Our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away in Salt Lake City on November 26, 2020. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 23, 1937 to Bruce and Dorothy Hurd Collett. He grew up in the Avenues at a house on 7th Ave and H Street, spent many years near downtown and finally called Sandy, Utah home until the end.
As a teenager, he played fast pitch softball and enjoyed drag racing with his friends. He graduated from West High School in 1955, and was their starting center on the basketball team. In these younger days, he was an avid skier and eventually taught his children the sport.
He attended the North 20th Ward where he met many young people and made lifelong friendships. He married the cutest girl in the ward, his sweetheart Dennie, on January 29, 1957. They were later sealed together, with their children, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity on November 4, 1981.
Wally, as his friends knew him, was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He held many callings, including ward clerk and sports director. He also served as a missionary for his ward.
After marriage, he started his working career at Salt Lake Stamp. Later, he needed more money for his family so he moved on to Walker Bank & Trust Co. After working as an assistant trust officer, he was elected president of the Salt Lake City Jaycees in 1968. He spent sixteen years in property management at Manivest Corp and later became a portfolio manager for Prowswood Management Inc.
Wally and Dennie spent 63 years together raising their family. They were provided with many opportunities to travel. Some of their favorite places they visited include England, Hawaii and Capistrano. Wally was a devoted father who enjoyed fishing until he spent more time untangling the boys’ lures, so he switched to golf. He was a loyal member of the Hidden Valley Country Club for 50 years, spending lots of time on the green. In his lifetime, he made six ‘hole in one’ shots.
Wally will be remembered for being a great listening ear, everyone’s biggest cheerleader and a safe space for those he loved most. He wasn’t a joker, but he had a quick wit when he wanted. He was always learning, analyzing things he didn’t understand. He was honest in his dealings with people, never cheated at golf, and usually regretted getting upset with someone. Wally had a sharp mind that strived to understand more things. Like the Grinch, he ‘puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore.’
He is survived by his loving wife Dennie; their children Scott (Amy) Collett, Daniel (Tara) Collett, Gregg Collett, Shannon (Mike) Stockdale; twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 3rd at 2:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Friends are welcome to join the funeral through zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89991107659?pwd=aDV3RjhKc2NZSmZFSi9WVVdIZG5PZz09
Aunt dennie and kids I am so sorry for your loss I did not know until I googled your address for a Christmas card. My deepest sympathy.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to a wonderful family.
Terri Patton
Dennie, I was so sorry to read about Walt’s passing. I think often of the fun times we had playing tennis. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Big hug. Love, Pat
I'm so sorry to hear of Walt's passing, he was a friend from our first day's of moving to Utah from California in 1963. Denny, you & I met back when we were both pregnant out at Lagoon when the SLC Jaycee's had their Lagoon Days. I have enjoyed our years of friendship and watching our children grow, marry and have children & grandchildren of their own. Ron & I send our deepest condolences to you and all the family. Love Ron & Colleen Maxfield
Denny, I’m so sorry for the loss of amazing Walt. He was always so welcoming when I was in your home. He is truly a sweetheart! I will miss him so much and know he is in a beautiful place healthy and happy❤️ I love you ! May the Lord give you love , comfort and peace ❤️
So sorry to hear of Walts passing. What a great man. Dennie you are in my prayers . God bless you and your family .
Shannon, I am so sorry to hear of your dad passing. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Love to you and yours! Tiff, Jeff, Jess and Amber
Dear Dennie,we are so sorry for the Loss of your Dear Husband Walt. My name is Tom Martinez, also A Long time friend from the Salt Lake Jaycees.
I believe Walt was a Past
President in the late 60's.
I was President in 1975/76.
Walt was a good friend & supporter of the U.S. & Salt Lake Jaycees. I am sure
He told you about the years he served ,& supported the Jaycees. Many of us will always Remember him as True Friend & Family man & the love had for you & his Family. Gone but not forgotten. May his Memory be Eternal. All our Love,
Tom & Pam Martinez.
297 N 20 W P.G., Utah
Dear Dennie and Family,
Lilly Ann and I wish to express our sympathies and love at this time of Walt's passing. We loved watching you two, still so much in love, and how sweetly you treated each other. We pray that you are blessed with peace and comfort as you mourn his passing.
Lilly Ann and Dirk Cotterell
Dear Dennie. It was with sadness in my heart I read of Walt’s passing this morning. It brought back a flash of fun memories from many years back when we were neighbors. Since my Don’s passing this past March, I realize the heartache and adjustments you and your family will be going through. So thankful for the gospel and eternal families. May the Lord’s comforting spirit rest with you as you face the challenges ahead. You are in my heart and prayers.
Dennie and family,
As you may recall, Walt and some of his friends were kind enough to let me play in their Saturday morning golf group for many years. Looking forward to those mornings got me through a lot of tough weeks and the February golf trips to Arizona were always a highlight of the year. Through it all, Walt was a great guy, a great friend and a true gentleman. I've never met anyone who knew him who didn't think highly of him. He will be missed by a lot of people who you are probably not even aware of.
After avoiding contact with our family at Thanksgiving, Linda and I have decided that it probably be best if we don't attend Walt's funeral. We hope that you will accept this note as our expression of our deepest affection and respect for Walt and our support for your family in this time of sorrow.
Rand and Linda Cook
Dear Sweet Friend, Dennie; I am grateful to have known Walt and you!! You have both always such wonderful examples of love, kindness, happiness, and friendship. May you and your family be blessed with comfort and love at this difficult time.
JoAnn
Dear Dennie, I am so sorry to hear of Walt's passing. When I was 20 years old, I had a job interview with Manivest Corp. Walt was who I interviewed with, and he gave me the job. I was forever grateful for that opportunity. I'm now 70, so I have known Walt for 50 years. He was always kind to me and I truly loved working for him. Dennie, Walt was very lucky to have you by his side. I always loved your laugh and spunk. I hope you can find comfort in the many memories you shared. Tom and I send our love to you and family.
We were so sorry to hear of Walt's death. We have fond memories odf time spent with you both. May God bless and comfort you at this difficult time.
Dear sweet Denny, My heart is with you and I feel your loss. Our Heavenly Father will bless you many times over as you begin this new journey in life . I am sorry that I
can't come to your services but I am still having a difficult time doing that, but know that my heart is with you.
Wally was a wonderful person and as you begin to build your new life, this will be shown to
you over and over again. Enjoy your children while they are here and we will enjoy being with you after they have gone home. Love you my good friend. Peggy Egbert
Dear Dennie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Wally's death. I was lucky to know him and call him my friend.
He and I spent time building race cars and going fast. We worked together on a red Austin he bought from Danny White. It was fast and fun to drive. Its ironic Danny White passed away a week or so before Wally.
I have a lung disease which makes me high risk for COVID so I was unable to attend the funeral or viewing. I am very sorry to have missed it.
Dennie you and Wally are a great couple and have taken the steps to be together with your family forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathy, Don and Sharon Cowley
Brian and I wish to send our condolences and prayers on your behalf. Brian so enjoyed his long talk with Walt in your backyard last summer. We have always admired his fun wit and his devotion to Dennie. We want you to know how much we admired Walt.
Walt was a very thoughtful, smart, & kind 'gentleman.' He was fun to be around, especially on the golf course. Walt and Denne were unbeatable together, a great couple always fun to be around.
Walt will be missed. Our condolences and prayers to the family.
Aunt Dennie and all my cousins I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man. There really are no words just sending my prayers and deepest sympathy. I just found out today