Events
ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
Notice to all of my friends and family: I HAVE FLOWN THE COOP!
My name is Alice Gailey Telford and I was born January 8, 1924 in Kaysville, Utah, the daughter of William E. and Julia Layton Gailey.
In those days Kaysville was the perfect place for an energetic tomboy and during my childhood I rode horses bareback and with wild abandon. In my spare time, I helped my dad herd the cattle down to pasture and back.
Early on, I learned the secret of a good healthy life was "don't stop moving."
I graduated from Davis High School in 1942. During WWII, I was an airplane riveter at Hill Air Force Base. I met Paul E. Telford, the love of my life, while at Utah State University. Paul left me all too soon, dying in 1950.
But I kept moving.
Paul had shared with me the greatest gift of my life, my dear son John W. Telford. I lost John in the Vietnam War.
But I kept on moving.
I was a real estate developer, building homes on 30 acres of my Dad's property in Kaysville. To get around quickly, I found it much easier to use a bicycle, rather than a car. This was the start of a passionate commitment to bicycling. In the following years, I bicycled throughout the West, as well as through China, Siberia, Canada, the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and France.
Yes, I kept on moving.
In 1989, I started the Little Red Riding Hood all-women's bike ride. Over the years it has grown from outings with a few of my biking buddies to an internationally-recognized annual event of 3500 women, riding for the Huntsman Foundation cure for cancer. Little Red is one of my proudest achievements.
And I kept on moving.
After retiring from real estate, I volunteered. Over the years I was on numerous advisory boards at the University of Utah. But I soon discovered, it was not enough. At 78 years old, I went back to work, because I felt I was losing my edge. And so for the next 13 years, l worked full-time for Zions National Bank in customer relations.
I kept on moving.
And now, I am moving still. This time, soaring into my greatest adventure yet. I have had a good —no, a GREAT life. And am ready for whatever comes next.
Utah landscape artist LeConte Stewart was my uncle. From childhood on, I loved his paintings. My home was filled with his work. I have sold them and put in place a number of University of Utah endowments to support programs I most care about.
I leave behind my nieces Kathryn Dunn Stats and Judi Dunn Alder; my nephew John D. Dunn (and Terri); cousins David Layton (and Kathy) and Brent Layton; and Chris Helfrich (and Pete). And, of course, my many many dear friends.
I have reserved the University of Utah Natural History Museum for my last party on May 13th, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30. Although I will not be there, I want my friends and family to raise a glass, as they share all their crazy, happy, funny memories of me.
And remember, "just keep moving." Love ya. And goodbye.
Alice
Afterword:
Shortly after celebrating her 101st birthday, Alice shared laughter, memories and ice cream with her friends and family, once again reminding them, "Just keep moving. I know I will—as I bicycle through the stars".
We will remember to look up, Alice.
In recent years, Alice enjoyed being a member of the Educational Resource Development Council (ERDC) at the University of Utah Health. It was one of Alice's great joys.
Alice will be establishing endowments at the University of Utah for student scholarships that will benefit students for generations to come. These include scholarships for the College of Nursing, the Department of Orthopaedics, the School of Dentistry, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Health, and the John A. Moran Eye Center. Additionally, she will establish endowments to support the J. Willard Marriott Library Book Arts Program in Special Collections, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. She also donated art pieces to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Alice's family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers and residents of Twin Oaks Assisted Living for their care and love.
In lieu of flowers, one may consider contributing to one of the areas Alice chose to support at the University of Utah. If so, please indicate which area you wish to help. Advancement Office, P.O. Box 58006 Salt Lake City, UT 84158
Guestbook/Condolences
All I can think to say is, “Alice, I loved being your friend. l loved the time I spent with you. I loved each and every conversation we had, especially about the history of Davis County and multi-generations of its residents,, each one you remembered by name - and all the stories they chose not to retell. I loved the work I did for the art shows at the bank and the many artists you knew by name. I loved all the wonderful lunches, birthday parties and holiday parties we had together with Steph, Ang, Em, and Stas. I loved and appreciated all the pep talks, special health insights, and encouragement you gave me at different points in my life. You would always share your own lifetime experiences that would help me through hard times in my life. I’ll try my best to keep moving as you taught us to do. What an example you have been to me. Enjoy this next journey with Paul and John. You have so much time to catch up on now the three of you are together again. Alice, I love you, I miss you dearly, and I was honored to be one of your many friends.
Jan Talbot
It was always a delight to see Alice! Her bright spirit and energy brought joy to those around her. We loved sharing stories of our cherished early Kaysville days. Alice lived a full and generous life, which she shared with others.
We'll miss you, Alice....
With my love and admiration for you!
Barbara
Dearest Alice - what a spirit you had. You never gave up and inspired so many people. I enjoyed the many times in your company. I'll look for you 'cycling in the stars' my friend. Much Love, Maybell 🚴
Alice, I'm so sorry that you have gone from our lives. Mum and I loved you from the moment you contacted us in the UK to say we were distant family, to the wonderful visit when you received us into your home and showed us the sights of your beautiful State to the more than 40 years of ongoing friendships via phone and email. We loved getting your messages across the pond, your jokes, your cheery phone calls. You inspired us every day with your stories, your wit, your warmth and that beautiful American drawl. My Mum Molly passed away in September but she always spoke fondly of you and our life changing visit to Utah. Rest in peace beautiful lady. We were honoured to call you a friend.
I met Alice the first year I road in the Little Red event. What a pure light and inspiration! I will never forget that day. My sincere condolences to her family.
Ride on Alice!
I'm so sad. I waited too long to call Alice and just found out about her death through this obituaryl. My daughter Edie and I visited her at Eagle Gate. She made lunch for us. And inspired us with stories about her life. Her climbing stairs for exercise. Her starting Little Red, which I did twice. I knew her from Douglas Ward and Sperry Utah. And I went to her son's funeral. I think conducted by Reid Reeve, bishop of Douglas Ward. Alice and I were and are gold star mothers together. To make our connection even more complete. I will keep looking up to her for inspiration to keep moving. Love, Madeline Quayle (and Edie Zambrano).
I met Alice when we both worked at Zions Bank. The first day I met her I knew we were kindred spirits. She spent Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas with me and my friends for many years until Covid hit. My friends became her friends as well… we all loved her and discussed politics, religion, art, history over dinners at her apartment at Eaglegate and at our homes.
She truly was the best. She led a fascinating life and we were all in awe of her tenacity, ebullience and love of life.
During and after Covid I kept in touch with her via emails and phone calls. I am going to miss that. You were truly loved Alice.
Heaven has gained an angel…
As Senior Curator at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Alice Telford for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity in giving works of art from her collection to the UMFA. We are honored to preserve these for the enjoyment and education of generations to come. Sending love and warmth to all Alice has left behind as she "keeps on moving."