Walter "Wally" H. Josephs

1938 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Walter "Wally" H. Josephs < >

Viewing:

Jan. 29, 2021
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Larkin Mortuary-Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, Utah 84065
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  • Service:

    Jan. 29, 2021
    11:00 AM
    Larkin Mortuary-Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, Utah 84065
  • Directions to Service
  • Wally was born in Melbourne, Australia. On his last birthday, he turned 82. His family soon moved to New Zealand: a farm near Rotorua, and later to Hamilton and Temple View. At age 17, he was called on a labor mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help build chapels, the New Zealand Temple, and the Church College. The Church saw to it that he was trained to be an electrician. Later he was called to serve a proselytizing mission to the Canada/Alaska mission. When that concluded, he never went home. He went to BYU, where the rugby team was just getting started in 1965-1966. His first love was rugby and, while playing for BYU, he was MVP for at least a couple years.

    Another love was found at BYU – his wife, Carol. Wally and Carol were married in 1971 in the Salt Lake Temple and, this year, would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were not blessed with children right away, so they had five years as newlyweds. Their children include Rachel (David) Walls, San Francisco Bay Area; Andy (Kellie) Josephs, Salt Lake; Brady Josephs, Salt Lake; Sydney (Derek) Palmer, Layton. Wally’s four grandchildren were cherished, and he loved going to their piano recitals, basketball games and swim meets. They are CoCo Palmer, Chile Palmer, Jackson Walls and Louise Walls.

    When Wally retired from being an electrical contractor, he started driving school bus, thinking he would do that for a couple years. He enjoyed that so much, that he stayed for over 10 years. He loved the kids and felt he had the best kids and the best route. Again, with children, probably his favorite position in the Church was, long ago, teaching primary.

    Wally was a unique person. He gave new meaning to the word “humble”. He immediately accepted everyone that he met. He forgave quickly and without question. He refused to participate in gossip. Many times, he has literally given the shirt off his back. Wally was a special person who will be extremely missed by his family and friends.

    Wally’s funeral service will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Mortuary in Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah. A viewing will be at the same location and same date from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will take place in the Riverton City Cemetery.
    Those that are unable to attend in person, please click on the WATCH ZOOM SERVICE tab at the top of the obituary.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Wally and I drove School 🚌 together.
    I have known him for 9 years.
    We were doing Fox Hollow together.
    Met at IHOP with other drivers sometimes on Fridays when time permit.
    We did some field trips and onetime we went to This is the place monument.
    We were walking accross the parking lot I said,Wally watchout! Just as a parked Utility Truck with trailer started to roll towards us with no Driver in. They forgot to set the parking brake. It missed us but crashed into 3 parked vehicles. Parking lot was on a hill. We were safe.
    We had some good times,some good talks.
    Was and is a good man. We love you Wally!


    - Arthur Layton

    Carol we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We thought the world of Walley. We pray the lord will be with you and your family and comfort you.
    Gloria &Ernie Drury


    - Gloria & Ernie Drury

    Mr. Wally was my bus driver. He was especially nice to me and my sibings. Although he was closet to my little brother. My brother's name is Shekinah, and Mr. Wally would pronouce it "Sheniya". He was a sweet and loving soul. My deepest condolences to his family. He was a blessing in my life and in many others.


    - Elizabeth Ojo

    We are neighbours and friends of Roland and Goldie in Temple View.

    Wally and I served a Labour Mission together. He was one fine man, always fair, humble and a loyal person. We were staying at Nephi during covid and regret we did not visit, even if it was from a distance. Though we did not have the privilege of meeting Wally's family, please accept our aroha at this time.

    na George and Hine Chase and whanau of Temple View.


    - Hine & George Chase