Five Happy Britts

Walter E. McPhie 1926 ~ 2009 Walter Evan "Walt" McPhie, 83, passed away December 19, 2009. He and his twin brother were born March 20, 1926 in Ogden, Utah, to Walter and Heva McPhie. After graduating from Ogden High School 1944, he served in the Army Air Corps, 1944-46. Later, he graduated from Weber Jr. College, Utah State University, University of Utah, and Stanford University. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Jones, in the Logan Temple, 1951. During their wonderful marriage they were blessed with four children, each of whom was special, a source of genuine pride and joy. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary July 6, 2009. Walt loved teaching. He taught in the public schools of Utah and California 1953-1957; and held professorial rank and/or administrative positions at Brigham Young University 1959-63; Haile Selassie I University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 1963-65, 1967-68, 1970; and University of Utah 1965-96 . A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission in France, Belgium, and Switzerland 1947-49. Other church service included: teaching, counselor to three bishops, Stake High Council, Stake Sunday School President, Stake Teacher Improvement Coordinator, etc. He and his wife were privileged to sing as members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, he for 15 years and she for 22. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and fishing especially in Montana with his boys. His work in international education, along with his mission, Choir membership, and his love of travel, gave him the opportunity to visit five continents and over 70 countries- actually living for several years in both Europe and Africa. In 1985 he was assistant director of a tour to Egypt and Israel for teachers. The following year he visited China- with whose people and culture he bonded almost immediately. Subsequently, he developed international seminars for educators which were followed by summer tours to the countries studied. These tours included China 14 visits, Russia, and Japan. He was convinced that it was through these international efforts he made his most significant contribution as an educator, by exposing hundreds of teachers to different world cultures, who, in turn, affected the lives of thousands of students. Preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mildred (Darrell) Cramer; his twin brother, Wallace (Jo Anne and, later, Arlene); a daughter-in-law, Lisa Lundberg McPhie (Brent); and a great-grand-child, Tayson (Matthew). He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his four children: Susan (Kenny) Carr, Mark (Marna) McPhie, Brent (Janny) McPhie, and Jill (Dave) Hooley; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grand-children. Special thanks and appreciation are expressed to Dr. Thomas Caine for everything, but especially for organizing and over-seeing Walt's care, to incomparable Ginger Marshal for her caring attention to every detail, and to the extraordinary health care team from Rocky Moun-tain Hospice for their loving attention.  Funeral services will be held December 23, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Cottonwood 6th Ward, 4930 S. Westmoor Rd. Family and friends may pay their respects December 22, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ward house and one hour prior to the services. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens, 10600 S. 1700 E., Sandy, Utah. Contributions may be made to the LDS church Perpetual Education Fund.