And what a life it was…on the morning of Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the world lost one of the truly great ones. Donald Lloyd Black departed this world having stated just a few days earlier, “I’ve done all I wanted to do, I’m ready to go.” And so it was at the age of 93 our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend died just as he had lived…his way!
Believe it or not it all began in Antimony, Utah, May 1, 1930. It was here at 5:00 in the morning that Belma Leonard, age 22, and Lloyd Black, age 29, welcomed a tiny baby boy into the world. Donald Lloyd Black was born on the kitchen table of the family's little farmhouse. He was the second of nine children and left for “the big city” of Salt Lake, on his own, at the age of thirteen.
Life presented challenges in Don’s early life. Coming of age in the Great Depression, he found odd jobs and was just beginning to make ends meet when Uncle Sam called. Don was sent to Korea when he was 18 years old. In typical fashion he preferred to talk about the friends he met while in the service and gracefully left the death and destruction he witnessed to himself. It should be known that Don never complained.
March 7, 1954, was a special day for Don, “That’s the day my luck changed,” he would often say, “the day I met your mother.” Don married Theresa Delaney on that day and from that day forward he set out to “find his place” in the world. He went to work for Andersen Jewelry Company on Main Street and 200 South. He also sold investments with Western Industrial Shares, where he became Salesman of the Year for three consecutive years. “I left so the other guys would have a chance,” he later joked.
Don combined his love of jewelry and investments when he started his own business aptly named Fortune, just down the street from where he worked at Andersen Jewelry. He was the mayor of the Expo Mart on 200 South and 200 West. Everyone knew him and everyone loved him, “I traded a lot of dollars with a lot of people over the years,” and he truly enjoyed every moment he spent at The Jewelry Center.
Don and Terri had three children, Lisa born in 1955, Lori born in 1957 and David born in 1964. He took great delight in watching and helping his kids and grandkids experience the childhood he never had and he never missed an opportunity to remind them that life is to be enjoyed. “Live it up! Live it up!” he would sing to those he loved the most.
Don is survived by his daughter Lori Conradsen (Chad) his son David Black (Holly), five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Theresa and his daughter Lisa.
A celebration of life will be held at 9:00 in the morning on June 9 at Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South. The hard work has been done and now it is time for you to rest, Good Night Sweet Prince.
Don was a joy to work with and be around. He always had a smile on his face. And a kind word to share with you. He was a great businessman and treated all his customers with the same respect. I will surely miss him and his big smile. Much love to you until we meet again my friend. Harry Lee
Don is a dear friend. He was such a great guy to know!! He leaves an empty place in the world. Rest in peace Don.
This was one of the most loving and caring men that I’ve ever known in my life. Extremely kind and even more honest it was a true joy to be a part of his life.!! We had many good trips to Las Vegas when he was running his business there! Epic memories!!!
So sorry for hour loss, he will be forever in our hearts....
He was a giant of a man and so wonderful and kind.
I have known Don for over 30 years. He has always been a great example of how to live your life. Always totally honest in his business dealings and even put my needs first before any profits he ever made. Anyone willing to follow the example he set for living life would be well rewarded in this life and the life to come.
It was always a welcome greeting….”Hi, honey!!” Don’s business was at the Expo Mart for years and my husband, Bick, and I were blessed to know this sweet, smiling man. Happy, fun and loving. You just never forget that kind of soul.
You did an amazing job on the obituary. It is so informative and sweet. Thank you.
As for Don, I am truly grateful for knowing him. He was a friend who loved to share his kindness, good nature and knowledge freely.
He made a big difference in my life with his wisdom. All my love and condolences, Kim
Don was a joy to work with and be around. He always had a smile on his face. And a kind word to share with you. He was a great businessman and treated all his customers with the same respect. I will surely miss him and his big smile. Much love to you until we meet again my friend. Harry Lee
I am shocked and I guessed I should not be because Don lived an entire life to age 93. Please accept my deepest condolences. Don treated me as a friend from the first day I was introduced to him and every minute with him in the store or on the phone was an education and encouragement . May God bring you peace and comfort during your time of mourning.
I first met Don and his beautiful wife Terry 42 years ago. at the Hotel on 6th So. just off the freeway exit. They were there every Tuesday selling jewelry then I followed them to the Expo Mart. After he retired, Don would call me at least once every few months to make sure I was keeping up on my Silver. I’ll miss your calls my friend.
Don was one of a kind. He was one of the sweetest and kindest men I have ever known. I am blessed to have known him.
In Loving Memory, Gods Speed Michelle Boehme
My deepest condolence for a great man! I knew Don through the years from my dealings with my gold a silver investing! Don was an extraordinary guy. It was always a great time when I would get phone calls from Don or I would go in to see him. He was full of great wisdom backed by a lifetime of experience. My deepest condolences to him and his family! May Don rest in piece.
A truly amazing man. I’ve known Don since I was 16. He taught me so many things about life. What a great example he was. Rest well.
I will miss Don’s upbeat and positive outlook on life. He was a great friend.
May you rest in pease my wonderful Brother. You have made so many people smile in your lifetime. I will always remember the smile you had on your face for every one that came to see you at your jewelry store. I was so luck to say you were my brother. I will miss talking to you.
