Leo Ross Walker, Jr. DDS, "Grandpa L," passed away on August 26, 2010 due to complications of cancer. He was born on July 29, 1923 to Leo Ross Walker Sr. and Vera Thorne Walker in Provo, Utah.
He married Ladene Nichols on August 3, 1948. He adored Ladene, whom he affectionately called "Chickie." They spent 62 wonderful years together, and are the parents of four children: Crayton (Nance), Mark (Stacey), Melana, and Dean (DeAnn). He is the proud grandfather of seven grandsons and one granddaughter. His family and their successes were his proudest accomplishments.
Leo grew up in Garland, Utah and graduated from Bear River High School. He was a member of the LDS Church. He attended Utah State University and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
He graduated from the Loyola University of Chicago College of Dental Surgery and completed a residency in children's dentistry at Forsythe Children's Dental Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Leo was well respected in his profession, being active in several professional societies and was honored with election into the International College of Dentistry.
He was one of the first children's dentists in the Intermountain area. As part of the inaugural staff at Primary Children's Hospital, he provided extensive volunteer services. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps during the Korean War. He practiced in Salt Lake and Holladay for 42 years.
After retirement, the Walker's moved to Park City where they resided for the past 21 years. Leo loved the outdoors, especially riding his horses, fishing, and snow skiing. He enjoyed being a member of the Back Country Horse Association and performing service to improve the wilderness areas. Leo also was a patron of the arts. He enjoyed the opera, symphony and traveling. Leo and Ladene belonged to the Third Saturday Night Dance Club for 25 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and an infant daughter.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Roy Gandolfi and Dr. Graydon Harker, as well as the compassionate caregivers at Intermountain Hospice in Summit County.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday September 1, 2010 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple at 12:00 noon. The family will greet friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary and one hour before the funeral services on Wednesday. Interment will be at the Farmington City Cemetery.
Donations in Leo's name may be made to the Back Country Horse Association at: PO BOX 1230, Kamas, Utah 84036.
Obituary from Larkin Mortuary.
