Walter Lamar Mortensen

“Now THIS is what I call ‘Really Living”! - Lamar Mortensen

Walter Lamar Mortensen passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, 2023, in St. George, UT. Born in Price, UT on December 29, 1930, to wonderful parents, Valdemar ‘Walter’ Mortensen and Annie Lucille Brown Mortensen. He was raised in Price and Huntington, UT.

Lamar met the effervescent Yvonna Arnold at North Emery High School in Huntington, UT, and on Sept. 15, 1948, they were married in the Manti Temple and spent the next 52 adoring years together and ‘went about doing good’. After Yvonna passed away in 2002, Lamar married May Blatter, a friend who had been in their lives for 50 years. They spent 17 beautiful years together. They served 18 months in the China Hong Kong Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Lamar served four years in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Lamar commenced his civilian career working for Chevron and several years for Johnson & Johnson. He and Yvonna and children moved several times throughout the United States. Their desire to be closer to family prompted a final move to Utah, where he spent the next several years thriving in the fields of Sales and Insurance.

A missionary to the end, and one who lived an incredibly noble life, Lamar was a faithful and exemplary member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many leadership roles including Bishop, Stake Presidency, Stake Clerk, High Council, High Priest, Jr Sunday School teacher, Secretary in the Aaronic Priesthood, and Scout Leader.

Lamar always set a standard that was hard to follow. Always the gentleman, he insisted when in the presence of a lady, the car door was always held open, and she was safely in the car before him. He liked to be in charge but knew his place when a well-placed look by Yvonna or May told him who was in charge. To clarify this remark, May loved riding her own motorcycle, she was not one to take a back seat on a bike!

At Southgate in St. George, he was so popular, he never lacked for a dining companion as the ladies fawned over him due to his gallantry. He always stood and helped a lady be seated before him. He had a huge personality and was the Big Man on Campus with his good looks, impeccable style, and lively conversation.

His record keeping was meticulous and he kept very close track of his daily workout routine, and he could still show his flexed biceps until he passed.

His love for family was legendary and he and Yvonna adopted 3 children, Bryan, Elise, and Scott. Elise’s adoption was unique as Lamar and Yvonna actually placed a ‘Want Ad’ in the Las Vegas Paper. Several women applied and after much fasting and prayer, they selected Betty as the lucky recipient, moved her up to SLC until Elise was born and the rest as they say is history. Lucky Elise!

Lamar enjoyed great health until the last month of his life, fueled by his zest for missionary work and desire to save all those he came in contact with. He prepared a dozen or so loose-leaf binders that he was determined to get into the right people’s hands about his love of his religion and how it could better their life.

There will never be another Lamar. His indomitable spirit is incredibly inspiring and his influence towards the people around him will always be felt.

He is now on the journey of good news and bad news, the good news is that he now definitely knows what is on the other side, the bad news is that he can’t come back and tell us! All of us will just have to wait and see.

Lamar is survived by his daughter, Elise Mortensen West (St. George), 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents and siblings Euleta Sherman, Bonnie Mortensen, and David Mortensen. Yvonna Arnold Mortensen, (wife) and May Blatter Mortensen, (wife), Bryan Arnold Mortensen (son) Scott Walter Mortensen (son), and many loved pets.

We deeply thank Nina Heck, Exec. Director and her staff at Southgate Senior Living in St. George where Dad spent his last season of life for a lively 2.5 years. And Hailey Mercier at Alliance Hospice in St. George for her exceptional care. While at Southgate, Lamar saw a need and created the Friendship Club, a golf game for all levels, and was President of the Resident Council. He stated, “Living at Southgate was a special time in my life. Of the many multiple moments of happiness, I’ve enjoyed in my life, so many occurred at Southgate”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on what would have been Dad’s 93rd Birthday, December 29, 2023. Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, UT. Burial will take place immediately following the service. It will also be available on Zoom. We request brightly colored clothing as this is a joyous celebration of a Life.Well.Lived. And it's Dad's birthday!

Lamar said several times a week, “Now THIS is what I call really living”, and he most likely stated that on his journey to Heaven. His indomitable spirit, zest for life, and ‘always productive and positive attitude’, will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”