Events
Viewing
1925 East Gundersen Lane, Holladay, UtahThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel
Saturday Mar 29, 2025 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Funeral Service
1925 East Gundersen Lane, Holladay, UtahThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel
Saturday Mar 29, 2025 11:00 AM
Graveside Services
200 N Street, Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City Cemetery
Saturday Mar 29, 2025 12:30 PM
Listen to Obituary
Our kind, beloved Walter “Walt” Everett Boyden, Jr. passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age 78 years following complications from a fall. Walt was a gentle, generous, and good man. He leaves a legacy of compassion, creativity, and Christ-like service that will be missed by many extended family members and dear friends.
Walt was born on June 18, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah to incredible parents Frances Marie Nuttall and Walter Everett Boyden, Sr., and a doting older sister Ann Marie “Ditta” Boyden. His childhood home was filled with kindness, music, song, and laughter, which ignited Walt’s passion for the performing arts.
After graduating as an East High Leopard in 1964, Walter spent a year at the University of Utah before serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Quite coincidentally, Elder Boyden was called to the Cumorah Mission in upstate New York where missionaries helped produce and perform the Church’s production of the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Here Walt served as a secretary for the pageant and met his future mentor and dear friend Dr. William I. Hansen, who was the pageant director for over 30 years. Walt completed his mission and resumed studies at the U, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1970 and a Master of Fine Arts in 1972.
At the U, Walter was a member of Delta Phi Kappa, a fraternity for returned missionaries; Theta Alpha Phi, an honor society for theatre; and the Beehive Honor Society which recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership, scholarship, and service. He was president of the A Capella Choir and a founding member of the first musical theater company at Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
Walter continued his studies at Brigham Young University, where he researched the history of the Hill Cumorah Pageant for his thesis and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Theater. Dr. Boyden was subsequently called as one of the directors for the Hill Cumorah Pageant, where he served each summer for 20 years.
Walter was a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for over 25 years, traveling to concerts throughout the world and performing as a baritone soloist on many occasions. One of his personal highlights with the Choir was his dramatic (interpretative) reading of the “Parable of the Prodigal Son” for the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast.
Walt entertained theatergoers during the 1970s through 1990s at Utah venues large and small, including Pioneer Memorial Theatre, Kingsbury Hall, Abravanel Hall, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, Lagoon Opera House, Pardoe Theatre, and the BYU Harris Fine Arts Center. Combining his superb acting skills and powerful voice, Walter had leading roles in productions such as Camelot, The Apple Tree, The Fantasticks, Robert and Elizabeth, I Do! I Do!, Once Upon a Mattress, Hello, Dolly!, Carnival, and numerous others.
Over the years, Walter found great joy in the companionship of animals, especially his poodles and sphinx cats. Walter affectionately recounted how “animals bring such grace to the world.” He loved poetry, in particular Robert Frost’s “Wild Grapes.” Walt was humble yet always debonair in his dress, demeanor, and sweet scent of Armani.
Walter wore several different hats professionally. He taught at the U and BYU in the theater departments. He served as a music specialist in the elementary school system with the Young Audiences of America program. He was a writer, director, and producer of television and radio advertising for many businesses, and later the marketing director for Utah Transit Authority. Walter blessed many grieving families by singing at funerals at Larkin Mortuary where he later worked as a service director.
A viewing will be held Saturday, March 29 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1925 E. Gundersen Lane, Holladay, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will take place at the Salt Lake Cemetery.
*The service will be streamed online for those unable to attend, please click on the “Watch Service” button above.
Video
Guestbook/Condolences
My sincerest condolences to Walter's family. Walter was one of the kindest people I know! Whenever I saw him, he was always genuinely interested in my life and my family. I miss seeing his kind smile at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
I loved working with Walter and constantly laughing with him and hearing his stories. One of the most gentle, humble and sincere people I knew.
I am writing in behalf of my aunt Edna Alba who was a good friend of Walter's. How she loved him and was so thankful for his friendship over the years. I met Walter many times during my life. He purchased with Edna a blessing dress for my daughter. He was such a good man and I am thankful to know him through my aunt. He will be missed.
Walter is one of the kindest truly good man. Always went out of his way. Visited me severaltimes in the hospital. Very true good man..
I became friends with Walt while working in Salt Lake. Always so kind and always had the very best things to say. He sang in my singles ward a couple of times, and of course each time was beyond amazing.
There will always be a loving place in my heart for Walt.
My thoughts, love and prayers go to his family.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Walter. He was a dear friend from my University of Utah days in the theatre. I last spoke to him at Christmas time. My prayers and thoughts are with his remaining family and many friends. We always had lunch together whenever I came home to Utah to see family. I am his dancer friend from California. I will be watching his service. God Bless you all. Love Tommy Peel
I'm one of the many accompanists who had the privilege of working with Walt. When we were both in the choir at the U, he and a soprano (Chris Timothy) ended up singing together to raise money for the choir's upcoming trip to Europe. I played for them nearly every week for about eight months - wonderful experience. Later on, at a party related to my daughter's upcoming marriage, we sneaked Walt in as "Uncle Walt," delighting my kids and giving them a chance to get to know him a bit. Finally, my father spent about 60 years in the funeral business, so Walt and I had a number of discussions about that: it's clear that he was the kind of person who would be a natural as the kind of solicitous, caring person who does best at helping families at a difficult and confusing time. We'll all miss Walt's voice, but especially his kind, gentle, and caring personality. The world has lost a treasure.
Walter always brought a smile to my face. I looked forward to working on Saturdays, so I could catch up and talk with him. He was always so interested in the things going on in my life and he showed genuine care for me. It was so sad when I no longer got to see him at work. His loving smile could brighten up anyones day. He will be deeply missed by many.
It was a pleasure to know Walter, “back in the day”. I was sad to read of his passing. Condolences to all friends and family.
I will always remember my Saturday conversations with Walter at Larkin Sunset Gardens. He was such a light and made me laugh with the jokes he told. I will never forget the TAB soda he would always have in hand. He was stylish in his dress and had such an infectious smile. I will miss you Walter. God bless you my friend.
My handsome cousin Walt, you will be so missed! Your talents and goals in your life were amazing. You gave of yourself to so many friends people and family! I’m so proud of you for showing your love of life and giving of yourself the many gifts God gave you! I loved listening to you sing especially The an I Love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Rest in peace. Love you forever, Alice
I just learned today about Walt passing away earlier this year. I lived in SLC in the early 80's and sang in the Tabernacle Choir. This was a man who lived an exemplary life, amply shared his talent and kindness and I admired him tremendously. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
In High school, Walt was one of My closet friends. He sang at my Wedding reception. I am sorry to have lost touch with him. He was a good friend.