went on a ride along with the South Salt Lake Police Department and, as they say, the rest is history. A fire was lit that would burn the rest of his life.
Charles began his police career with South Salt Lake Police. While working for South Salt Lake he continued his studies becoming a fingerprint expert. He honed his many forensic skills by learning, improving, and sharing them throughout his career. While at South Salt Lake he also met "The Queen" (his words) an "Angel" (our words) named Valeen Koller. They were married April 3, 1982.
He left South Salt Lake shortly after Granger and Hunter incorporated joining the fledgling West Valley Police Department. He continued to grow and use his forensic skills throughout all his assignments which included Patrol, Detectives, and Undercover Police with stings and on the DEA Drug Task Force. He served as PIO (Public Information Officer) at West Valley for a number of years. He worked tirelessly with the media to educate the public and show the Police as proactive in their efforts to "Protect and Serve". He retired as a Lieutenant in 2004.
He was a prolific grant writer, benefiting countless agencies, during and after his career. He never gave up learning, teaching, mentoring and doing research into new forensic techniques. His goal was to help others. His health prevented him from doing further research, investigating, and teaching others his skills.
From Cub Scouts to seasoned FBI agents, Charles truly touched many people's lives.
The accomplishment that most caused his eyes to twinkle was his son, Peter, Peter's wife Jeanette and his amazing grandchildren Anna and Zachary.
Charles is survived by his wife Valeen, Draper; son Peter (Jeanette), Sammamish, WA; grandchildren Anna Rose and Zachary James; adopted daughter (niece) Natalie Hollembeak (Bryan) St. Johns, AZ ; sister Diane Illsley Peterson (Randy), South Jordan; mother-in-law Elizabeth (Betty) P. Koller, Weston, ID; sister-in-law Gwen Marcek (Mike) Riverton and many brother and sister-in-laws. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will miss his knowledge, humor and relentless teasing. Preceeded in death by his parents and nephew Ian Edward Peterson.
The family wishes to thank the many earthly angels who have assisted him during his fight these last few years of failing health starting with the Heart Failure Team at LDS Hospital and the Sorensen Heart and Lung Center at Intermountain Medical Center and the Edwards Outpatient Clinic. He would not have been on this earth as long as he was without their dedication and wonderful care.
A celebration of his life will be held at the LDS Stake Center at 13085 South 300 East in Draper, on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Monday January 13, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:30am with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Charles' name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org
