Obituary for VerDon Ballantyne
VerDon Wilde Ballantyne valiant husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and eternal patriarch of the Ballantyne Family returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 20th, 2023. VerDon was born in Coalville, Utah on February 23, 1936, to Willard Burton and Louise Wilde Ballantyne. VerDon grew up in Park City, Utah where he worked on a large ranch and learned to appreciate hard work, responsibility and the beautiful outdoors. VerDon attended Park City High School where he excelled and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He also played the clarinet and was the President of the Band. VerDon excelled in academics and was awarded the Valedictorian his Senior year.
VerDon served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. VerDon married his sweetheart, LaWana Patten, on June 20th, 1958 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
VerDon graduated from Brigham Young University with his Bachelor's degree and later earned his Master's degree. VerDon served as an Honors English professor for Brigham Young University for forty-one years teaching Technical Writing and American Literature where he was awarded the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Professor Award for excellence in his field. VerDon and LaWana raised eight wonderful children Bob (Becky), Todd (Marnae), Jon (Leslie), Paul (Brandi), Marci (Kevin Kuhn), Jamie (Kris Anderson), Mike (Kristie), and Kristi (Drew Anderson). VerDon is also survived by twenty-eight grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. VerDon served in numerous church callings including High Priest Group Leader, Stake High Councilman and Provo Temple Ordinance Worker for ten years, serving valiantly together with his loving wife. He also served as Bishop, Minister, Sunday School Teacher and Gospel Doctrine Instructor; but he truly enjoyed most his time as Scout Master with many, many years of dedicated service to countless young men helping them to earn their Eagle Scout rank while earning the Silver Beaver Award in Scouting.
VerDon loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially golfing.
VerDon's greatest challenge and one of his fondest rewards was seeking out teaching moments and taking that opportunity to help others. VerDon loved to write and spent countless hours composing poetry for family members and loved ones. VerDon and LaWana spent all their days together working, watching BYU games, or finding someone to serve. VerDon was a true friend to everyone he met.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11:30 am in the Bull River Church Building, 11300 North Highland Blvd, Highland. Family and friends may visit that morning from 10:15 - 11:15 am. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery. A live webcast of services will be available at www.walkersanderson.com where condolences and memories may be shared. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Primary Children’s Hospital, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund, or a charity of your choice, in VerDon’s name.
VerDon served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. VerDon married his sweetheart, LaWana Patten, on June 20th, 1958 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
VerDon graduated from Brigham Young University with his Bachelor's degree and later earned his Master's degree. VerDon served as an Honors English professor for Brigham Young University for forty-one years teaching Technical Writing and American Literature where he was awarded the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Professor Award for excellence in his field. VerDon and LaWana raised eight wonderful children Bob (Becky), Todd (Marnae), Jon (Leslie), Paul (Brandi), Marci (Kevin Kuhn), Jamie (Kris Anderson), Mike (Kristie), and Kristi (Drew Anderson). VerDon is also survived by twenty-eight grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. VerDon served in numerous church callings including High Priest Group Leader, Stake High Councilman and Provo Temple Ordinance Worker for ten years, serving valiantly together with his loving wife. He also served as Bishop, Minister, Sunday School Teacher and Gospel Doctrine Instructor; but he truly enjoyed most his time as Scout Master with many, many years of dedicated service to countless young men helping them to earn their Eagle Scout rank while earning the Silver Beaver Award in Scouting.
VerDon loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially golfing.
VerDon's greatest challenge and one of his fondest rewards was seeking out teaching moments and taking that opportunity to help others. VerDon loved to write and spent countless hours composing poetry for family members and loved ones. VerDon and LaWana spent all their days together working, watching BYU games, or finding someone to serve. VerDon was a true friend to everyone he met.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11:30 am in the Bull River Church Building, 11300 North Highland Blvd, Highland. Family and friends may visit that morning from 10:15 - 11:15 am. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery. A live webcast of services will be available at www.walkersanderson.com where condolences and memories may be shared. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Primary Children’s Hospital, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund, or a charity of your choice, in VerDon’s name.