Earl B. Weaver

Earl Benson Weaver passed away on January 1, 2015 at the age of 88. He was born on October 27, 1926 to Earl and Jenny Benson Weaver in Preston, Idaho. Earl grew up on a beautiful, picture-perfect farm with his loving dad and mom and four adoring sisters; Kinnie, Virginia, MaryLou, and Jenalee.

Surrounded by nature, animals, and a wonderful family, Earl had the perfect childhood. The “love at home” and his insurmountable appreciation for nature, anything from sunsets, to his favorite, rocks, would define him throughout his life and, subsequently, would fittingly earn him the nickname “Nature Boy”. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and trained as a Coxswain (pronounced Cox un), a landing craft operator, ending up in Shanghai. Upon returning, Earl moved to Utah and entered the University of Utah for four years, writing for the Utah Chronicle as the Daily Sports Editor, becoming a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, and majoring in Journalism. His experience at the U of U gave way to an unprecedented knowledge of the English language. Earl’s ability to write, spell, and his vast vocabulary could knock your socks off! His excellence in English and math led him into banking where he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, Coombs and Co. Brokerage, Bank of Salt Lake, and finally retiring in 1987 as Branch Manager of First Security Bank in Rose Park, Utah.

He later became a member of the Utah Booster’s Crimson Club, President’s Club, and Deseret Club. His passion for sports was shifted into high gear as he became involved as a season ticket holder to football and basketball games and began doing everything from swimming, tennis, golfing, and basketball, to taking part in organized hiking adventures with the Crimson Club, which he raked up thousands of miles over his lifetime.

Earl lived an almost non-stop life and his down time was pruning his trees, picking fruit, or working in his yard. He surrounded himself with quality people and would not consider your company if you weren’t of quality and decency. He was humbled by greatness by those in their respective fields and was constantly awed by those who could break records and be at the top of their game.

Earl deeply and genuinely loved his family and friends as could visibly be seen when he spoke of them. He greatly enjoyed being charitable, whether by philanthropy or simply giving his fruit out of his yard or a “just because” gift. Earl led, by example, a quality life and leaves behind a legacy that by its own definition, is exceptional.

Survived by: daughter, Melody Gallegos (Patrick); grandchildren, Kelsey and Derek Gallegos; wife, Barbara Ellen Smith, Heber City, UT; sister, Jenalee Santos, Corvallis, Oregon. Preceded in death by his mom and dad and sisters. Viewing services to be held January 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and funeral services and internment January 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery and Mortuary 3401 So. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City.