Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Men

Biographies of Prominent
Utah Deaf Men

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

Published in 2012
Updated in 2024

Author's Note

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional Utah Deaf men who have dedicated themselves to improving the quality of life for the Deaf community in Utah. Their leadership, contributions, and influence are invaluable and have made a significant impact on many lives. These are not just stories; they are powerful narratives that inspire us to recognize and appreciate the selfless dedication, contributions, and resilience of these exceptional individuals to our Utah Deaf community.

The biographies of these prominent Deaf men in Utah are a valuable source of knowledge for the Deaf community, especially for younger Deaf individuals. They also provide a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of our local Utah Deaf leaders. I hope that future generations can gain insights into effective advocacy and find inspiration to enhance their education, success, and productivity by studying the leadership qualities of these influential individuals. These leaders are not just individuals; they are the very essence of our community, particularly the Utah Association of the Deaf, who play an important role in establishing our collective identity. Their experiences remind us that we live in a strong, supportive community that fosters a great sense of pride and belonging.

Religion, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has had a lasting impact on Utah's history. This influence also extends to the Utah Deaf community, making it an important part of our shared heritage. The biographies of these individuals, often including their religious affiliations, offer a unique perspective on their lives and contributions. These biographies are not only valuable to their families but also help preserve history and explore their lineage. They also play a significant role in contributing to Utah's cultural and religious diversity, which we can all take pride in. Additionally, these biographies preserve the life stories of these individuals for future generations to appreciate and remember.

When writing about individuals for our history website, I choose to use their first name to acknowledge all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes. Our patriarchal culture often expects to recognize women's advocacy, contributions, and achievements using their husbands' last names instead of their own. However, in the spirit of inclusivity, equality, and recognizing each individual's unique identity, I have decided to use their first names throughout the website. This decision reaffirms our commitment to these values and highlights the significant role of women's advocacy in our community.

Our organization, previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, changed its name to the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2012. The association was known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962. The association changed its name to the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963. Finally, in 2012, the association reverted to its previous name, the Utah Association of the Deaf. When writing the history website, I use both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras of the association's history.

Thank you for taking an interest in this topic.

Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner

Students of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1933-36. Front Row (L-R): Robert G. Sanderson, ____, _____, Frank Orlando, _______ Back Row (L-R): _____, _____, Lloyd Jones, _____, Oliver I. Langworthy

Acknowledgement

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Valerie G. Kinney for her essential support in proofreading this document and interviewing sources close to prominent individuals for more biographical details.

I am deeply thankful to Anne Leahy for her generosity in assisting and contributing to the hard-to-find archive collections of specific individuals.

I would like to show my appreciation and thanks to Helen Salas-McCarty for donating her time to proofread and edit the documents.

I also want to thank Dr. Robert G. Sanderson (via Valerie G. Kinney), Kenneth L. Kinner, and Doug Stringham for recommending the names of prominent individuals.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Anne Leahy, Doug Stringham, and David Samuelson for their valuable direction and guidance. Moreover, I extend special thanks to those who provided important biographical details about the subjects of these biographies.

I want to express my gratitude to Eleanor McCowan for suggesting that I take on the Utah Deaf History project. Without her suggestion, none of this would have been possible.

I also want to thank my colleague, James Fenton, for recommending that I include a summary of each biography.

I am incredibly appreciative of the support and patience of my spouse, Duane Kinner, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, throughout the completion of this project. The "Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women" webpage would not have been possible without their support.

Thank you!

Jodi Becker Kinner

Why Are The Biographies
of Prominent Utah Deaf Men Important?

"The Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Men" is an invaluable resource for the ASL community, particularly for the younger Deaf generation in Utah. It provides insight into the lives of local Deaf role models, helping future generations learn from their leadership traits. By studying these biographies, individuals can effectively advocate for causes and become more literate, educated, prosperous, and productive citizens.

I admire the Utah Deaf individuals featured on this webpage for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the Deaf community in Utah. I hope their biographies encourage readers to follow in their extraordinary footsteps. Finally, I appreciate these leaders' selfless dedication and contributions to our Utah Deaf community.

Have fun while reading!

Jodi Becker Kinner

Students of Utah School for the Deaf, 1928-1930. Back L-R: Wayne Stewart, William Woodward, Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Joseph Burnett, possible Leon Edwards, Arvel Christensen, Virgil Greenwood, ____ Front L-R: J. Sherwood Messerly, Rodney Walker, Melvin Penman, Wesley Perry, Verl Throup, _____

“The price of success is hard work,
dedication to the job at hand, and
the determination that whether we win or lose,
we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” ~Vince Lombardi~

Laron Pratt,
the Utah's First Deaf leader in the 1800s

Laron Pratt, a man of unwavering dedication, took on the role of assistant superintendent of the Deaf Mute Sunday School in Salt Lake City's 19th Ward on January 10, 1892. His commitment led him to become a stake Sunday School missionary, delivering talks at local and general church gatherings, and signing hymns with his daughter as an interpreter. Laron's dedication is evident in his role as the first and only Deaf leader in Utah's newly formed Deaf community in the 1800s, a role he assumed before establishing the Utah School for the Deaf in 1880. His commitment has greatly benefited the Utah Deaf community and the Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Laron Pratt as a young man. God Made Me Deaf Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saint, 1836-1916

Laron Pratt was born in Florence, Douglas County, Nebraska, on April 14, 1847. He was the son of the late Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Apostle Orson Pratt and his first wife (of 10), Sarah Marinda Bates. Plural marriage was common at the time.

Laron was three years old when he developed a high fever and went deaf. As an adult, he had some spoken-language skills, was fluent in sign language, could read lips, and spoke well (The Utah Eagle, March 1917).

Laron arrived in the Salt Lake Valley with his father's Pioneer Company from Winter Quarters on October 4, 1851, at the age of four (Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011). Apostle Pratt was a member of President Brigham Young's pioneering company, the "Vanguard Company.

Laron relocated to St. George with his family ten years later, in October 1861. In August 1864, he went to Salt Lake City, where he became the first Deaf leader of the newly formed Deaf community (Doug Stringham, personal communication, June 2, 2011; Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

Like other Deaf individuals in Utah between 1850 and 1880, their parents most likely educated or tutored them at home (Doug Stringham, personal communication, June 2, 2011). Laron was one of them. He was a well-educated man who wrote and published several articles for the Deseret News.

He started working for the Deseret News in 1862 and stayed for nearly 50 years (Deseret News, August 24, 1908). He rose through the ranks to become a well-known compositor (typesetter) (Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

While employed at the Deseret News, Laron reprinted his essay "The English of Deaf Mutes" from an unidentified newspaper exchange source on June 7, 1876 (Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

According to the 1880 census, Laron's household included a hearing wife, Ethelwynne Clarissa Brown, and six children. He hired a young Swiss woman to do housekeeping. He married Ethelwynne on June 27, 1869, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their children were Laron Jr., Maude Eudora, Ethelwynne Clarissa, Sarah Marinda, Hermie Estelle, and Pemelia Pearl. Laron's eldest son, Laron Jr., died at the age of 15 in 1885 (Deseret News, November 18, 1885).

Laron, at 37, had two essays published in the Deseret Evening News. On April 16, 1884, he submitted his first article, "Deaf Mutes: A Good Word on Behalf of the Unfortunates." Seven days later, it appeared on page 211. Loran praised the legislature's provision for the education of Deaf children in Utah Territory and provided an insider's view of Deaf culture for a hearing audience (Pratt, Deseret Evening News, April 16, 1884; Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

He wrote his second article, "A Kind Word in Behalf of Deaf Mutes," on June 22, 1884, and submitted it to the Deseret Evening News for publication on page 379. He quoted Marquis L. Brock from a lecture at the American Instructors of the Deaf and Dumb convention in his essay: "The whole world of sound is a sealed book [to deaf people]." Laron also advocated for religious and moral education. This suggests that he subscribed to the American Annals of the Deaf, which published his paper (Pratt, Deseret News, June 22, 1884; Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

Laron Pratt (central) with Deaf-Mute Sunday School, 1902-1917. God Made Me Deaf Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saints, 1836-1916

Laron personally called President Wilford W. Woodruff of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 24, 1881, to express a desire to teach the Deaf (Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011). Eleven years later, on January 10, 1892, Laron established the Deaf Mute Sunday School in Salt Lake City's 19th Ward and received a call as assistant superintendent. He became a stake Sunday School missionary, traveling to local and general church meetings to give talks and sign hymns. His daughter played a crucial role as his interpreter, facilitating communication and making the hymns accessible to the Deaf community (The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892; Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

Even when the Deaf Mute Sunday School had to relocate to the Ogden 4th Ward after the Utah School for the Deaf moved in 1896, Laron's dedication remained unwavering. He continued his service as a teacher and assistant superintendent, making weekly train trips. His commitment was duly recognized when he was appointed an honorary member of the superintendency on October 7, 1907, 'as a reward for his faithful service' (Desert News, November 21, 1896; Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

In 1904, Orson F. Whitney's History of Utah, p. 29, featured Laron as one of the seventeen most prominent of Orson Pratt's forty-five children (Anne Leahy, personal communication, June 3, 2011).

Laron's passing in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 22, 1908, deeply impacted the community. His funeral took place in the Seventeenth Ward chapel and was attended by many relatives and friends. The service was arranged by his devoted friends. The event was well-attended, with students from the Utah School for the Deaf, his former colleagues from the Deseret News, and numerous floral tributes, all serving as a touching reminder of the community's deep respect and affection for Elder Laron Pratt (Deseret News, August 24, 1908).

Loran Pratt God Made Me Deaf Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saints, 1836-1916

Laron's memorial service featured three speakers. Elder J.M. Sjodahl, an editor for the Deseret News, was the first to speak. He highlighted Laron's noble and honest life and his condolences to Loran's family (Deseret News, August 24, 1908).

Elder John Henry Smith, who had known Laron since his youth, commented on his heroic life and how he faced "almost insurmountable obstacles that made the great battle of life a success." John also praised Laron for raising his honored family, remaining faithful, and earning the respect of all who knew him. Laron's life, according to John, was "truly an exemplary one, and he was a worthy son of his distinguished father, Orson Pratt, one of the earliest standard bearers of Mormonism and a Utah pioneer" (Deseret News, August 24, 1908). His impact on the community is something we should all be grateful for.

Lastly, Elder Fred W. Chambers, superintendent of the Deaf Mute Sunday school in Ogden, spoke feelingly of the devotion of Elder Pratt, who lived in Salt Lake City and went to Ogden every Sabbath for nearly nine years to teach Deaf children the gospel (Deseret News, August 24, 1908).

Elder Fred W. Chambers, superintendent of the Deaf Mute Sunday school in Ogden, talked movingly of Elder Pratt [who lived in Salt Lake City], who traveled to Ogden every Sunday for over nine years to teach Deaf children the gospel (Deseret News, August 24, 1908).

Laron Pratt, Assistant Superintendent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God Made Me Deaf Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saints, 1836-1916

Notes

Anne Leahy, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, June 3, 2011.

Doug Stringham, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, June 2, 2011.

References

"A Brief History of the Sunday School for the Deaf." The Utah Eagle, Vol. 28, No. 6, March 1917.

"A Sunday School Organized for the Deaf Mutes." The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892. Transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006. http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_organization.html

"Bereaved." Deseret News, November 18, 1885. http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_son_dies.html

“For Blind, Deaf, and Dumb.” Deseret News, November 21, 1896. Transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006. http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_organization.html

“Funeral of Laron Pratt: Veteran Printer Laid to Rest After Impressive Service
Attended by Host of Devoted Friends.” Deseret News, August 24, 1908. Transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006. http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_obituary.html

Pratt, Laron. "Deaf Mutes: A good word in behalf of the unfortunates." Deseret News, April 16, 1884. Transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006 http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_good_word.html

Pratt, Larson. “A Kind Word in Behalf of Deaf Mutes.” Deseret News, June 22, 1884. Transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006. (Online). Available HTTP: http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_kind_word.html

Henry C. White, Outspoken Leader

Henry C. White was named principal of the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1884 by Dr. John R. Park, president of the University of Utah, following the recommendation of Dr. Edward M. Gallaudet, president of Gallaudet College. He remained at the Utah School for the Deaf until 1890, serving as a teacher, principal, and headmaster. Henry established the Arizona School for the Deaf at the University of Arizona in 1911, similar to the Utah School for the Deaf. He graduated from Gallaudet College in 1880 and was one of the first attendees at the first convention of the National Association of the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the same year.

Henry C. White. Photo courtesy of Gallaudet University Achieves

Henry C. White was born hearing on November 9, 1856, in Roxbury, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts. At age four, he lost his hearing due to scarlet fever (Census of Henry C. White). He was raised in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He first attended the Horace Mann Day School for the Deaf in Boston. In 1866, when he was nine years old, he went to the Hartford School for the Deaf as a student (The Utah Eagle, February 1922). After graduating from Hartford in 1880, he went to the Columbia Institute for the Deaf and Dumb (later renamed Gallaudet University) in Washington, D.C., where he got a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1880 (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866–1957; The Utah Eagle, February 1922). The same year, he attended the National Association of the Deaf's first Cincinnati convention (Gannon, 1981).

Soon after he graduated, Henry became the manager of a home for older Deaf people in Allston, Massachusetts (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866–1957). Then, on the advice of Dr. Edward M. Gallaudet, president of Gallaudet College, Dr. John R. Park, president of the University of Utah, made Henry the first principal of the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1884. The Legislature created the school as a part of the state university because John Beck and William Wood, both parents of Deaf children, pushed for it. It opened in a room in the University building on August 26, 1884 (The Utah Eagle, February 1922). Henry was a teacher, principal, and head teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf until 1890. Although Henry C. White did not establish the Utah School for the Deaf, he is credited with leading and maintaining it, which still exists today, as a leader and administrator despite limited financial resources and a lack of support from the hearing community.

Before Henry left the Utah School for the Deaf in 1890, he was the principal for five years. However, the impact of oralism spread across the country after the infamous Milan Congress of 1880 passed a resolution requiring the use of oral methods in deaf education. This jeopardized Henry's job. The oral movement in Utah reflected Henry's replacement as principal in 1889 by a hearing teacher from the Kansas School for the Deaf, Frank W. Metcalf (Evans, 1999).

Despite the challenges he faced, Henry C. White's resilience shone through. He assumed the role of head teacher upon Frank's appointment as principal in 1889. His disagreements with Frank led to disputes, and the Board of Regents investigated the situation, ultimately terminating Henry's employment with the school (The Utah Eagle, February 1922). In February 1890, he severed his ties with the school (White, 1890; Fay, 1893; Pace, 1946; Burdett, Utah School for the Deaf Brochure). Henry's ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a testament to his character and determination.

Professor White's story is not unique. Deaf men, who founded state schools for the deaf, faced similar challenges when their deafness led to their dismissal as principals. The Deaf community believed hearing people preferred hearing individuals to hold the positions. Professor White, along with three other Deaf principals, J.M. Koehler of Pennsylvania, A.R. Spear of North Dakota, and Mr. Long of the Indian Territory, were recognized as 'shining lights in this particular, all men who built on firm foundations at the price of great discomfort and in the face of great sacrifices, only to be told to 'get out' and make room for hearing men' (The Silent Worker, March 1900, p. 101). The injustice faced by Professor White and his peers is a stark reminder of the discrimination prevalent in their time.

During Professor White's last year at the school, Frank M. Driggs, the school's then-boys' supervisor and long-time superintendent, got to know him and found him to be "well-educated, bright, alert, and active." Mr. Driggs was praised for 'his efforts to keep the school going during those early years when it required money and courage' (The Utah Eagle, February 1922, p. 2).

In 1894, while Deaf leaders were battling Alexander Graham Bell, a well-known oral advocate, and attempting to halt the spread of oral day schools across the United States, Henry C. White, a gifted rhetorician, condemned school administrators for failing to consult directly with Deaf adults. "What of the Deaf themselves?" he asked. "Have they no say in a matter which means intellectual life and death to them?" (Buchanan, 1850-1950, p. 28). During this time, Henry was one of the most foresighted Deaf activists, predicting that Deaf activists would be unable to mount the type of national campaign. Henry, according to Buchanan (1850-1950), "believed that deaf instructors had a moral claim in teaching positions, but he understood that such assertions were nothing if they were not based in law and protected by vigilant Deaf adults" (p. 32). Henry urged his peers at the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City in 1885 to define, organize, and defend a new set of rights. He stated on page 32, "We must assert our claims to justice, or we will never receive it, if we wish to combat this lingering prejudice and secure justice." Cleary, Henry had not forgotten the incident in Utah.

Henry C. White (center) at the first convention of the National Association of the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio, 1880. His wife, Mary E. Mann is standing behind him. Photo courtesy of "Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America"

After Henry's departure from the Utah School for the Deaf, he embarked on a new journey, relocating to Boston, Massachusetts. He took up a position as a printer for Acheson & Co. and founded his own newspaper, The National Gazette (The Silent Worker, June 1895; The Utah Eagle, February 1922; Gannon, 1981). This bold move marked the beginning of his inspiring career transitions.

He eventually became an attorney and worked as a legal advisor. He also wrote a book called Law Points for Everybody, which sold 60,000 copies in New England in a month. Copies of a second edition were on order. His book about law covered New England and New York (The Silent Worker, June 1898). He sometimes worked with other lawyers in court cases involving the Deaf, and he often served as an interpreter for other Deaf people. For example, he once assisted John L. Bates, a former governor of Massachusetts, with a critical case. Even though Henry didn't practice law, he became known as a teacher of the deaf in eastern cities (The Silent Worker, July 1912). He was a brilliant person.

Edward Allen Fay, a professor at Gallaudet College and the editor of the American Annals of the Deaf, wrote in March 1916 about Henry's strong English skills as follows (The Silent Worker, April 1916).
Henry C. White, a Deaf student at Gallaudet College, noticed that some of his fellow students, who were deaf from birth or had become deaf at a young age, had a better grasp of the English language compared to those with similar advantages and the same amount of instruction. He wanted to understand the reason for this difference and found that the students who were proficient in English were avid readers, while those who struggled with the language, like many Deaf individuals, did not enjoy reading and only did the minimum required by their teachers.

Henry C. White at the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah The Utah Eagle, February 1922

In June 1885, Henry married Mary Elizabeth Mann, who was also deaf and a graduate of the Ohio School for the Deaf (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866–1957; The Salt Lake Herald, June 20, 1885; The Utah Eagle, February 1922). They were parents of three children: Emma Frances, Howard M., and Harriet Tuttle.

In 1911, Henry established the Arizona School for the Deaf at the University of Arizona, a testament to his unwavering dedication. His relentless efforts to prioritize the school and its students marked his three-year tenure as principal. Unfortunately, his abrupt departure in the middle of the school year, due to the school's transition to an oral school, left him without a job (The Silent Worker, March 1920). In March 1913, Henry expressed his views on oralism in 'The Silent Worker' magazine:

"Oralists never teach using any method other than their own, and it is unrealistic to expect them to understand the value of other methods." They are not in touch with the deaf at all, for their own graduates turn against them and their method after they have gone out into the stress and strife of life's battles and found themselves worse handicapped than their more fortunate brethren and sisters whose lives had been rounded out by the combined system."

After a few years, John T. Hughes, Chancellor of the University of Arizona, presented a bill to the Legislature to honor Henry's significant contributions to the Arizona School for the Deaf on March 12, 1919 (The Silent Worker, March 1920). Henry passed away at the County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, on December 31, 1921 (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866–1957; The Utah Eagle, February 1922).

Did You Know?

According to Dr. Edward Allen Fay, a professor at Gallaudet College and the editor of the American Annals of the Deaf, reading books is one of the most important aids in helping Deaf individuals acquire language. Hearing children unconsciously acquire language through frequent repetition of words and phrases, whereas Deaf people are unable to do so through the ear. As a result, reading is the only way for them to achieve this necessary repetition (The Silent Worker, April 1916).

References

Buchanan, Robert M. Illusion of Equality: Deaf Americans in school and factory 1850 -1950 (Online. Available HTTP: http://books.google.com/books?id=Tahfhls7TKYC&pg=PA28&sig=VbCZINlmYggHd34t9GD_udkD_dY&dq=this+of+utah+school+for+the+deaf+%221894%22+%22In+1894,+Portland%27s+newspapers+carried+a+series+of+exchanges+that+pitted+American+School+officials+and+deaf+activists+against+Bell+and+Yale.%22

Burdett, Kenneth C. (1960s). Utah School for the Deaf Brochure.

Census of Henry C. White.

Fay, Edward Allen. History of the Utah School for the Deaf - History of American Schools for the Deaf. 1817 – 1893. School of Education Library; Stanford University Libraries: The Volta Bureau, 1893. http://books.google.com/books?id=tjEWAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA21-PA10&lpg=RA21-PA10&dq=Frank+M.+Driggs,+deaf&source=web&ots=il1POQSsle&sig=5L_Ewyv3YcTrbGyafwB4psnD-k0&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PRA21-PA10,M1

Evans, David S. A Silent World In The Intermountain West: Records From The Utah School For The Deaf and Blind, 1884-1941. Utah State University: Logan, Utah. 1999.

Fay, Edward Allen. History of the Utah School for the Deaf - History of American Schools for the Deaf. 1817 – 1893.School of Education Library; Stanford University Libraries: The Volta Bureau, 1893.
http://books.google.com/books?id=tjEWAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA21-PA10&lpg=RA21-PA10&dq=Frank+M.+Driggs,+Deaf&source=web&ots=il1POQSsle&sig=5L_Ewyv3YcTrbGyafwB4psnD-k0&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#v=onepage&q=Frank%20M.%20Driggs%2C%20Deaf&f=false

Fay, Edward Allen. Organ of the Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf.  American Annals of the Deaf.Washington, D.C. Conference of Superintendents and Principals of American Schools for the Deaf: American Annals of the Deaf, 1911.
http://books.google.com/books?id=d8AJAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA455&lpg=PA455&dq=Elsie+Christiansen,+utah+and+deaf&source=bl&ots=ovSqzoQyv4&sig=0BXfmLY9_R5wE_G1LSU4KUbTUDc&hl=en&ei=_VdyTqSYJ8GlsQKSuPTCCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Elsie%20Christiansen%2C%20utah%20and%20deaf&f=false

Fay, Edward Allen. Organ of the Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf. American Annals of the Deaf.Washington, D.C. Conference of Superintendents and Principals of American Schools for the Deaf, 1916. http://books.google.com/books?id=ZqlKAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA461&lpg=PA461&dq=Mary+Woolslayer+utah+deaf&source=bl&ots=lmFN_lM-J8&sig=GoVttIsw68vn5YTT0kn21OCyGow&hl=en&ei=-X5zTuOLFa6EsALR68yLBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Mary%20Woolslayer%20utah%20deaf&f=false

Gannon, Jack, R. Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Association of the Deaf, 1981.

“Henry C. White.” The Utah Eagle, Vol. 33, no. 5 (February 1922): 1-2.

“Industrial Department." The Silent Worker, vol. 7. no. 10 (June 1895): 12. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/31446

“Mr. White Awarded.”  The Silent Worker, vol. 32, no. 6. (June 1920): 149. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38064

“Mutely Married: Their wedding bells heard only by their happy hearts.” The Salt Lake Herald 1870-1909 (June 20, 1885): 8.

Pace, Irma Acord. “A History of the Utah School for the Deaf.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 58, no. 1 (October 1946): 1-33.

“The Kinetoscope and Telephone” The Silent Worker, vol. 12 no. 7 (March 1900): 101. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/32729

“The Silent Worker.” The Silent Worker, vol. 10 no. 10 (June 1898): 155. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/32324

White, Henry C.: B.A., 1880. Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/45187

White, Henry C. American Annals of the Deaf and Dumb. vol. 35 (July 1890): 221.

Paul Mark, Popular Leader

Paul Mark was elected president of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1915 and held this position for three years, from 1915 to 1918. He also served as president of the local chapter of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. Additionally, he owned a shoe shop called "Dunn and Bradstreet" on 25th Street in Ogden, Utah. In his spare time, he enjoyed driving his Peerless car. By 1920, Paul was regarded as Utah's most popular Deaf leader. Members of the Utah Deaf community frequently sought him out for the most up-to-date information. He held meetings in his shoe shop and often invited Deaf members to stay with him.

Paul Mark @ FamilySearch.org

Paul Mark, a prominent figure in Utah's history, was born in Brigham City, Utah, on September 17, 1872.

In the 1880 census, Paul was listed as living in Terrace, Box Elder County, with his parents, Nicholas and Ann Mark. Terrace is now a ghost town in the Great Salt Lake Desert in west-central Box Elder County.

Paul's graduation from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1892 was a significant milestone in his life, demonstrating his determination and perseverance (The Utah Eagle, November 15, 1909).

Paul married Theresa Maria Rasche, who was also deaf, on November 15, 1899. They had four children: Pauline Veronica, Theodore Paul, Nathaniel Cullen, and Nicholas Paul. The family belonged to the Catholic faith.

Paul Mark and his family in San Diego, California, 1915 @ FamilySearch.org

Paul's leadership in the Utah Deaf community was significant. He ran for president of the Utah Association of the Deaf on June 10, 1909, but lost to Elizabeth DeLong, the association's first woman president. However, he did not let this setback deter him. He eventually became the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1915, a position he held for three years until 1918. He also served as president of the local chapter of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. In his personal life, he was a family man, a homeowner, and a car enthusiast, often seen driving his Peerless (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920).

The 1909 Utah Association of the Deaf Officers @ J. Willard Marriott Library

Paul Mark’s shoe shop on 25th Street, Ogden, Utah. The Silent Worker, October 1920

Paul, the most beloved leader of the Utah Deaf community in 1920, was a man of remarkable modesty. For many years, his residence in Ogden, Utah, endeared him to all who knew him (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920). On 25th Street, he managed a 'Dunn and Bradstreet' shop, a testament to his successful business ventures and stockholding in several of Ogden's leading industries (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920; White, The Silent Worker, October 1920). His business was so thriving that it once necessitated him to work past his regular closing time. Cyril Jones, the Deaf father of two Deaf sons, Von and Rollin Jones of Logan, became his assistant and eventually secured employment with his 'Prince of Good Fellows' shop (White, The Silent Worker, June 1920).

When members of the Utah Deaf community needed updates about other Deaf individuals, Paul was the go-to person. He hosted gatherings in his shoe shop, extending invitations to Deaf members from all corners of the state (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920). His shop was more than just a business location; it was a hub of community and connection.

Paul Mark, his wife, Theresa and daughter, Pauline. The Silent Worker, October 1920

Paul Mark and his oldest son, Teddy. The Silent Worker, October 1920

In 1920, Paul invited Harry C. Anderson, president of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, to ride in his "prairie shooner," a Peerless car, through the trail from Ogden Canyon to the Heritage Hotel, where President Anderson and his wife stayed during their visit to Ogden, Utah (White, The Silent Worker, November 1920).

Paul Mark @ FamilySearch.org

Paul passed away on December 28, 1945, in Culver City, Los Angeles, California, and is buried at the Aultorest Memorial Park in Ogden with his wife and his parents.

References

Paul Mark, 92. School for the Deaf. The Utah Eagle. November 15, 1909.

White, Bob. "Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons." The Silent Worker vol. 32 no. 7, April 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38096

White, Bob. “Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons.” The Silent Worker, vol. 32, no. 9, June 1920.

White, Bob. “Ogden’s Social and Religious Center.” The Silent Worker vol. 33 no. 1, October 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38209

White, Bob. “Winding Trails.” The Silent Worker, vol. 33, no. 2, November 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38227

Max W. Woodbury, Ecclesiastical Leader

Max W. Woodbury devoted his life to deaf education at the Utah School for the Deaf. He served as a teacher, teacher-supervising teacher, and eventually as principal. From 1917 to 1968, he was the president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for fifty-one years, setting a record in the Church for his service to the Utah Deaf community, Utah School for the Deaf staff, and students. Max was recognized as a long-time ecclesiastical leader for his work in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, which led to the establishment of new Deaf/ASL branches and wards in Utah and beyond. His work had a profound impact on the lives of the Deaf community, providing them with better access to education and support and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

Max W. Woodbury. God Made Me Deaf Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saints, 1836-1916

Max W. Woodbury was born in St. George, Utah, on June 13, 1877. Robert W. Tegeder, a former superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and an author, noted in his "Utah Loses Its Foremost Educator of the Deaf," article published in "The Utah Eagle," the school's magazine, that during the 1940s, "Max was one of the few educators of the deaf on the west side of the Rocky Mountains who was well known on the east side." Max was president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf for fifty-one years while working at the Utah School for the Deaf. Max's achievements in deaf education included serving as the Utah School for the Deaf principal and spiritual leader of the Ogden Branch (The Utah Eagle, January 1974).

Max W. Woodbury's journey in deaf education began with a personal struggle. C. Roy Cochran, a 1960 Utah School for the Deaf student and long-time leader of the Ogden Branch, shared that Max's hearing loss journey started while he was a student at the University of Utah. Unable to hear his professor's lecture, he moved to the front row, catching his professor's attention. This incident led to his professor advising Max to seek a job at the Utah School for the Deaf (Roy Cochran, personal communication, July 9, 2011). Kenneth L. Kinner, a 1954 Utah School for the Deaf graduate and long-time Ogden Branch leader, described Max wearing his hearing aid with a wire loop around his head (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, July 9, 2011).

The Utah School for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, as it was called back then, was featured in the Ogden Daily Standard on December 20, 1902. The staff members were, from top to bottom, L-R: Albert Talage, Catherine King, Elizabeth DeLong, Superintendent Frank M. Driggs (Center), Sarah Whalen, E.S. Henne, and Max W. Woodbury

Max W. Woodbury's career in deaf education began at the Utah School for the Deaf on September 1, 1902. He also started as an assistant superintendent of Sunday School in 1902, the same year he learned sign language. This early experience laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to deaf education (Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941-1945; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf—Compiled February 11, 1992; Roy Cochran, personal communication, July 18, 2011).

Max W. Woodbury, teacher and principal of the Utah School for the Deaf

In 1907, Max was appointed assistant superintendent of the Ogden 4th Ward Sunday School. His dedication and leadership were soon recognized, and he was promoted to superintendent in 1911. Elsie M. Christiansen (Deaf) was appointed as his assistant. In 1912, Max and Elsie, recognizing the need for a dedicated place of worship for the Deaf members, wrote a letter to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Joseph F. Smith, detailing the conditions of the Sunday School for the Deaf in the Ogden 4th Ward and requesting the construction of a suitable place of worship exclusively for the Deaf Latter-day Saints members (Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941-1945).

Another letter, this time signed by many Deaf members, was sent to the church, reiterating their need for a dedicated place of worship. Max and Elsie, as leaders, took the initiative to meet with the church's presidency on two separate occasions to discuss these concerns. Their proactive approach and the church's responsiveness led to the eventual granting of their request (Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941-1945).

President Smith, recognizing the importance of this milestone, dedicated the Ogden Branch for the Deaf on February 14, 1917, and established it as an independent branch of the Ogden Stake. Max was sustained as branch president, while Elsie served as branch clerk and secretary, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community within the church (Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941-1945; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf—Compiled February 11, 1992).

Max W. Woodbury

Max, a teacher at the time, was instrumental in the formation of the Utah Association of the Deaf on June 10th and 11th, 1909, at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. He supervised seventy-five boys in the dormitory while teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf and addressed the audience at the Utah Association of the Deaf's First Triennial Convention on campus, discussing the future of the Utah Association of the Deaf (1909 First Convention Minutes; UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963).

Max's commitment to learning was evident in his summers spent at Utah State Agricultural College (later renamed Utah State University). He pursued his education there, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1915 and a Certificate in School Administration in 1932 (The Utah Eagle, January 1974).

Max W. Woodbury looks at the plaque placed on the wall in the Boys’ Dormitory in 1944. He was 67 years old at the time. The Utah Eagle, January 1974

Max became a principal of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1922, a position he held for the next twenty-five years. He provided the school with forty-five years of continuous service. After retiring in 1947, he worked as a part-time substitute teacher for five years (The Utah Eagle, January 1974). On April 28, 1944, the boys' dormitory building was named in honor of Max W. Woodbury, a testament to his forty-two years of unwavering dedication and service to the Utah School for the Deaf and Utah Deaf community. His impact on the Utah Deaf community was profound, and the dormitory was officially named "Woodbury Hall" (Pace, 1946, p. 21). Regrettably, the fall of 2012 saw the demolition of this dormitory building. After Max died in 1973, the Utah School for the Deaf alums were grateful that he was remembered on the campus of "his school," and they "considered that building as his campus shrine," according to Robert W. Tegeder (The Utah Eagle, January 1974).

Max W. Woodbury, The 1944 Utahan

According to Robert W. Tegeder, Max found time to contribute to society in addition to his many duties as an educator and church leader. During World War I, he served in the Home Guard; he was a charter member and first president of the Lorin Farr School Parent-Teacher Association; he was secretary-treasurer of the Utah State Teachers' Association; and he was chairman of his party's political precinct for twenty-five years, during which time he served as delegate to many state conventions. He was also heavily involved in the Boy Scout movement. Max's service as an interpreter was particularly noteworthy. He often lent his skills at religious functions, weddings, funerals, the courtroom, and other places, bridging the gap between the hearing and the Deaf communities and ensuring that everyone had equal access to these important events (The Utah Eagle, January 1974, p. 2).

Max W. Woodbury shown using the sign language is honored for 50 years service as president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1967

For fifty years, Max served as president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. According to the Winter 1967 UAD Bulletin, he is "believed to have set a record in the church," serving the faculty and students of Utah School for the Deaf, as well as members of the deaf community (p. 1). During his fifty years of service, Max has seen many changes in the branch and the Utah School for the Deaf, where he worked as a teacher, houseparent, and principal for forty-six years. According to the Winter 1967 UAD Bulletin, Max "never lost his enthusiasm and faith in the people he has served so well." The Deaf members described him as "straight and trim of figure, with wavy silver hair; his 90 years rest lightly on his shoulders." His sign language remained consistent, clear, and strong. It had a profound impact on both the deaf and hearing communities, bridging the gap and fostering understanding (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967, p. 1). When Max started teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf in early 1902, Fred Chambers, Superintendent of Sunday School, invited him to teach Sunday School on weekends. He admitted to Superintendent Chambers that he did not know sign language. Brother Chambers would not accept "no" for an answer. Max accepted and studied sign language (Ogden Branch History).

Max W. Woodbury

Members who served under President Woodbury became leaders in the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf, which had 286 members, the Los Angeles Branch for the Deaf, which had 225 members, and a small new branch in San Jose, California. At that time, plans were underway to establish another branch in Provo, Utah, a development that sparked anticipation and excitement (The Ogden Standard Examiner, February 4, 1967). Max earned recognition as a long-time ecclesiastical leader for his work in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which led to the establishment of new Deaf/ASL branches and wards in Utah and beyond.

In a significant moment for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, a new stake president, Gunn McKay, led a special program at the sacrament meeting in February 1968. This marked the transition of leadership, with President Woodbury being released from the position he had held for fifty-one years at the age of 91 (The Ogden Standard Examiner, February 4, 1967; UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967).

In Honor of Max W. Woodbury, 1952

Max's influence extended far beyond his lifetime. He married Kate Forsha on September 10, 1901, and they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on September 10, 1973. They had one son, Max S. Woodbury of Indianapolis, and one daughter, Miriam Woodbury of Ogden (she, like her father, taught at the Utah School for the Deaf for several years before retiring in the 1970s). Max passed away on December 29, 1973, at 96, in Ogden, Utah (R.W.T., The Utah Eagle, January 1974). According to Robert W. Tegeder, "Max was the type of educator and person who could serve well as a model for all modern-day educators and society in general." His teachings and principles continue to inspire educators today, and his legacy as a champion for Deaf people everywhere lives on (The Utah Eagle, January 1974).

Kate and Max Woodbury in the living room of their home, 1970s

Max's legacy is one of unwavering dedication and service. As Robert W. Tegeder eloquently put it, 'of those forty-five years, he [Max] was devoted to the education of the deaf at the Utah School for the Deaf, the institution that he so ably served with such great distinction and devotion as teacher, teacher-supervising teacher, and finally as teacher-principal' (The Utah Eagle, January 1974, p. 1). His life's work is a testament to the power of commitment and the profound impact one individual can have on a community.

According to Robert W. Tegeder, Max was a champion for Deaf people everywhere. Excerpts from some Deaf people who wrote what they recalled about Max for the January 1974 Utah Eagle magazine are as follows: His patience, empathy, and unwavering commitment to his students were qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. He was not just a teacher, but a mentor and a friend, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand.

Max W. Woodbury. The Utah Eagle, January 1974

I REMEMBER MAX W. WOODBURY…

I had known Brother Max W. Woodbury for over fifty years. I was with him as a student and later as a teacher in the Utah School for the Deaf as well as the Latter Day Saints Branch for the Deaf. All the deaf people in Utah looked up to Brother Woodbury as a great man who served not because a task had been assigned, but one of the desires of his heart. By the measure he achieved true greatness. He never flinched from what was right and just and his values were high. Kenneth C. Burdett, Curriculum Coordinator of the Total Communication Division, Utah School for he Deaf (R.W.T., The Utah Eagle, January 1974, p. 1-2).

Unveiling Ceremony in honor of President Max W. Woodbury. Kenneth L. Kinner (left) and C. Roy Cochran (right) holding a portrait of Max at Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 1976

On behalf of the members of the Branch for the Deaf, we pay our last tribute to resident Max W. Woodbury. We feel deeply the loss of a fine dedicated teacher and spiritual leader who taught us a philosophy of life that helps us meet the challenges of this world. The gospel of Jesus Christ, which he taught us, will make us better men and women and help us to receive joy and happiness in our lives.

No man that we have known has ever lived a more useful life of service to deaf people than President Max W. Woodbury. His untiring service in furthering our education and religion was greatly appreciated. It is our desire and responsibility to so live that we will ever reflect credit to his sincere efforts. We will never forget his kindness, fatherly advice and love shown to us. He leaves with us the memory of his fine leadership and sweet personality. He was a man of superior courage, one we have loved and respected during the years we have spent together.

Ogden LDS Branch for the Deaf
Kenneth L. Kinner, Branch President
C. Roy Cochran, First Counselor
W. Ronald Johnson, Second Counselor

Max W. Woodbury. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967

Notes

C. Roy Cochran, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 9, 2011.

Kenneth L. Kinner, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 9, 2011.

References

History of the Ogden Branch.

Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf – Compiled February 11, 1992.

Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941 – 1945, p. 123 – 134.

Tegeder, Robert W. "Utah Loses its Foremost Educator of the Deaf." The Utah Eagle (January 1974): 1-2.

"Two Events Will Honor Deaf Branch President." Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 4, 1967.

UAD's First Convention Minutes: 1909 Minutes.

"UAD's Unveiling Ceremony at Ogden Branch." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 111, No. 3 (October 1976): 2.

John H. Clark, Conservation Leader

During John H. Clark's time at the Utah School for the Deaf, he was one of the editors of the school newspaper, The Eaglet. Upon graduation, he and his cousin, Elizabeth DeLong, were the first students to enter Gallaudet College in 1897. During his senior year at Gallaudet, he wrote stories and was elected editor-in-chief of Buff and Blue. He graduated from Gallaudet College in 1902 with a major in mathematics, which sparked his interest in field surveying, where he was tutored by then Professor Percival Hall, the 2nd Gallaudet president. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science from Gallaudet College in 1902, John returned to Utah to continue his civil engineering and field surveying education. Local, state, and city officials learned about his work and offered him jobs in Southern Utah and nearby states. He surveyed and oversaw water systems, hydroelectric plants, bridges, and roadways in Southern Utah and nearby states, which led him to form his Clark Construction Company. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt praised him for his dedication to protecting the conservation of natural resources. In June 1924, Gallaudet College awarded the honorary degree of Master of Science to John H. for his civil engineering and surveying expertise.

John H. Clark @ FamilySearch.org

John Houston Clark, commonly known as John H., was born hearing in Panguitch, Utah, on May 17, 1880, to Riley Garner Clark and Margaret Houston. Together, they had ten children: Arthur, Riley Garner III, John Houston, James Cecil, Joseph Clark, Ernest Clark, Margaret Fern, Ivy Amanda, Stanley M., and Elden Dewey.

When John H. was ten, his two brothers, Arthur and Ernest, died of spinal meningitis, leaving him completely deaf. His life hung in the balance for several days while in a coma. After his recovery, they homeschooled him for a year. In 1891, at the age of 11, he enrolled in the Utah School for the Deaf, housed at the University of Deseret (later renamed the University of Utah) in Salt Lake City, Utah. His cousin, Elizabeth DeLong, the first female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, who became deaf at the age of five, was also attending the school. Elizabeth played a significant role in John H.'s education and was a source of inspiration for him. He excelled in all his classes and was also a brilliant debater in the Park Literary Society (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956; Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008).

Elizabeth DeLong @ FamilySearch

His son, Dr. Thomas C. Clark, fondly recalls his father's registration as student #70' on September 12, 1891. During his time at the institution, John H. took on the role of student newspaper editor for The Eaglet, a position that allowed him to share his unique perspective (Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008). John H. and Libbie's storytelling at the 1893 gathering, as members of the Park Literacy Society, was a significant part of their journey, engaging and inspiring those around them (Banks & Banks).

John H. Clark as a boy and his father, Riley Garner Clark

John H. was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John H. was most likely one of the first Deaf Mute Sunday School students of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at the University of Deseret (The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892). When the Utah School for the Deaf moved to Ogden in 1896, he continued to attend and even teach Sunday School in the old Ogden Fourth Ward Amusement Hall (Deseret News, November 21, 1896).

John H. Clark is an editor of the student newspaper, the Eaglet

While John H. was a student at the Utah School for the Deaf, his teachers encouraged him to apply to Gallaudet College. In the fall of 1897, he entered Gallaudet College after passing all eight required written examinations, which covered subjects such as literature, history, and mathematics (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956). John H. and Libbie were the only two students to graduate from the Utah School for the Deaf on June 8, 1897 (The Ogden Standard, May 8, 1897). It appears that they graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1897 in Ogden, Utah, a year after the school relocated to this area in 1896.

John H. and Libbie were the first students from Utah to enroll at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1897. Frank M. Driggs, superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, made their journey possible. On September 15, 1897, he accompanied them by train to their first year at Gallaudet, a gesture that opened up a world of opportunities for them (The Ogden Examiner-Standard, September 15, 1897). His presence was instrumental in their journey; without him, John H. and Libbie would not have had the opportunity to travel so far.

John H. Clark walking by Ole Gym at Gallaudet College

John H. was a good student at Gallaudet College and dressed well. John H., as small in stature, did not participate in sports other than tennis and his regular gymnasium routine (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956). He was the Gallaudet football team's assistant coach (The Silent Worker, December 1900).

John H.'s proficiency in English was not just a skill, but a talent that led to his writing stories and numerous articles for The Buff and Blue, the student magazine at Gallaudet College. During his senior year, he was elected editor-in-chief of the publication (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956). His cousin, Libbie, also a senior, was named associate editor (The Ogden Examiner-Standard, June 19, 1901; Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008). An Ogden Standard article from 1901 states, "electing editor-in-chief of the college paper has always been considered one of the highest honors."

John H.'s influence at Gallaudet College was further solidified when he was chosen as a junior to deliver the senior farewell address to the entire school. His address, characterized by its clarity, elegance, and power, left a lasting impact on the school community, showcasing his oratory skills and influence (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

John H. excelled in mathematics at Gallaudet College, sparking his interest in field surveying under the tutelage of then-Professor Percival Hall, the 2nd Gallaudet president, a Harvard graduate, and the son of a famous astronomer, Asaph Hall (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956; Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008).

In an article in "The Deseret Weekly," John H. shared his experience as a Mormon student at Gallaudet College and feeling far from home. As a sophomore, he bravely defended his Mormon beliefs when a respected Gallaudet professor made false claims about them. The professor mistakenly believed that Brigham Young had ordered the infamous Mountain Meadows Massacre at the request of John Doyle Lee. "It is surprising how little most people in the eastern part of the country know about our faith," John H. wrote in The Deseret Weekly on January 15, 1898. [It's worth noting that the author's spouse, Duane Lee Kinner, is the direct descendant of John Doyle Lee, who was convicted as a mass murderer for his involvement in the Mountain Meadows massacre, sentenced to death, and executed in 1877.]

John H. Clark (right) at Gallaudet with his friend

After obtaining his Bachelor of Science from Gallaudet College in 1902, John H. returned to Utah to continue his civil engineering and field surveying education. Local, state, and city officials learned about his work and offered him jobs in Southern Utah and nearby states. He surveyed and oversaw water systems, hydroelectric plants, bridges, and roadways for these, significantly improving the infrastructure and quality of life in these areas. Locals and government officials praised him for his exceptional skill and knowledge of the different areas, difficult terrain, and geologic formations. His hearing loss didn't get in the way of him doing his job every day. He was always at ease and tackled any situation, easily getting through it (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

John H.'s career took off in 1904 when he joined the Forest Service of Utah. His role involved surveying and supervising the Grand Canyon and Kaibab Forest. In 1907, he created a map of Idaho's Snake River. John proudly claimed to be the first white person to venture through the wild parts of what is now known as Hell's Canyon. At the time, his group's journey went unnoticed, leading to concerns that they might have perished. However, their safe return was a testament to John's pioneering spirit and ability to navigate the wilderness. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt later commended him for his commitment to preserving natural resource conservation (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

John H. was a distinguished member of the American Military Engineers, a licensed professional engineer and land surveyor in Utah and New Mexico. The United States government recognized his expertise and dedication by appointing him as a surveyor for specific work in southern Utah in 1906. This promotion was a testament to his previous surveying work for the government, which had already established his reputation as a skilled professional (The Silent Worker, June 1906).

Scene of one of John H. Clark's roadbuilding projects in the Utah mountain. The Silent Worker, May 1956

The following is a list of some of his various activities:

Working with the US Forest Service on surveys in Hell's Canyon and the Snake River,
Working on projects in New Mexico. Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Utah
Utah State Road Commission, Kaibab National Forest and Game Preserve,
Building Black Canyon Road in Garfield County, road survey from Panguitch, Utah, to Circle Canyon Pine Creek Reservoir Dam, Oil Exploration, Bull Rush Dome
Planning and supervising the Panguitch water district-button system for the Escalante towns, including Kanab, Glendale, Orderville, Utah, and Fredonia. Arizona water systems,
Other projects in Colorado and New Mexico included road and bridge construction, storage, and pipeline development in the mountains (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

John H. Clark's diploma, American Society of Civil Engineers. The Silent Worker, May 1956

John H. was also a member of the Utah Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Society of American Military Engineers. He also held a license to practice in Utah as a professional engineer, land surveyor, and State of New Mexico State Board Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

John H.Clark

John H. was a trailblazer, among the first members of the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD), established in 1909 at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah. His cousin, Elizabeth DeLong, whose mothers were sisters, became UAD's first female president (UAD 1909 Minutes; Banks & Banks).

In 1911, John H. made a significant move back to his hometown, driven by a desire to be closer to his family. This transition also marked a shift in his career, as he ventured into independent civil engineering and contracting (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

Later, in the 1920s and 1930s, John H., a civil engineer, formed and headed the Clark Construction Company in Panguitch, Utah, where he created irrigation projects, roads, dams, and reservoirs, among other things. He hired and trained non-engineering, hearing employees. He also handled all of the technical and managerial tasks himself. John H. began working for the forest service and land offices using his mathematics skills, learning a little here and there while working and studying full-time until he had enough courage and confidence to work independently as a contractor and engineer (Wenger, The Silent Worker, January 1925). He was familiar with the routes in southern Utah because he grew up in the Panguitch area. John's unwavering determination and hard work allowed him to rise to the top of a challenging and demanding job, once thought impossible for someone with a hearing loss (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

John H. demonstrated his leadership and willingness to share his knowledge when he presented the topic of 'Professional Services' at the Utah Association of the Deaf convention in June 1923. His presentation, which described the challenges faced by civil engineers, drew significant interest from the audience (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963, p. 5).

In June 1924, Gallaudet College awarded John H. the honorary degree of Master of Science for his civil engineering and surveying expertise (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

Bridge across an Utah stream on road built by John H. Clark, Civil Engineer. The Silent Worker, May 1956

John H. once again presented his renowned work, 'Adventures in Contentment', at the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention in August-September 1940 (The Salt Lake Tribune, September 1, 1940). This work, which explored how Deaf people can find joy and fulfillment in life, has inspired many in the Utah Deaf community.

John H. married Blanche Langford, a hearing spouse, on November 28, 1922, when he was 43 years old. They lived in Panguitch, Utah, until his death on May 1, 1955. He and Blanche had one daughter, Virginia; a foster daughter, Rosamund; and two sons, John H. Jr. and Thomas Cecil. Their family life was filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences, despite the challenges they faced as a Deaf-hearing couple.

John H.'s personality was a beacon of joy, tolerance, and friendship. His calling led him deep into the forest and to isolated dry areas, where he encountered wildlife, birds, trees, and flowers. His nature connected with everything he observed, sensed, and studied. His joyful spirit was infectious, inspiring those around him (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956).

Blanche and John Clark

The observer also noted that despite the prejudices and societal barriers that often prevent Deaf people from using their natural gifts, John H. was a shining example of how much they could achieve. His legacy to people with disabilities reflected his life philosophy: hard work for the greater good, motivation, initiative, and the courage to do your best. He wanted to be credited for embodying the American way of life, allowing everyone to develop and follow their natural talents (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956). His journey was not without challenges, but his determination and resilience were unwavering.

The Clarks' home, picture taken in 1952. The Silent Worker, May 1956

John H.'s son, Dr. Thomas Cecil Clark (hearing), graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a professor in the Speech Pathology, Audiology, and Deaf Education Department at Utah State University for almost twenty-five years, sharing his knowledge and passion for Deaf education (Logan Herald Journal, March 17–March 19, 2010). On a national level, Dr. Clark was a true pioneer in deaf education and early intervention services for Deaf children. His work revolutionized the field, emphasizing the crucial role of early language exposure in Deaf children's progress. As a result, Dr. Clark pioneered developing programs that provided services to Deaf children's families in their homes. At Utah State University, he founded the SKI HI Institute, which has become a model for early home intervention programs for Deaf children and children with disabilities in the United States and worldwide. In addition, the Utah State University Department of Deaf Education set up the Thomas Cecil and Bonnie Clark Deaf Education Scholarship to help future graduate students get a high-quality education and training.

Dr. Thomas Cecil Clark

Note

Dr. Thomas C. Clark, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, November 13, 2008.

References

2Clark, John H. “From Washington.” The Deseret Weekly, p. 141-142, January 15, 1898.

“Deaf Selects Officers At Conclave.” Salt Lake Tribune, September 1, 1940.

“DeLong and Clark with Driggs to Gallaudet.” The Ogden Standard, September 15, 1897.

“DeLong and Clark on Gallaudet Buff and Blue.”  Ogden Standard, p. 1-4, June 19, 1901.

“From the Minutes…” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 10 (Summer 1963): 3 – 13.

“Gallaudet College.” The Silent Worker, vol.13, no.  4 (December 1900): 51.

John H. Clark:  B.S., 1902: Honorary M.S., 1924. Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://www.aladin.wrlc.org/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=d-01000-00---off-0alumni--00-1--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-600---20-home---01-3-1-00-0-0-11-0-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=alumni&cl=CL2.3.108&d=HASHca9a24d040ebc6e140031b

“Obituary: Dr. Thomas Cecil Clark.” Logan Herald Journal, March 17-19, 2010. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hjnews/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-clark&pid=140793817

Rude, Winfield S. "A Deaf Civil Engineer." The Silent Worker, Vol. 8., No., 9. May 1956, p. 2-3.

“USDB.” Ogden Standard (May 8, 1897): 5.

“With Our Exchanges.” The Silent Worker, vol. 18, no. 9, June 1906.

Ray G. Wenger and
Arthur W. Wenger, Advocate Leaders

Ray Grayson Wenger and Arthur Winters Wenger, 1913 graduates of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1917 alums of Gallaudet College, and graduates of the University of Utah, were known to the Utah Deaf community as the "Utah's Famous Twin Team." In 1938, they established Wenger Laboratories, a bacteriological-chemical laboratory, in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, which quickly gained a positive reputation among medical professionals. The Arthur Wenger Athletic Association was established in 1919, named after Arthur W. Wenger, as a club for older boys. Despite their busy schedules, the twins were committed to serving the Utah Deaf community, with Arthur being a life member and president of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Ray G. Wenger was recognized as a lifetime association member in 1957 for his dedicated service to the Utah Deaf community, particularly in deaf education. Ray served on the Advisory Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind for 31 years. On May 21, 1973, Ray and Arthur, aged 80, were honored with honorary doctorate of science degrees at Gallaudet College's 109th graduation ceremonies for their contributions to bacteriology and biochemistry. They were celebrated as Utah's twin gifts to science, education, and community service for the Utah Deaf community.

Ray Grayson Wenger & Arthur Winters Wenger, the Utah's Famous Twin Team

Ray Grayson Wenger and his twin brother, Arthur Winters Wenger, shared a unique bond that made them known to the Utah Deaf community as the "Utah's Famous Twin Team." They were born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 3, 1892, and their lives intertwined from the outset. Their father, David H. Wenger, a lawyer, was the first city judge, and their mother, Mary Florence Grayson, was a school teacher (E.F.L., The Silent Worker, May 1922; UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; UAD Bulletin, June 1973).

Ray and Arthur Wenger @ FamilySearch.org

Ray G. Wenger @ FamilySearch.org

Ray and Arthur were two years old when they had a severe scarlet fever that took away their hearing. Ray became hard of hearing with the help of hearing aids, whereas Arthur and their younger brother, Hart, who was also affected, became profoundly deaf. Their mother, Mary Florence Grayson, concealed her grief and devoted herself to teaching Ray and Arthur to read and speak. Her unwavering dedication helped them attend public schools until the sixth grade. In 1906, they were fourteen when they entered the Utah School for the Deaf, where they excelled in sports, academics, and extracurricular activities. Ray and Arthur also learned sign language quickly, as it was their way of life (E.F.L., The Silent Worker, May 1922; UAD. Bulletin, Winter 1964; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

Arthur W. Wenger @ FamilySearch.org

Upon graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1913, Ray and Arthur began a new chapter of their lives at Gallaudet College. Their love for sports, especially football, defined their time at Gallaudet. Ray demonstrated his leadership skills as the captain of the Gallaudet football team, while Arthur's strong managerial abilities were evident in his role as the team's manager (Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974). They also left their mark on the basketball court as players for Gallaudet College.

The Gallaudet basketball team. Front L-R: Arthur Wenger, Ray Wenger, Benjamin Schowe. Rear L-R: Charles Marshall, Kenneth William, John K. Cloud, and Coach Haas @ FamilySearch.org

During World War I, Ray and Arthur, determined to finish their senior year at Gallaudet College, faced a financial hurdle. Unwilling to burden their parents, they made a pact on the day of their journey to Washington, D.C. They decided to take turns working to pay for each other's tuition at the University of Utah, one working while the other attended school (E.F.L., The Silent Worker, May 1922; UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

Arthur got a job making candy and soda syrup. Ray enrolled at the University of Utah in 1917 and earned his bachelor's degree in 1918. Meanwhile, Arthur kept stirring syrup until he was offered to work as a classroom teacher, supervisor, and athletic director at the Utah School for the Deaf (Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

The Wenger Brothers at the University of Utah, 1922. Ray, wears a hat while Arthur sports a cap. Photo courtesy of the Silent Worker, May 1922

Arthur's wait was finally over when Ray secured part-time work with the State Board of Health, the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Hospital, and a position on the University of Utah faculty. Arthur happily resumed his chemistry studies and eventually earned his master's degree. Arthur received a request shortly after receiving his degree to establish a laboratory in a 200-bed hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he also served as an X-ray technician and taught biochemistry to the nurses in training (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Deseret News, May 8, 1973; UAD Bulletin, June 1973). He stayed for seven years before accepting a position at a mine near Ely, Nevada. He worked for the Bureau of Mines in a sugar beet factory and as an insecticide tester (Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

In 1922, Ray began his full-time career as a biochemist at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, a role he held for an impressive forty-four years. His contributions were significant, including the establishment of Utah's first blood bank and the production of the first set of antisera for blood matching (The Utah Eagle, October 1973; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974). Over time, Ray's career flourished, and he eventually became an assistant bacteriologist, pathologist, and head of biochemistry activities at the same hospital (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Deseret News, May 8, 1973; UAD Bulletin, June 1973).

Clinical Chemists. Utah's famous twin team, Arthur & Ray Wenger, operate out of their own laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah where they have specialized in pollen extracts and medical clinical chemistry. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

In 1938, Arthur saved $80.00 to join his brother Ray in establishing the Wenger Laboratories, a bacteriological-chemical laboratory in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Ray has been the director since its inception in 1938, with Arthur serving as an assistant director. Their laboratory quickly gained a favorable reputation among doctors and other professionals. Ray met his future Deaf wife, Willena Newman, at the lab. They married in 1939 and had two boys, Grayson and Brent. Arthur remained a bachelor and was passionate about his job (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Deseret News, May 8, 1973; UAD Bulletin, June 1973; The Utah Eagle, October 1973; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

The Wenger brothers working in the Wenger Laboratory

According to the Winter 1964 UAD Bulletin issue, soon after Ray and Arthur opened their laboratory, they collaborated on bacteriological-chemical research for Utah Copper Company (now Kennecott Copper Corp. and then Rio Tinto Corporation) in connection with a million-dollar lawsuit brought by residents in the valley that claimed the company's operations were damaging their farms and health. They conducted exhaustive tests, and the research was instrumental in the court's finding no cause for action. Ray and Arthur were glad their work was found satisfactory because Utah Copper Company had previously turned them down when they sought employment due to their hearing loss (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974). Their success in this case not only proved their professional competence but also challenged the societal norms regarding the capabilities of the Deaf community.

Wenger Twins, Ray and Arthur, in Wenger Laboratories @ FamilySearch.org

Ray and Arthur helped in other lawsuits by providing expert testimony. For instance, they provided their expertise for the Salt Lake Telegram and Rose McMullin's "The Woman with the Golden Blood" from Washington, D.C., in cases related to chemical poisoning and environmental damage (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964).

Arthur W. and Ray G. Wenger. UAD Bulletin, June 1973

The brothers' dedication to their field was unwavering. They understood that a college degree alone was not enough, and so they buried their noses in a dozen magazines on chemical science, journals, and the latest books to keep up with the newest discoveries in chemistry. This commitment allowed them to introduce new methods and ideas that benefited doctors and patients. Furthermore, they actively participated in numerous professional conferences and workshops and prepared many technical papers (Wenger, The Silent Worker, January 1925; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

Ray & Author Wenger, 86 in the Wenger Laboratory

In 1919, the school organized the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association, a club for older boys named in honor of Arthur Wenger, one of its outstanding graduates. This club, along with the Arthur Wenger Scholarship Fund named after him in 1957, was a testament to the brothers' commitment to promoting social development and good fellowship among the Deaf community through participation in athletic activities and academic pursuits (Pace, 1946).

Arthur Wenger (central). 1920 Utah School for the Deaf Basketball Team

D. Hartzler Wenger, the twins' Deaf brother, was also a student at the Utah School for the Deaf. The three were known as "The Three Musketeers" of Salt Lake City, a bond that was as unique as it was strong. The Utah Deaf community knew him as "Hart." He was the "baby" of the family, although he was as tall and strong as his older brothers. Gladys Burnham, his wife, was also well-known in the Utah Deaf community. They had no children (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964).

D. Hartzler Wenger

Arthur, Ray, and David Wenger @ FamilySearch.org

At Gallaudet College's 109th graduation ceremonies on May 21, 1973, Ray and Arthur, 80, received an honorary doctorate of science degrees for their significant contributions to bacteriology and biochemistry (Deseret News, May 8, 1973). They were known as Utah's twin gifts to science, education, and community service, a source of inspiration and pride for the Utah Deaf community (Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974; Kinney, UAD Bulletin, January 2002).

Furthermore, their remarkable work was recognized as research scientists in bacteriology and biochemistry, careers not easily or commonly obtained by a Deaf person. The Wenger brothers overcame significant societal barriers and discrimination to excel in their chosen fields. When Gallaudet president Edward C. Merrill, Jr., presented the twin brothers with a citation of honor, he stated that their accomplishment as deaf persons was a 'model and inspiration to other deaf people' (UAD Bulletin, June 1973). The Wenger brothers are well-known as chemists rather than leaders. It was unique that two brothers, twins, worked as chemists (Dr. Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, July 8, 2011).

Still Going Strong...Utah's Twins-The Doctors Wenger. Ray (left) and Arthur, are shown in their Salt Lake City laboratory with Barbara Wagner, their assistant. The Deaf American, January 1974

Citation of Ray G. Wenger On being Presented the
Degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa

Dr. Ray G. Wenger. Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974

"Although we honor the Wenger twins today, it is their achievements as individuals we recognize. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1892, Ray G. Wenger was deafened in early childhood. After attending Gallaudet College to the completion of his junior year, Ray Wenger went on to complete his B.A. and M.A. degrees as a bio-chemist and pathologist. Employed at the Salt Lake Latter Day Saints Hospital, Wenger helped establish the first blood bank in the state of Utah, where he produced the first set of anit-sera for blood matching in Utah. In 1938, he and his brother organized the Wenger Laboratories.

In addition to his work as a bio-chemist, Mr. Wenger has served as an advocate in behalf of deaf people on numerous state boards and committees in the area of deaf education. Gallaudet College is honored to welcome one of its former students and to recognize his distinguished accomplishments"

Gallaudet College
May 21, 1973
(Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

DOING THE HONORS. During the Gallaudet College commencement on May 21, 1973, Frank B. Sullivan (left), Grand President of the National Fraternal Society and a member of the college's Board of Directors, handed an honorary doctorate to Ray Wenger. Arthur received an honorary doctorate from Professor Francis Higgins on the right. Dr. Gilbert Deigado, the Graduate School's dean, is in the middle. Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974

Citation of Arthur W. Wenger On being Presented the
Degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa

Dr. Arthur W. Wenger. Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974

"The other individual Wenger Twin we honor today is Arthur W. Wenger. Also deafened at an early age, he attended Gallaudet College and later transferred to the University of Utah, where he majored in chemistry and received his B.A. and M.A. degrees. A former classroom teacher, supervisor, and athletic director at the Utah School for the Deaf, he went on to organize and operate a chemical laboratory in the nurse training school. In 1938, he and his brother established their own laboratory service-Wenger Laboratories.

Long active in public service to his fellow man as exemplified by his work in isolating sources of a typhoid epidemic in 1933 at Jackson, Wyoming, Arthur Wenger has been active in several organizations in education and welfare of the handicapped, including the deaf and blind. Arthur Wenger left Kendall Green in 1917. After fifty-six years of significant achievements, we welcome his return."

Gallaudet College
May 21, 1973
(Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974)

Twin doctors, 86, going strong

Despite the twins' demanding jobs, they made time to serve and work with the Utah Deaf community. Arthur was a lifetime member and past president of the Utah Association of the Deaf. In 1957, the association made Ray a lifetime member because of his numerous years of service to the Utah Deaf community, particularly in the field of deaf education. Ray had also served on the Advisory Council of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind for 31 years, fighting tirelessly for total communication. He also participated in the 1961 Workshop on Community Development by and for the Deaf, held at Fort Monroe, Virginia. As a delegate at the 1964 National Association of the Deaf Convention, Arthur's influence was evident as the organization elected Dr. Robert G. Sanderson as its president. Ray and Arthur were friendly and down to earth. Everyone who knew them admired and respected them (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964; Petersen, The Deaf American, January 1974).

Ray passed away on May 3, 1984, and Arthur died on April 5, 1987. Their brother, D. Hart, passed away before the twins in Denver, Colorado, on July 18, 1972.

Ray and Arthur Wenger @ FamilySearch.org

Note

Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

References

“Deaf Twins Honored.” Deseret News, May 8, 1973.

E.F.L.  “The Three Musketeers of Salt Lake City, Utah.” The Silent Worker vol. 34 no. 8 (May 1922): 289-290. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38711

“Gallaudet Honors Wenger Brothers.” The Utah Eagle, Vol. 85, No. 1 (October 1973): 5.

Kinney, Velerie. “Utah Deaf Trivia.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 25.8 (January 2002): 2.

Petersen, Eugene W. "Wenger Twins Honored with Gallaudet Doctorates." The Deaf American, vol. 26, no. 5. (January 1974): 3-4.

“Ray Wenger Starts New Career.” The UAD Bulletin, Vol. 3, No. 5 (Winter 1964): 3-4.

“Recipients of Honorary Degrees from Gallaudet College.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 8, No. 3 (June 1973): 1.

Wenger, Arthur Winters: 1918 (4 years). Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/45627

Wenger, Arthur. “Distinctive Features of Schools for the Deaf; No. 11 --- The Inspirational Side of the Utah School.” The Silent Worker, vol. 33 no. 4 (January 1921): 111-113. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?img=3&url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38266

Wenger, Hart. The Trade Magazine and Your Future.” The Silent Worker, vol. 37 no. 4 (January 1925): 182. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/39476

Wenger, Ray Grayson: 1918 (4 years). Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/45627

Kenneth C. Burdett, Inspirational Leader

Kenneth C. Burdett, a dedicated individual with a long history at the Utah School for the Deaf, was honored for his contributions to the ASL/English Bilingual program at the Ogden Campus. Kenneth's selfless donations to the school were a testament to his commitment. He worked at the school for four decades, from 1934 to 1974, serving in various roles such as student, boy's supervisor, head basketball coach, athletic director, teacher, printing instructor, and curriculum coordinator. His unwavering dedication marked his fifty-two years of service at the Utah School for the Deaf. Kenneth was also an active member of the Utah Association of the Deaf, the National Fraternal Society for the Deaf, and the Golden Spike Athletic Club for the Deaf, among other organizations. His diverse roles and long career at the Utah School for the Deaf underscore his significant impact and dedication.

Kenneth C. Burdett, a student at Gallaudet College (1929-1934)

Kenneth Charles Burdett, also known as KB, was born on October 20, 1909, in Evanston, Wyoming, to Charles Lyman Burdett and Sarah Thomas. His life took a challenging turn when he lost his hearing at the tender age of two due to a severe bout of measles and chickenpox. However, this setback did not deter his spirit (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Charles and Sarah, deeply concerned about their son's education, enrolled Kenneth at the Utah School for the Deaf on January 16, 1916. This decision was made out of love and a desire to provide the best opportunities for their son. Kenneth spent a school year as a resident student at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, but the bond with his family in Evanston remained strong, with summers and holidays spent together (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

As a young student, Kenneth's life was filled with the joy of sports. His love for life and his passion for sports drew many friends to him. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or any other activity, Kenneth's enthusiasm was infectious. His natural leadership and his ability to inspire others made him a figure of influence among his peers (Ronald and Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett, 1929 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

Kenneth's journey at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., began in the fall of 1929, following his studies at the Utah School for the Deaf. His college years were a mix of academic pursuits, sports, and campus activities. He joined the Kappa Gamma Fraternity as a freshman and became an integral part of the basketball team from 1931 to 1934. He demonstrated his dedication not only to sports but also to the college community by serving as a printer for the Buff and Blue magazine. In the spring of 1934, he proudly graduated with honors, a testament to his hard work and commitment (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957).

Kenneth C. Burdett playing for the Gallaudet College football squad, 1931

Kenneth C. Burdett playing for the Gallaudet basketball team, 1930-34

Kenneth C. Burdett, sitting. playing for the Gallaudet basketball team, 1934. Gallaudet's The Buff and Blue, June 1934, p.7

Kenneth C. Burdett, a member of Kappa Gamma, 1934. Gallaudet's The Buff and Blue, June 1934, p. 5

Despite having several job opportunities after graduation, Kenneth's heart led him back to his alma mater, the Utah School for the Deaf. He embarked on a teaching career, starting as a teacher during the day and a dormitory counselor at night. For the first two years, he taught social studies and mathematics. In 1936, he secured a job as a printing instructor alongside his teaching responsibilities. His commitment to his profession was evident as he attended linotype school in Chicago, Illinois, during the summer of 1936 and furthered his photography education at Weber State College. His dedication to teaching, printing, and photography led him to pursue continuing education at the University of Utah, Utah State University, and Brigham Young University. This unwavering commitment to his alma mater and his personal growth in the field of education lasted until 1963 (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett, 1934 Gallaudet Graduate @ FamilySearch.org

Kenneth C. Burdett, 1934 Gallaudet College Senior @ FamilySearch.org

For over forty years, Kenneth's leadership was instrumental in developing and organizing the printing department. His role as the editor of the monthly 'Utah Eagle' magazine, published by the Utah School for the Deaf, was particularly influential. Under his direction, this publication served as a consistent teaching tool and a tribute to the Utah School for the Deaf and its students. Kenneth's dedication was evident in his never missing a single publishing deadline, often working tirelessly after school and on weekends to complete the tasks (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett, standing far right, teaching a printing class at the Utah School for the Deaf, 1960s

Kenneth C. Burdett's for the Utah School for the Deaf seniors, The Utah Eagle, 1935

$Picture$

Kenneth C. Burdett teaching math at the Utah School for the Deaf, 1960s

Kenneth's contributions were not only recognized within the school but also by renowned figures in the field. He was appointed as the Curriculum Coordinator of the Total Communication Department on September 1, 1963 (Ogden Standard-Examiner, May 23, 1974). Kenneth combined his teaching responsibilities with this part-time role for the next ten years. In 1973, the Utah School for the Deaf promoted Kenneth to full-time Curriculum Coordinator, a role he maintained until his retirement in May 1974. Deaf author Jack Gannon, in his well-known book 'Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America' (Gannon, 1981), recognized Kenneth for his influential role as Curriculum Coordinator for the Total Communication Division at the Utah School for the Deaf, underscoring the significance of his contributions.

Kenneth C. Burdett, a Curriculum Instructor. Supervising the simultaneous academic department of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1968 The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

Throughout his forty-year career, Kenneth's role as a mentor was as significant as his professional achievements. His work ethic, positive nature, and influence were extraordinary. His responses were always genuine and prompt. There was never a job that was too difficult or a day that was too long. His deep affection for the Utah School for the Deaf students was always evident in his attendance at all school functions involving students. From 1934 to 1946, he was also the head basketball coach and athletic director. He frequently gave of himself as an advisor to various student organizations, including the student council, and on numerous faculty committees. Kenneth was a perfectionist in his own right, and he always expected his students to put forth their best efforts. Graduates of his printing classes were always in high demand, with the vast majority of "his" printers finding work, often through his efforts to see their work (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett, back right, a coach for the Utah School for the Deaf basketball team, 1940s

Dr. Jay J. Campbell, Deputy Superintendent of the Utah State Office of Education and staunch supporter of the Utah Deaf community, delivered Kenneth's keynote address at the 25th Biennial Convention of the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1973, speaking on "Humanizing Education"—making education a warm and personal thing (UAD Bulletin, June 1973; Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, 2011). Kenneth and his students were not surprised by this. Throughout his career, he has always embodied and demonstrated this concept through his actions and commitment to humanizing education, enduring and influencing generations of students.

Kenneth C. Burdett, 1958

Kenneth and Afton Curtis, who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933, grew up as friends at the school. They started dating in his senior year at Gallaudet College while Afton was a freshman. After Kenneth graduated from Gallaudet College, Afton returned to Utah rather than continuing her studies there. During the Great Depression, Afton's family could no longer afford her tuition. She worked as a maid for Percival Hall, president of Gallaudet College, for several months, making personal sacrifices for her education and love for Kenneth. Her attraction to Kenneth also drew her back to Utah. Their union—the first marriage at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 29, 1936—was a significant moment in the history of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. The marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 5, 1941. They had two children, JoAnn (hearing) in August 1945 and Ronald (Deaf) in September 1947 (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957; The Utahan Yearbook, 1974; Obituary of Kenneth C. Burdett; Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Afton Curtis & Kenneth C. Burdett. Marriage Ceremony in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, July 29, 1936

Afton started her career as a girl's counselor at the Utah School for the Deaf before becoming a physical education, home economics, typing, and shorthand teacher. She initially wanted to teach English and history but realized she needed a bachelor's degree. This realization led her to enroll in Weber State College (later renamed Weber State University) while teaching auxiliary classes at the Utah School for the Deaf and raising two children. She was the first Deaf student to receive an Associate of Science degree from the college. Her journey was not without its challenges, but she persevered. She continued her education at Utah State University after finishing her degree. Afton graduated from Utah State University with honors in elementary education on June 6, 1959. Kenneth supported her throughout this effort by taking over much of the household responsibilities with his children and working a night printing job to help pay her tuition fees (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1959; Tegeder, The Utah Eagle, October 1959; Ronald Burdett, personal communication, May 13, 2009).

Afton Curtis & Kenneth C. Burdett, late 1930s @ FamilySearch.org

Afton Curtis and Kenneth C. Burdett, JoAnn and Ronald (baby) in Ogden Utah, 1947 @ FamilySearch.org

After completing her degree, Afton was thrilled to start her teaching career. Sadly, just a year after graduating, she passed away suddenly on August 23, 1960, due to a heart condition. At that time, JoAnn was only 15 years old, and Ronald was about to turn 13. In the same year, Kenneth not only lost his wife, but also his parents: his father in March 1960 and his mother in November 1960. Faced with these unexpected events, he turned more towards his teaching and family for support. The entire family deeply felt Afton's absence (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett, 1962

Kenneth remarried longtime friend Priscilla Steele Rogerson, originally from Oklahoma, on June 19, 1965, in Tucson, Arizona, and added three Rogerson boys to his family: Terrance Blaine, Richard Leroy, and Charles Lee. Priscilla Rogerson was Earl Rogerson's widow. Years earlier, in 1944, Earl Rogerson's hiring at the Utah School for the Deaf to teach printing and chemistry led Priscilla and Earl to relocate to Ogden. Prior to this historical event, Kenneth served as Earl's printing instructor at the Utah School for the Deaf, a position he held until he departed for college at Gallaudet. Throughout the 1940s, the two couples, Kenneth and Afton and Priscilla and Earl became close friends and spent many enjoyable hours camping and boating together. Priscilla made clothes for JoAnn and Ronald after their births, never expecting to be a part of their family. The Rogersons relocated from Ogden to Tucson in the late 1940s, where Earl taught at the Arizona School for the Deaf for the next 20 years. Earl passed away in July 1962. In 1965, Kenneth and Priscilla tied the knot and spent 35 years together (Priscilla Burdett, personal communication, April 7, 2009).

Priscilla Steele Rogerson & Kenneth C. Burdett. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

On May 24, 1974, present and former teachers, former students, friends, and neighbors gathered to pay tribute to Kenneth C. Burdett. They highlighted Kenneth's films from previous decades, which featured class trips, graduations, and memorable campus activities. Superintendent Robert W. Tegeder, on behalf of the Utah School for the Deaf, presented Kenneth with a plaque honoring his forty years of service. Among other gifts, Priscilla gave him a set of golf clubs to encourage new sports and outdoor adventures. Priscilla had also arranged for Kenneth's son, Ron, and his wife, Joyanne, from Fremont, California, and JoAnn and her two very young children from St. Louis, Missouri, to arrive surprisingly during the ceremony.

Kenneth's dedication to the Utah School for the Deaf was unwavering throughout his life and career. His professional service to the school spanned four decades, from 1934 to 1974, and he remained directly involved for fifty-two years in various roles. He was a student, boy's supervisor, head basketball coach, athletic director, teacher, printing instructor, and curriculum coordinator. His commitment extended beyond the school, as he was a member of the Utah Association for the Deaf, the National Fraternal Society for the Deaf, and the Golden Spike Athletic Club for the Deaf (Ogden Standard-Examiner, May 23, 1974). Kenneth's dedication to student athletics, his love for his students (Ogden Standard-Examiner, May 23, 1974), and his belief, as an inspirational leader, in every student's growth potential (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2006) are testaments to his loyalty and commitment. He was an exemplary teacher and coach who inspired youth and all those with whom he interacted (Dr. Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, July 8, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett, Curriculum Instructor of the Utah School for the Deaf, Utahn 1974

Kenneth's post-retirement dedication to preserving the heritage of the Utah School for the Deaf has had a profound impact. He and a team of volunteers invested countless hours and effort in creating booklets for the 'First Reunion of the Utah School for the Deaf Alumni, 1976' and 'A Century of Memories: Utah School for the Deaf 100th Year Anniversary Alumni Reunion, 1984.' These booklets, filled with the rich history and pictures of the Utah School for the Deaf dating back to its founding in 1884, are a treasure trove of memories. Kenneth and his team painstakingly pasted the historical pictures of the Utah School for the Deaf to both sides of eight 4 x 8-foot bulletin boards, making sure to permanently cover them with a special ModPodge to prevent deterioration. This act of preservation allows Utah School for the Deaf alums to relive their cherished memories and appreciate the history of the Utah School for the Deaf for years to come. The photos outline various activities and scenes from campus life in Utah, such as academics, athletics, commencement exercises, superintendents, principals, vocational programs, buildings and grounds, support services, student activities, houseparents/supervisors, and deaf organizations. Without Kenneth's efforts, much of this history would have remained lost or disorganized. He also directed 'A History of the Utah School for the Deaf: 1940–1965' and 'Alumni Reunion 1976.'

Kenneth C. Burdett's Bulletin Board of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1976

Kenneth's unwavering dedication to Deaf organizations is truly inspiring. As the first president of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf's Ogden Division #127, he served with distinction for over two decades, earning the Society's highest honor, the 34th degree. His selfless contributions were also felt in the Utah Association for the Deaf, where he was a member for many years. Kenneth's long-standing support for the Golden Spike Athletic Club for the Deaf in Ogden further demonstrates his deep commitment to the Utah Deaf community.

At the age of 66, Kenneth's contributions to the education of Deaf students were recognized with two prestigious awards in 1976. His induction into the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Hall of Fame, alongside twelve other distinguished individuals, was a testament to his significant impact. The Utah Governor's Committee on Handicapped Employment awarded him the Gold Key Award, further emphasizing his influence. Dr. Roy Gibson, a respected professor at the University of Utah, presented Kenneth with the Gold Key Award during a special ceremony in the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. Dr. Gibson highlighted the profound impact of Kenneth's forty-year career on the education of Utah's Deaf, citing him for a record of 'outstanding service' to society and his community (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, May 19, 1976).

Kenneth C. Burdett, far left, bottom) with members of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf

Kenneth, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served with compassion in various church activities at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. His leadership and dedication were evident in his role as President of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association for twenty-seven years. Kenneth received the rare honor of an Honorary Master M Men certificate and pin in 1958 for his outstanding work among the Utah Deaf community. He was the first Deaf man to receive this honor, a distinction shared by only twenty-seven men in the entire LDS Church at the time. Kenneth's coaching of the Ogden Branch Deaf basketball team resulted in two victories in the Ogden Stake tournament. Boyd E. Nelson, Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, expressed this thought in 1943:

“Coach and Mrs. Burdett are splendid players in this game of life. Their earnest endeavors and exemplary living reflect in the fine characters of our pupils. As Mr. Burdett’s adherence to the rules of fair play, untiring effort, and clean sport is inspired by his charming wife, so do these qualities spread with contagion to the boys whom they guide. In the recent basketball games, our boys demonstrated to the general public the results of fine coaching, and the type of leadership, which builds substantial American citizenship. Our children and school owe much to Supervisor, Teacher and Coach Kenneth Burdett and to Defense Worker, Scout Leader and Helpmate, Afton Burdett.” Boyd E. Nelson (Nelson, The Utah Eagle, March 1943)

Kenneth C. Burdett catching a big fish, 1962

Kenneth, as previously stated, was a lifelong outdoorsman. But more than that, he was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. He particularly enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with his family, whether the Burdetts, Curtiss, or Rogersons, as well as friends from his Utah School for the Deaf and Gallaudet years. Each summer, they spent a lot of time camping in tents and on their boats in the Jackson Hole/Yellowstone area, fishing, boating, and water skiing on Jackson Lake. In addition, when possible, extended family and friends would visit the Burdetts at their encampment (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Kenneth's passing on June 29, 2000, at the age of 90, left a void in the hearts of the Utah School for the Deaf students, the Utah Deaf community, and all those who knew him. His considerable talents and abilities, his sense of humor, his friendship, and his gentlemanliness were not just personal traits but pillars of our community. We will always remember and love him for the impact he had on our lives (The Salt Lake Tribune, A13).

Kenneth C. Burdett Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

HONORING NAME OF THE SCHOOL
AFTER KENNETH C. BURDETT

The Ogden Campus officially renamed the ASL/English Bilingual program in honor of Kenneth C. Burdett, a significant figure in the history of the Utah School for the Deaf, on August 23, 2011. Trena Roueche', a Utah School for the Deaf Associate Superintendent, had previously determined that the North Division program should have a different name. She and others in the program believed that using a Deaf person's name would significantly help students establish a connection to Deaf culture and community. This, in turn, would help them develop a stronger identity as Deaf people. Michelle Tanner, a teacher at Jean Massieu School, referred me as a community historian to Trena to collect the history of the Utah School for the Deaf, as well as biographies of prominent Deaf Utahns. I shared the news with her father-in-law, Kenneth L. Kinner, a former student of Kenneth's who was overjoyed at the prospect of naming the North Division after a Deaf person. "Why not Kenneth C. Burdett?" he inquired. Thrilled with this suggestion, I immediately suggested that Trena put his name on the ballot.

Ronald & Joyanne Burdett and JoAnn, 2011

Following the naming process, the Utah School for the Deaf community voted on three names: Kenneth C. Burdett, Henry C. White, and Elizabeth Wood. These individuals were chosen by the school's past and present administrators, parents, and students. We selected each for their significant contribution to the education of Deaf students in Utah. As a result, Kenneth C. Burdett, in particular, received the most votes overall, a testament to the profound impact of his work.

We recognize Kenneth L. Kinner, a 1954 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and a former student of Kenneth C. Burdett, for his thoughtful recommendation. We also honor Kenneth C. Burdett, who was Kenneth Kinner's favorite teacher, for his unwavering dedication to the Utah School for the Deaf. His remarkable career spanned from 1934 to 1974, another testament to his deep commitment to the school. The close friendship between these two individuals also exemplifies the strong bonds formed at our school and in the Utah Deaf community.

Kenneth L. Kinner

Kenneth C. Burdett spent fifty-two years at Utah School for the Deaf as a student, boy's supervisor, head basketball coach, athletic director, teacher, printing instructor, and curriculum coordinator.

On September 29, 2011, the Utah School for the Deaf held a plaque-hanging ceremony in memory of Kenneth C. Burdett. Ronald, his wife, Joyanne, and his sister, JoAnn, shared touching memories of their father. The plague and a portrait of Kenneth are now on display in the hall at the Kenneth C. Burdett School for the Deaf. His name will live on in history (Becker-Kinner, UAD Bulletin, December 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett School of the Deaf, Ogden, Utah

Notes

Kenneth L. Kinner, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 17, 2011.

Priscilla Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 7, 2009.

Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

Ronald Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, May 13, 2009.

Ronald Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, September 29, 2011.

Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, October 27, 2011.

References

“Convention Speaker, JJ.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1973): 1.

“K.C. Burdett day at USD.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 9, No. 3 (June 1974): 1 & 3.

“Kenneth C. Burdett: B.A.”, 1934. Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/47112

“Kenneth C. Burdett.” Utah Eagle, October 1963.

“Kenneth C. Burdett, “The Salt Lake Tribune, A13. 100E9A00D3D6A04E.

Kinner, Jodi. “History of the Naming of the School.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 35.07 (December 2011): 5.

Nelson, Boyd, E. The Utah Eagle, March 1943.

Obituary: Kenneth C. Burdett.

“Reception Will Honor Retiring Deaf Teacher.” Ogden Standard-Examiner, 11B, May 23, 1974.

Tegeder, R. “Of Interest.” The Utah Eagle (October 1959): 9.

“Two Awards Received by Teacher.” Ogden Standard-Examiner, May 19, 1976.

The Utahn Yearbook, 1974.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson,
Multigenerational Leader

Robert G. Sanderson graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1936 and Gallaudet College in 1941. He achieved many firsts. In 1974, he received his Doctor of Education from Brigham Young University, making him Utah's first and only Deaf person, as well as the first Utah School for the Deaf graduate with a doctoral degree. He served as the Coordinator of Adult Deaf Services from 1965 to 1983, and then as the first director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful from 1983 to 1985. He was also the first Deaf professional hired by the Utah State Board of Education for this coordinator position. On October 4, 2003, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah, was renamed the "Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" to honor Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's contributions to the Deaf community. In 2010, Dr. Sanderson, aged 90, received an honorary degree from Gallaudet University, his alma mater, in recognition of his more than sixty years of service and dedication to the Deaf community in Utah and nationwide. Since graduating from Gallaudet College, he has been a dedicated supporter of the university and a strong advocate for the Deaf community locally and nationally.

Robert G. Sanderson, 1941 Gallaudet College Senior

Dr. Sanderson, affectionately known as "Bob" and "Sandie" among his friends, a multigenerational leader, was born on February 20, 1920, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to George Michael Sanderson and Fern Adele Simmers. He had a carefree childhood in the countryside until the age of 11, when he contracted spinal meningitis (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, March 1992, 3). Although he survived the illness, he lost his hearing as a result. There was a nationwide epidemic at the time, and he considered himself fortunate to have survived the disease. In an interview with Rachel J. Trotter, a reporter for the Ogden Standard Examiner, Bob mentioned, "It killed some kids, left some kids blind, and some kids deaf." Rachel observed that Bob and his younger sister, Barbara, who also lost her hearing due to the same disease, were the only two Deaf individuals in town, a fact that underscored the uniqueness of their experiences and the challenges they faced (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011). Bob and Barbara's loss of hearing came as a shock to their family when they recovered (Robert Sanderson Obituary, March 11, 2012).

Robert G. Sanderson and his sister, Barbara Sanderson, 1939

Robert G. Sanderson, 1936 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

In the March 1992 issue of the UAD Bulletin, Bob shared that there was no deaf school in Las Vegas at the time. As a result, he had to return to the eighth-grade grammar class he had taken before becoming ill. His classmates and teacher tried to help him, but he struggled in school despite the attention. He and Barbara were recommended by the principal and teachers to attend the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, in 1931. The State of Nevada funded their transfer to Ogden to attend the Utah School for the Deaf, where they learned sign language (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011). At the age of 16, he graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1936. In the UAD Bulletin, Bob described how his five years of experience at the Utah School for the Deaf transformed him from a "wild young desert rat to a well-behaved student" (March 1992, 3).

Robert (second left) and his Utah School for the Deaf friends

After graduating from Utah School for the Deaf, Bob was encouraged to attend college. In the fall of 1936, Bob enrolled at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., the nation's premier university for deaf or hard of hearing, founded in 1864. While at Gallaudet, he engraved "Sandie '41" on a window panel of the prep dorm, a symbolic act that marked his presence and left a lasting legacy. Renovations in 1992 removed the pane of glass bearing his name, framed it in College Hall's original wood, and gave it to him. Bob then donated it to the Office of Alumni Relations for display in "Ole Jim," a dedicated space that honors the university's history and distinguished alumni (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, February 1992).

Robert G. Sanderson at Gallaudet College, mid-1930s

Robert G. Sanderson served as president of the Class of 1941 at Gallaudet College. During his presidency, he and his class published the first edition of the Tower Clock yearbook, which marked a significant milestone in Gallaudet's history. The publication of the first Tower Clock yearbook, which continues to this day, is a testament to his enduring influence. His vision and guidance not only established a cherished tradition for Gallaudet students but also shaped the university's future (Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passed away, 2012). The Tower Clock image has been featured in yearbooks, art, photographs, posters, and more, symbolizing this enduring legacy. Bob Sanderson's leadership during his presidency of the Class of 1941 at Gallaudet College made a lasting impression, and he was incredibly proud of his class's achievement of publishing the first edition of the Tower Clock yearbook, a historical turning point in Gallaudet history.

The Tower Clock 1941 Yearbook. In courtesy of Gallaudet University

In 1941, Bob received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Gallaudet College. When he returned to Ogden, Utah, a friend connected him with a job as a dry cleaner. In an interview with Rachel J. Trotter, a reporter for the Ogden Standard Examiner, in 2011, he stated, "Imagine I went to all that school and was a dry cleaner—but it opened up the world to me." Due to other health issues, he could not do his dry-cleaning work, so he began working for the Weber County Recorder's Office (Trotter, The Ogden-Standard Examiner, January 2, 2011).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, age 16, attending Gallaudet College's preparatory program, Fall 1936

Robert G. Sanderson, standing on the front row with other Gallaudet College students, 1940s

After graduating from Gallaudet College in 1941, Bob pursued various career opportunities. He first worked as an assistant assayer at a mine and mill in Pioche, Nevada, for a year. Following this, he served as a chemist and technologist at the U.S. Bureau of Mines' experimental plant in Boulder City for five years, from 1942 to 1946 (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011). In 1946, he relocated to Ogden, Utah, and became a draftsman for the Weber County Recorder's Office (Newman, 2006). Bob's ability to transition from a technical role to an administrative one demonstrates his versatility and resilience.

In an interview with Deseret News reporter Bob, Diane Urbani stated that he and his future wife, Mary Margaret Antonietti, knew each other at the Utah School for the Deaf but did not pay much attention to her because she was four years younger. Bob's friends arranged for him to have a blind date with Mary during the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention from August 31 to September 1, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They fell in love and married on November 9, 1946, in Ogden, Utah, just two months after the convention (Robert Sanderson Obituary, March 11, 2012).

Maria Magnetti, Robert Sanderson, Mary Antonietti, and Domenick Antonietti at the wedding day on November 9, 1946 @ FamilySearch.org

They enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage before Mary passed away in 2008 (Robert Sanderson Obituary, March 11, 2012). In an interview with Diane, Dr. Sanderson remarked, "She never let me forget that I ignored her when we were in school," he smiled. They had two sons: Gary R. Sanderson and Barry J. Sanderson. According to the November 2008 issue of the UAD Bulletin, Mary was involved in various organizations that served the Utah Deaf community. She was modest both at work and with others, rarely criticizing friends or coworkers (UAD Bulletin, November 2008).

Mary Antonietti & Robert G. Sanderson, 1953

Robert, Mary, Gary, and Barry Sanderson, 1965

Bob's interest in politics grew into ambition while working at the Weber County Recorder, a political job in Ogden, Utah, a largely Democratic county (Newman, 2006, p. 202). At the time, legislation addressing accessibility issues, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, did not exist due to their lack of implementation. Deaf individuals could not access closed captioning, sign language interpreters, or telephones. Nonetheless, following the passage of those laws, Deaf individuals found it easier to access doctor's and dentist's appointments, significantly improving their quality of life. These laws also made meetings more accessible by providing interpreting services and requiring captions for television programs, rental movies, and some publicly shown films, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. Bob's work has not only improved the lives of deaf individuals but also inspired others to advocate for change.

Ogdenite Elected Head of Association of Deaf. Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 2, 1960

Robert G. Sanderson, a leader of great impact, first got involved with the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1954. He served as secretary for six years. He won the presidency in 1960 and remained in that role for three years, until 1963. His advocacy extended beyond deaf education to civil and accessibility rights. Bob was a pioneer in the deaf education field, advocating for it as early as 1955, marking a significant milestone in the history of this cause. His innovative ideas and unwavering commitment marked his pioneering role in the field, earning him recognition and respect. During his time on the board of the Utah Association of the Deaf, he engaged in conflicts with proponents of oral education, particularly Dr. Grant B. Bitter, who strongly advocated for oral and mainstream education. These conflicts, which often centered around the best educational methods for Deaf children, were a significant part of Bob Sanderson's advocacy work. The following section provides more details about this. Bob's dedication to the Utah Association of the Deaf, including his five-year role as president emeritus, remained steadfast for forty-five years, a testament to his deep commitment to the cause until his passing in 2012.

During his time with the Utah Association of the Deaf, Robert Sanderson also served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf for fourteen years, from 1960 to 1974. He was the sole representative from Utah at the national convention in Dallas, Texas. His supportive wife, Mary, was a constant presence by his side, even joining him at the convention, which took place from July 3 to July 9, 1960, as reported by The Sun Chronicle on August 18, 1960. Their partnership was a source of strength and inspiration for the Deaf community.

Robert G. Sanderson Elected to State Post. The Sun Chronicle, August 18, 1960

Sanderson Takes NAD Helm. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964

Robert G. Sanderson eventually rose by being elected the 17th president of the National Association of the Deaf, serving two terms from 1964 to 1968. His most notable achievement was successfully challenging Bryon B. Burnes' 18-year NAD presidency, a significant move considering Bryon's iconic status in the eyes of many Deaf people. His challenge earned him a reputation as a powerful and inspiring advocate for the Deaf community, also including his 44-year role as president emeritus (Scoggins, NADmag, Spring 2012, p. 1; Newman, 2006; National Association of the Deaf, March 5, 2012). His unwavering courage, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of the Deaf community's needs and aspirations made him a powerful advocate and a beloved leader. Under his leadership, he and his assistant, Frederick C. Schreiber, an executive director of NAD, relocated the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Washington, D.C., in 1965 and eventually relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1973, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the Deaf community. Here's the story:

Sanderson Bids for NAD Helm. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964

Robert Sanderson's involvement in the twenty-seventh biennial convention of the National Association of the Deaf, held from July 5–11, 1964, at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., marked a significant turning point. At this convention, Arthur W. Wenger, the Utah delegate, addressed and nominated Robert G. Sanderson as the new president of the national association (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964; The Silent Worker, July–August 1964). Considered gutsy at the time, Bob, the former president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, successfully challenged Bryon B. Burnes' 18-year NAD presidency, a significant move given Bryon's iconic status in the eyes of many Deaf people. This 1964 convention, with its historic nomination and election, revolutionized the National Association of the Deaf and set the stage for significant changes in the organization's structure and operations, which made it famous (Schein, 1981). He outlined the national organization's challenges and proposed solutions, including the relocation of the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Washington, D.C. His strong leadership in the Utah Association for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf was evident. His words, "I have learned that no one stands alone," resonated with the audience, showcasing the unity and support within the Deaf community in a powerful way (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964, p. 1). He sought support from state associations and individuals and addressed audience questions. As a result, the convention delegates unanimously voted to move the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Washington, D.C. (Turk, 2019). Also, due to his efforts, Robert Sanderson won the election with his wife, Mary Antoniett's' consideration, help, encouragement, and solid support.' He became the 17th president of the National Association of the Deaf, underscoring the significant impact of the Utah Association for the Deaf on the wider Deaf community—a testament to the strength and influence of the Deaf community (Newman, 2006, p. 203).

Bryon Benton Burnes, President of the National Association of the Deaf. The Deaf American, October 1964

Before Robert G. Sanderson won the presidential election in 1964, the National Association of the Deaf Convention discussed the relocation of the NAD headquarters on July 1–7, 1962. There was a significant discussion about relocating the NAD headquarters to Washington, D.C. President Bryon B. Burnes opposed Sandie's proposal to move the NAD headquarters to Washington, D.C. He was concerned that moving to Washington, D.C., would result in them losing their identity as an independent organization and becoming pawns of government bureaucracy. He expressed his desire for full-time staffing at the NAD office in California (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962; Lawrence, 2006). However, Robert Sanderson, who chaired the NAD's Ways and Means Committee to oversee financial planning and resource allocation since 1960, disagreed with President Burnes (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962). Sandie was concerned about logistics, including distributing NAD messages to members and securing continued support. He thought the NAD headquarters in President Burnes' home office in Berkeley was too far away and impersonal for Deaf individuals living in remote areas. Despite their best efforts, the state associations struggled to retain their memberships due to lack of resources, communication barriers, or other factors, and many Deaf youths and adults across the country had little or no contact with the major organizations. From a sociological standpoint, Sandie saw no option except to persevere and maintain enthusiasm (Newman, 2006; Turk, 2019).

Robert G. Sanderson is running for president at the 1964 National Association of the Deaf conference

As expected, the 1962 National Association of the Deaf Convention rejected the relocation motion (Schein, 1981). However, this did not deter Sandie's determination to establish NAD headquarters in Washington, D.C. His strong commitment to the organization's future was evident in his decision to run for president in 1964. He won the election by successfully moving the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Washington, D.C., leveraging his relocation platform. This move aimed to strengthen the organization's support system for future challenges. Despite the initial rejection, Sandie and his Ways and Means Committee persisted in their efforts to relocate the NAD headquarters to Washington, D.C. (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962). After his presidential election, Sandie created a full-time executive director position and tasked Frederick C. Schreiber with managing the office. He also organized ten filing cabinet drawers holding NAD correspondence and other materials (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962; Newman, 2006, p. 200).

Boyce R. Williams and Robert G. Sanderson at the National Association of the Deaf, 1964

Robert Sanderson's election as president made history and brought recognition to Deaf Utahns. To mark this significant event, a dinner was arranged on July 30, 1964, at the Ramada Inn in Salt Lake City, Utah, to honor Robert and his wife, Mary. About seventy friends attended the event, demonstrating the respect and admiration they command. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Robert Sanderson expressed his profound gratitude for the election, recognizing it as a significant honor (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964).

Home Office Move...Robert G. Sanderson Elected NAD President. The Silent Worker, July-August 1964

Arthur W. Wenger, a respected Utah delegate, was Bob Sanderson's official representative at the National Association of the Deaf Convention. He expressed his pride in contributing to the efforts to strengthen and expand the National Association of the Deaf. Joseph B. Burnett also spoke at the convention, highlighting the impact of automation and social changes on the Deaf community, as well as the challenges facing the National Association of the Deaf. At dinner, Ned C. Wheeler captivatingly recounted Sandie's life. At the same time, G. Leon Curtis, the president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, emceed the event and read an editorial tribute to Bob Sanderson from the Ogden Standard-Examiner (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964).

Robert Sanderson, new National Association of the Deaf President receives congratulations at dinner with his friends in the Ramada Inn, July 30, 1964 The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964

Bob Sanderson, who was in graduate school at the time and stepping into the role of NAD president, entrusted his task to his assistant, Frederick C. Schreiber, an executive director of NAD, to relocate the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Washington, D.C., by January 1, 1965. This move was a financial risk but a careful plan, which demonstrated Bob's commitment and received full support from officials, including Frederick, who campaigned vigorously for him for the presidency (The Silent Worker, July–August, 1964; Schein, 1981; UAD Bulletin, March 2000; Newman, 2006). Frederick mentioned that the advantage of having the NAD headquarters in Washington, D.C., was its proximity to government offices for future negotiations on grants and contracts (Schein, 1981). From 1964 to 1968, Bob lived and worked in Utah, serving as NAD president and advocating for the Deaf community on both a state and national level (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964). The National Association of the Deaf eventually relocated its headquarters to Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1973, a significant location for both the organization and the Deaf community (Turk, 2019).

Frederick C. Schreiber. A Rose for Tomorrow: Biography of Frederic C. Schreiber

Bob advised any Deaf person considering running for office in the National Association of the Deaf to prepare for hard work, acknowledging that it was a demanding job (Newman, 2006; National Association of the Deaf, March 5, 2012. Significant achievements marked Bob's tenure as president of the National Association of the Deaf. These achievements include successfully increasing the association's two-year budget by $45,000, reaching a substantial $2 million every two years, and arranging the relocation of the NAD headquarters from Berkeley, California, to Silver Spring, Maryland (Kent, The Deaf American, 1982). This relocation symbolized the association's growth and expansion. Frederick C. Schreiber, under his leadership, became the first NAD executive director and expanded programs for young people, including Junior NAD, Miss Deaf America, and Youth Leadership Camp (Newman, 2006).

NAD executive director Frederick C. Schreiber is featured at his desk in the Home Office. The secretary mentioned that the stack of papers on his desk is often taller than it appears in the photo. Louis Val of Washington, D.C., crafted the NAD emblem for the NAD convention in 1964. The Tri-State Association of the Deaf then presented it to the Home Office. Jacob Manoogian took the photo. The Deaf American, December 1965

In an interview with Dr. Lawrence R. Newman for his book "Sands of Time: NAD Presidents 1880-2003," Bob expressed that his presidential election was the highlight of his life, an honor he still appreciated (Newman, 2006, p. 198). Dr. Sanderson also reflected, "Today, I believe the NAD is much stronger than when I took over as president." The changes are positive. Our long-term dream of having a permanent, stable Home Office came true. The NAD is financially viable" (Newman, 2006, p. 200). Bob credited his success to his wife and sons, who put up with his frequent absences due to NAD work, his regular jobs, and his studies (Newman, 2006).

Roy Man Elected President of National Deaf Association. Ogden.Standard-Examiner, July 27, 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a significant milestone as it was when the National Association of the Deaf granted Deaf women the right to vote in 1964. This coincided with the election of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson as the president of the National Association of the Deaf in July 1964, a prominent figure from Utah. In 1965, the National Association of the Deaf took a significant step towards inclusivity and equality by allowing Black Deaf individuals to join and vote. Prior to this, the organization did not permit female members to vote or provide Black individuals with membership privileges (2012 Conference Resolutions). This change came after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Since the legislative reforms, the National Association of the Deaf has made tremendous progress in creating a more inclusive community for all Deaf people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. The new move also represented a turning point in the NAD's history, signaling a push toward inclusivity and equality. It also highlighted the NAD's unity and collaboration, which played a crucial role in achieving these milestones, reflecting its members' teamwork and shared vision of a more inclusive future. Finally, this shared vision provides hope and optimism for our community's future.

Robert G. Sanderson, after whom the Deaf Center was named, served as the president of the National Association of the Deaf from 1964 to 1968. The September 1966 issue of the Deaf American magazine features a photo of him shaking hands with Dr. Boyce R. Williams, a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consultant at the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration in Washington, D.C. At the convention banquet in San Francisco, California, Robert G. Sanderson announced the award and presented the first National Association of the Deaf Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Boyce R. Williams. The photo was taken by Floyd Barlow.

In addition to relocating the NAD Headquarters, Dr. Sanderson, as the president of the National Association of the Deaf, witnessed the heavy emphasis on four key aspects of multigenerational leadership, including:

Integration: promoting unity and inclusivity among all community members.
Collaboration: encouraging individuals to work together toward common goals.
Partnership: fostering mutually beneficial relationships between different stakeholders.
Reciprocity: emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community (Turk, 2019, p. 99).

As the NAD president, Dr. Sanderson played a crucial role in bringing together the entire community, including both deaf and hearing individuals, to promote a united multigenerational engagement. His leadership was critical to implementing these essential elements within the Deaf community. Dr. Sanderson also emphasized that "the board acts as the governing body for the nation's deaf population, safeguarding and advocating for their civil, human, and linguistic rights" (Turk, 2019, p. 99). Additionally, Dr. Sanderson's significant commitment, leadership, and contribution to the Jr. NAD, a component of schools and colleges, is truly inspiring. This organization operates independently of the National Association of the Deaf and focuses on preparing students for success in school, college, the workplace, career, and community life. Dr. Sanderson and Frederick Schreiber, the first executive director of the National Association of the Deaf, advocated primarily in an empowering and advisory role, coordinating the activities of all participating multigenerational leaders and engagers (Turk, 2019). During a meeting, Dr. Frank R. Turk, the national director of the Jr. NAD, recalled that Dr. Sanderson repeatedly emphasized the ultimate goal of the Jr. NAD activities: "Highly successful academic achievement and productive community involvement, for instance, are absolutely possible for all deaf children in America. You, Fred, and I are living proof that this goal is achievable" (Turk, 2019, p. 100). His words instilled hope and optimism in everyone who heard them.

Patricia W. Forsythe, a mother of a Deaf child,
expressed, "The best thing about the NAD's Youth Leadership Camp is that it is not just for the superior
kids or the troubled kids. It is for all types of kids
who are looking for the opportunity to learn from
and work with supportive people like Boyce R. Williams, Fredrick C. Schreiber, and Robert R. Sanderson, who believe that deaf people can do anything except hear" (Turk, 2019, 332).
This camp, with its inclusive nature,
makes everyone feel valued and included.

Dr. Sanderson's leadership style was characterized by its collaborative nature. During his presidency at the Utah Association of the Deaf, he led the effort to change the name from 'of' to 'for,' which allowed him to include two hearing individuals, Beth Ann Stewart Campbell and Gene Stewart, both Children of Deaf Adults, on the board.

Beth Ann Stewart, UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

Gene Stewart, UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

Moreover, his partnership with W. David "Dave" Mortensen, the unsurpassed longest-serving president of the Utah Association for the Deaf for 22 years, was crucial in accomplishing their mission. With his extensive experience and influence, Dave supported and amplified Bob's initial work through community advocacy. Together, they established the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, advocated for certain issues, and passed legislative bills. Their mutual support and reliance on each other were crucial to their success, highlighting the significant impact of collaboration in advocacy.

W. David Mortensen

Dr. Sanderson, a multigenerational leader, firmly believed in the power of collaboration within a "multigenerational team." He emphasized that when people and organizations work together, they unlock a world of possibilities, and everyone benefits from the collective effort. Instead of competing, they operate as an extended family where everyone succeeds, as "no-one-individual-is-greater-than-the-program" winners. This all-inclusive approach ensures that every team member feels valued and integral to the program's success (Turk, 2019, p. 65). Dr. Frank R. Turk states that while serving a term as the national director of the Jr. NAD from 1966 to 1980, during the Sanderson era, Dr. Sanderson, a quiet and easygoing individual, believed that kindness was crucial in developing positive and productive collaboration relationships. He often said that "relationship is the glue that keeps all of us together," including our competitors and even key individuals in prominent positions who may be hesitant to work with us. For example, he would personally reach out to individuals who were reluctant to collaborate and find common ground. Dr. Sanderson told Dr. Turk that it was important to avoid having any enemies because the National Association of the Deaf alone would be too small to succeed in the legislature. Our membership numbers do not provide enough influence at the table and lack consensus (Turk, 2019, p. 67). Dr. Sanderson's leadership and achievements, characterized by integration, collaboration, partnership, and the reciprocity of multigenerational leadership and engagement, serve as a testament to the effectiveness of his philosophy.

Dr. Frank R. Turk, a Deaf Educator. Deaf Life, August 1989

Dr. Frank R. Turk, a Deaf educator, also mentioned that Dr. Sanderson was excellent at bringing people together. He described Dr. Sanderson's leadership as characterized by "wisdom, togetherness, and supreme confidence" (p. 63). Dr. Turk also portrayed Dr. Sanderson as an outstanding educator who was a strong advocate for education. He deeply understood how a Deaf child's K–12 education connects to higher education and ultimately leads to desired employment. As a passionate advocate for young people with leadership potential, Dr. Sanderson made a significant contribution to promoting social, educational, economic, and communal equality for Deaf Americans (Turk, 2019). His commitment likely originated from his personal experience of losing his hearing and feeling lost in a public school, where he returned after recovering from illness and thrived at the Utah School for the Deaf. He observed those children who lacked education and socialization, and he recognized the loneliness and isolation many Deaf children in public schools faced from their non-deaf peers due to communication barriers. According to Dr. Truck, this strengthened Dr. Sanderson's belief in the importance of socialization in education. He urged teachers to foster a culture of questioning in their students, particularly about their school experiences. His message was clear: Teachers in public and residential schools should actively encourage Deaf students to ask questions and voice their concerns about their school experiences. Dr. Sanderson's advocacy significantly raised awareness about the challenges faced by Deaf students and the importance of fostering a culture of questioning and support in their education. He also emphasized that children should learn not only the traditional three R's of reading, writing, and arithmetic but also the importance of socialization. This focus on socialization led to the development of "resourcefulness," which included after-school activities to develop essential life skills such as leadership, empowerment, attitude, discipline, empathy, respect, struggle, humility, initiative, and perseverance. As a result, the Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD) and Student Body Government (SBG) organizations took on the responsibility of developing these essential real-life skills for success in school, college, the workplace, career, and community life (Turk, 2019).

Frederick C. Schreiber presenting gravel to new NAD president, Robert G. Sanderson, 1968. Photo courtesy of Jerome D. Schein

In the Spring 2012 edition of NADmag, a publication that shares important updates and insights within the Deaf community, Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, who was the president of the National Association of the Deaf at the time, stated that Dr. Sanderson, who received the title "President Emeritus" for forty-four years from 1968 to 2012, was recognized as one of the most powerful and inspiring advocates during his tenure as NAD president (Scoggins, NADmag, Spring 2012, p. 1).

Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins @ Texas Lone Star

Bob, as coordinator of Deaf Adults Services under the Utah Division of Rehabilitation, pioneered establishing a specialized rehabilitation unit, job training, and career opportunities for Utah's Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. During an interview with Rachel Trotter for the Ogden Standard Examiner, he shared that his new role as a coordinator had become his passion. When Bob joined, there were just eleven other consumers in the program. After just a few years, there were 200. He was busy, but he learned a lot. First, he recognized that the Deaf people needed interpreters to function effectively. He organized workshops across the United States to recruit interpreters. He found that hearing children born to Deaf parents were the best candidates for becoming interpreters (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011).

The National Association of the Deaf invited Bob, a board member, to serve as a consultant in the "Interpreting for the Deaf" workshop on June 14–17, 1964. This workshop evolved into the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, known as RID (The Silent Worker, July–August 1964; The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964; Storrer, UAD Bulletin, May 2008). The UAD Bulletin reported in the spring of 1964 that he sent a letter to Deaf parents after the workshop, urging them to inform their children, known as "Child of Deaf Adults" (CODA), about an upcoming interpreting meeting. At the meeting, one of the CODAs, Beth Ann, witnessed an interpreter's job for the first time, which had a significant impact on her. Before this experience, she had never thought of herself as an interpreter (Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, president of the National Association of the Deaf, inspired Beth Ann to pursue certification as an interpreter. He also played a significant role in motivating and supporting Beth Ann in pursuing certification as an interpreter. He encouraged her to take the national certification exam at the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in Illinois in 1965. While people from various states traveled to Illinois for the exam, Beth Ann was the only one from Utah to participate (Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010; Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012).

There, Beth Ann, with unwavering determination, was the first to take the test and passed it, becoming the first nationally certified interpreter in Utah and the United States (Emery, Ogden Standard-Examiner, July 25, 1990; Campbell, UAD Bulletin, April 1992; Beth Ann Campbell, personal communication, September 18, 2012). Since earning her certification in 1965, Beth Ann has been a trailblazer in the field of interpreting. Her certification was a groundbreaking achievement, a testament to her courage, determination, and respect in this field. It also paved the way for future interpreters, raising awareness of the importance of interpreting in the Utah Deaf community.

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell

Over the years, Dr. Sanderson became a prominent figure in statewide Deaf Services in Utah, serving as a rehabilitation counselor, coordinator, and director. He was recognized as the "Father of Vocational Rehabilitation." Today, the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Utah, a part of the Department of Workforce Services, is located at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, continuing Dr. Sanderson's legacy. This center provides services for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Late Deafened, helping them seek employment and access workshops, technology, and other resources.

Bob, a man of remarkable humility, played a pivotal role in shaping Utah's programs for rehabilitating Deaf adults. His historic appointment as the first Deaf person to be hired by the Utah State Board of Education for the position of Deaf Adults Services Coordinator marked a significant milestone. Over four decades, he tirelessly championed Utah's Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Many of the services available to the Utah Deaf community today are a testament to his original ideas, such as broadening job opportunities for Deaf individuals, providing interpreting services to meet the communication accessibility needs of the Deaf community, and establishing a deaf center to offer services and resources for the Utah Deaf community (Deseret News, September 26, 2003). According to Trotter, Bob attributed much of his success to friends who had paved the way for him (Trotter, The Ogden-Standard Examiner, January 2, 2011).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson played a significant role in the life and work of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The center's origins are also traced back to the advocacy efforts of the Utah Deaf community. In his book, "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," Dr. Sanderson describes how the idea of a gathering place for the Utah Deaf community first originated during the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention in 1946. This was Bob's first convention, and he witnessed Deaf people passionately discussing having their own "Club for the Deaf," where they could set their own rules and gather at their convenience. The Utah Deaf community, inspired by the presence of deaf clubs in most major cities, questioned why there wasn't one in Utah. The author, Bob, was unconcerned about their idea because he was living in Nevada at the time (Sanderson, 2004, 1-2). Nonetheless, his book sheds light on these early discussions and the eventual realization of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a place that would significantly impact the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" book, 2004

Eventually, the local Deaf leaders recognized that establishing an ideal 'deaf club' was not financially possible. Bob, a Deaf leader who had relocated to Utah from Las Vegas in 1946, achieved a significant milestone on November 15, 1965, when the State of Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation appointed him as the 'Coordinator to the Adult Deaf'. This appointment, following three years of legislative efforts by the officers and members of the Utah Association for the Deaf, marked a turning point in the Deaf community's advocacy (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965, p. 1; Sanderson, 2004). Bob's appointment wasn't just a change in leadership; it was a seismic shift that sent shockwaves through the Utah Deaf community, signifying a new era of hope and determination. According to the Utah Deaf community, Robert G. Sanderson, still president of the National Association of the Deaf and recently completed his master's degree in educational leadership in California, was a fortunate choice (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965). At the beginning of 1965, as a state coordinator, Bob Sanderson spearheaded advocacy efforts to establish a community center for the deaf and a specialized rehabilitation unit for the deaf and hard of hearing, a clear reflection of his impactful leadership.

Robert G. Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965

Coordinator Names for Services to the Deaf in Utah. Provo Daily Herald, November 19, 1965

After a remarkable 46-year journey, the dream of a permanent center became a reality from the first ideas presented at the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention in 1946. The Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing opened its doors in 1992 in Taylorsville, Utah, a testament to the unwavering dedication and active participation of the Utah Deaf community (Deseret News, September 26, 2003; Sanderson, 2004). Their continuous support and advocacy were instrumental in making this dream a reality.

Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf, January 1965

While working at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Dr. Sanderson played a pivotal role in the effort to establish a deaf community center. His leadership and vision were evident in the in-depth discussions about what the center should look like and what services it should provide. His unwavering perseverance paid off in June 1975, when the initial notion of a community center emerged. Dr. Walter D. Talbot, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Utah State Office of Education, established a committee to investigate the feasibility and desirability of creating a community center for the deaf in Utah, similar to the Murray B. Allen Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dr. Sanderson, appointed as chairman, led the committee, which included Dr. Harvey Hirschi, Administrator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Dr. Jay J. Campbell, Deputy Superintendent, Utah State Office of Education; Dr. Charles C. Schmitt, Facilities Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and four Deaf members, W. David Mortensen, Lloyd H. Perkins, Dora B. Laramie, and Ned C. Wheeler (UAD Bulletin, December 1975; Sanderson, 2004).

Report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction from the Committee to Study the Feasibility of a Comprehensive Community Center for the Deaf. Utah State Board of Education, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

After a long wait and much patience since the 1975 'Feasibility Study for a Community Center for the Deaf,' the first Utah Community Center for the Deaf was officially opened in January 1983 at the Bountiful 33rd LDS Ward Chapel, 388 North 400 South, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Sanderson, 2004). This milestone was not just a physical structure, but a testament to the unwavering dedication and resilience of the Deaf community and their supporters, a source of inspiration and pride for all.

Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful Utah, 1983. Pencil drawing by Robert Winkelkotter

However, the 1941 construction of the Bountiful building and its 1956 expansion with a two-story extension gave rise to health and safety issues. Correcting fire, safety, and building code breaches would be expensive, so they had to relocate again. In 1987, an inspection of the Bountiful building advised purchasing a newer facility to better serve Utah's Deaf and hard of hearing residents. In order to be safe and functional, the upgraded center needs to comply with fire, health, building, and accessibility codes for people with disabilities. Another issue was the lack of parking. Because of the outdated and unsuitable structure, lobbying efforts for a new community center began in 1988. After a successful legislative effort, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf facility took place on June 10, 1991, in Taylorsville, Utah, and the 25,000-square-foot building officially opened in September 1992 (UAD Bulletin, July 1991; Sanderson, 2004).

Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

We are fortunate to have the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing available today. The officials and members of the Utah Association for the Deaf persistently worked for forty years, from 1962 to 1992, to build our community center. Deaf leaders, particularly Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and W. David Mortensen, who were actively involved in the legislative process for years, have ensured a fantastic community center that is a lifeline for our community, fulfilling our needs for accessibility and communication. We are all grateful for and appreciate their dedication and hard work. In his book, "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," Dr. Sanderson emphasized the importance of doing homework. This became his famous "Do Your Homework" motto, ultimately leading to the community center's establishment.

Do your homework! How Utah's Deaf People Got a Community Center of their Own. Outlined by Dr. Robert G. Sanderson

Bob's journey from earning his master's degree to pursuing a Ph.D. is a significant testament to his resilience. His determination to overcome the challenges he faced is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for the entire Deaf community. His story begins with his master's degree in educational leadership, which he received in 1965 from Dr. Ray Jones, a Deaf professor and director of the Leadership in the Area of the Deaf program at San Fernando Valley State College, now known as California State University, Northridge. Dr. Jones's encouragement for his graduates to pursue doctorates led to Bob enrolling in Brigham Young University's PhD program in Provo, Utah.

Boyce R. Williams (center) received the first Daniel T. Cloud Memorial Award for leadership in a special ceremony in conjunction with commencement exercises at San Fernando Valley State College. Dr. Ray L. Jones (left), Director of the Leadership Training Program in the Area of the Deaf, which sponsored the award, made the presentation. Robert Sanrlerson, (right) president of the National Association of the Deaf, was present for the ceremony. The Utah Eagle, November 1968

However, Bob's inspiration for his Ph.D. did not come until the early 1970s. Before he completed his doctorate in 1974, a controversy emerged in 1965 with Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a staunch advocate for oralism and mainstream education in Utah, who believed that Deaf children needed to learn to talk and attend nearby public schools to integrate into mainstream society. His advocacy for the oral and mainstreaming movements sparked a long-standing feud with the Utah Association for the Deaf, a group comprised mainly of graduates from the Utah School for the Deaf, particularly Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who was a staunch supporter of sign language and state schools for the deaf. The intense animosity between these two giants was due to the ongoing dispute over oral and sign language in Utah's deaf educational system. Their struggle was akin to chess, with each maneuvering politically to gain the upper hand in the deaf educational system. Dr. Bitter and Dr. Sanderson engaged in disagreements during the listening and speaking demonstration panels, picket protests, education committee meetings, and board meetings, as did the Utah Association for the Deaf. Dr. Bitter held significant power as a parental figure and used parental influence and leverage to advocate for oralism, making it challenging for the Utah Association for the Deaf to oppose him. The Utah Association for the Deaf demonstrated remarkable resilience when faced with Dr. Bitter's challenges, marking a significant turning point in our history.

Dr. Grant B. Bitter. The Utah Eagle, October 1967

A controversy arose again in 1971 when Dr. Grant B. Bitter expressed his dissatisfaction with Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's voluntary interpreting for Channel 4 News in sign language on the right corner of the television screen. Dr. Bitter and his supporters, who advocated for oral communication, complained to Dr. Avard Rigby, Robert G. Sanderson's boss, about Beth Ann's sign language interpretation on television and requested its removal. During the meeting with the oral advocates, Gene Stewart, Bob Sanderson, and Beth Ann Stewart Campbell anxiously awaited Dr. Rigby's response. As a mediator, Dr. Rigby reported that Beth Ann was only on one of the three major news networks and suggested they could change the channel if the oral advocates didn't want to see her. However, Dr. Rigby's response angered the oral advocates. They pushed for removing Bob Sanderson, who served as the statewide Deaf Services Coordinator and certified Deaf interpreter from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. This demand was due to his role in organizing the interpretation of news in sign language. Dr. Rigby refused, stating that Bob was one of his best employees (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 25, 1976; Porter, Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 17, 1986; Robert G. Sanderson, personal communication, October 2006; Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010; Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2012).

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell interprets for Deaf TV viewers as Newscaster. UAD Bulletin, February 1972. She gives her time without pay as the interpreter in the right-hand corner of the TV screen on Channel 4 for the news broadcast. Campbell, UAD Bulletin, March 1992

At the time, Bob Sanderson encountered difficulties gaining credibility and recognized the significant influence of academic credentials. While battling with Dr. Bitter, he felt driven to obtain a Ph.D. to gain the credibility and respect he deserved. Bob told his coworker, Gene Stewart, that having a Ph.D. after his name would make a difference (Stewart, DSDHH Newsletter, April 2012). Dr. Bitter gained significant support because of his Ph.D., whereas Bob struggled to get the same support. However, Bob's perseverance paid off, and his Ph.D. indeed made people listen to him, especially in light of the historical animosity between these two prominent giants: Dr. Bitter, who got his Ph.D. in 1967, and Dr. Sanderson, who did not receive his Ed.D. until 1974.

State Educator First Deaf Student To Receive Doctor Degree at BYU. Ogden Standard-Examiner, April 29, 1974

Beth Ann, Bob's designated interpreter, found herself in the midst of their long-standing conflict and shared her experiences at the interpreting workshop at Salt Lake Community College on October 15, 2010. As Bob's interpreter, she often found herself caught in the middle of their conflicting views on deaf education. She revealed that every time she entered the room, Dr. Bitter would express his disapproval of her presence. Bob would assert, "Well, she's staying." She witnessed their initial battles, with Bob 'bugging' Dr. Bitter and Dr. Bitter trying to 'bug' back. She also mentioned that during legislative hearings, Dr. Bitter would speak as fast as he could and use big words to challenge her interpreting skills. Yet Beth Ann managed to keep up with her interpreting job, which only seemed to infuriate Dr. Bitter more. Bob would sit back while Dr. Bitter tried to unsettle him by saying, 'You can read my lips.' Bob, who lost his hearing at age 11 but could speak and read lips, ignored Dr. Bitter and continued to look at Beth Ann while she interpreted. Bob refused to give in to Dr. Bitter's challenges. Beth Ann said it was a constant battle between them. She acknowledged the ongoing conflict between oral and sign language but didn't think it was as vicious as it had been during the Sanderson and Bitter era (Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Interview, YouTube, October 15, 2010). The conflicts between oral and sign language still persist to this day, highlighting the complexity and depth of the issues in deaf education in Utah.

Win Ph.D. Despite Deafness. The Salt Lake Tribune, March 7, 1974

During the political dispute between Dr. Sanderson and Dr. Bitter, Hannah P. Lewis, a hearing parent of a grown Deaf son, stated in 1977 that Dr. Sanderson has been a guiding light for the deaf all these years and emphasized the need for his continued support. She said, "I cannot thank him enough for all the help he has given my son throughout his growing-up years." "Thank God for a man like him" (Lewis, Deseret News, November 24, 1977, p. A4). His Ph.D. proved to be a valuable achievement. His victory over the 18-year icon president in the National Association of the Deaf presidential election was a turning point, demonstrating his courage and determination. After earning his Ph.D., he continued to advocate for the Deaf community, which led to the naming of the Deaf Center in his honor in 2003.

Bob Sanderson was the first Deaf person in Utah to receive a doctorate. His determination to succeed and belief in his capabilities led him to become the first Deaf person at BYU and Utah to receive a Doctorate in Educational Administration degree in 1974. He was also the first Deaf graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and the only Deaf person in Utah to earn a doctorate (Deseret News, September 26, 2003). His unique position, as the only Deaf person in Utah to earn a doctorate, was a testament to his pioneering spirit and determination, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

A letter from Dr. Walter D. Talbot, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, congratulating Dr. Robert G. Sanderson on getting his doctorate, April 15, 1974

According to a 1982 interview with Gallaudet College, Dr. Sanderson, a prominent figure in rehabilitation services, completed his one-year professorship at Gallaudet College, holding the Powrie V. Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies. During the interview, he was asked about his thoughts on 'total communication,' a term used in the 1970s and 1980s to describe the use of all available means of communication to help Deaf children develop. This includes sign language, speech, lip-reading, and written language. He emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, 'Communication is life. It starts at birth and is a lifelong process. If a baby is suspected to be deaf, I believe that the communication process should begin as soon as the baby can focus his eyes. I would be very concerned that parents understand this. If the process is delayed, a deaf child just cannot catch up—too much is lost. It doesn't matter if the child later learns language or how to read lips; he still won't be able to catch up.' Dr. Sanderson emphasized that effective communication is more important than the communication method, and many issues boil down to a lack of clear communication. To ensure a child's optimal learning and development, the focus should be on the quality of communication rather than the specific method. Putting too much emphasis on the mode of communication can very quickly turn off the communication process. He explained that total communication refers to using all available means to communicate ideas when a child is ready. Children differ in readiness, receptivity, tolerance, frustration, and responsiveness. While one child may quickly adapt to speech training, another may become frustrated and unresponsive. Therefore, total communication should consider these individual differences. In his opinion, many schools do not incorporate what is known about the psychology of communication (Kent, The Deaf American, 1982, p. 3).

Utahn to Chair Deaf Studies. Deseret News, July 17-28, 1981

As demonstrated by Dr. Sanderson's thoughts during the interview, his life likely took a dramatic turn when he lost his hearing at eleven. His enrollment at the Utah School for the Deaf, where he learned sign language, probably marked a transformative chapter. He likely realized he had a significant advantage in language development over his born-deaf peers with hearing parents with no language access at home. The school also provided him with full access to education, which starkly contrasted with the limited access he had in a public school after his recovery. The disparity in educational opportunities likely fueled his advocacy for Deaf children. This highlighted the urgency for them to have access to language and education at residential schools. It also led him to challenge Dr. Bitter's mission to promote oralism, a method that focuses on teaching Deaf children to speak and lip-read, as well as mainstream education.

At a reception for him on November 13, 1981, Robert Sanderson (second from left) shakes hands with Clarence Williams of the Division of Research. Sanderson was this year's Powrie V. Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies. Robert's wife, Mary, was standing on the left side. On The Green, November 23, 1981

In 1960, American Sign Language, also known as ASL, was officially recognized as a language, paving the way for its widespread recognition in the 1990s. Bob's fervent advocacy for teaching ASL in college, citing its unique syntax and grammar, aimed to expand opportunities for the Deaf community (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011). From 1979 to 1985, he taught ASL and the social, psychological, and cultural aspects of deafness as an adjunct professor in the Division of Communication Disorders at the University of Utah, as well as from 1985 to 1986 at Utah State University. In 1982, he assumed the Powrie Vaux Doctor Chair in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet College, a testament to his dedication. Even after his retirement in 1985, Dr. Sanderson continued to teach sign language at local high schools (Newman, 2006).

In 2011, when Rachel Trotter, a reporter for the Ogden Standard-Examiner, interviewed Dr. Sanderson, he mentioned that his American Sign Language (ASL) programs for finding and employing interpreters in college were gaining national recognition. The implementation of these programs in colleges and universities was a significant milestone, bringing immense satisfaction to Dr. Sanderson. He stated, "By the year 2000, colleges and universities all over the United States finally realized [ASL] sign language is a real language" (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011).

Dr. Sanderson's influence extended to Gallaudet College, later renamed Gallaudet University, where he held various roles. He was a founding member of the Gallaudet College Board of Fellows, an advisory council established in 1970, until 1982. Following this, he served as trustee emeritus on the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1994. Dr. Sanderson was in the position of Board of Trustees Emeritus until he passed away in 2012. His tenure as a lecturer at Gallaudet University's distinguished Powrie Vaux Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies from 1981 to 1982 further demonstrated his expertise and influence (Newman, 2006).

Dr. Sanderson, a member of Gallaudet University Board of Trustees

During the 1988 Deaf President Now Protest at Gallaudet University, Dr. Sanderson advocated for a Deaf president instead of a hearing president. His efforts, along with others, led to the historic appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the first Deaf president (UAD Bulletin in April 1988). This milestone not only marked a significant achievement for Gallaudet but also impacted the Deaf community. Dr. Sanderson, a locally and nationally well-known figure, brought his expertise, abilities, and capabilities to the role, drawing on his comprehensive education and successful career before and after his retirement in 1985.

In his words, Dr. Sanderson expresses deep gratitude to Gallaudet. He credited the institution for profoundly shaping him both academically and personally. Reflecting on his time there, he said, "I not only value the academic learning that took place, but also the personal relationships I formed as a student. I encountered various cultures, interacted with diverse individuals, and welcomed fresh perspectives. I learned not to take myself too seriously and discovered my strengths, as well as, more importantly, my weaknesses. I don't believe this could have occurred anywhere else. Gallaudet served as a uniquely tailored environment that allowed me to develop into the person I am today. Now that I am in a position to give back, I am excited to contribute my time, energy, and resources to help enhance this exceptional institution for future generations who will enter it more educated than I was at their age" (Turk, 2019, p. 63–64). Even after his retirement, his unwavering commitment to Gallaudet is a testament to the institution's profound impact on his life and work, as well as its vital role in deaf education and rehabilitation.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a member of the university's Board of Trustees, had a memorable experience at the 1994 Gallaudet University commencement ceremony. As shown in the picture above, he met and shook hands with then-President of the United States, William "Bill" Clinton. This historic meeting highlighted the significance of the Deaf community's representation in influential circles and the increasing acknowledgment of their contributions.

Dr. Sanderson shakes hand with United States President William "Bill" Clinton at the 1994 Gallaudet University graduation

Furthermore, Dr. Sanderson willingly devoted his time and effort to serving as an officer or board member in the following organizations:

National Association of the Deaf Executive Board, President and President Emeritus, ten years
Division 27 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, President, Secretary, and President Emeritus
Utah Association for the Deaf, President & President Emeritus, Practically Lifetime
Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
National Rehabilitation Association, Utah Chapter
American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association
National Technical Institute for the Deaf, National Advisory Group
Gallaudet College Board of Fellows
Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, 12 years
University of California, San Francisco, National Advisory Committee, Center on Deafness,
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Institutional Council
2007 Winter Deaflympics, Utah, board member (Newman, 2006)

Dr. Sanderson also served on various committees representing the Deaf community.

Chairman of a committee to study the feasibility of a comprehensive Community Center for the Deaf
Affirmative Action Committee
Deaf-Blind Study Committee
Utah Relay System for the Deaf Advisory Committee
Utah State Interpreter Certification Board
Utah State Board of Education Task Force to study Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
UAD Bulletin, editorial subcommittee of the monthly UAD Bulletin
Advisory Editor of the Deaf American magazine, formerly called The Silent Worker
Utah Association for the Deaf Task Force to study new directions for the UAD
Davis Applied Technology College, Advisory Committee for developing an interpreter training program (Newman, 2006)

Last but not least, Dr. Sanderson was a member of several organizations, such as:

State White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
National Rehabilitation Counseling Association
Junior Chamber of Commerce
Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf

National Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (Newman, 2006)

Robert G. Sanderson and his wife, Mary M. Antonietti, have broken into big smiles for Utah's local cameraman Keith Nelson at the banquet of the Salt Lake Division of the NFSD. Bob Sanderson, UAD's past president and a recent and current NAD board member, has been nominated by the Utah Association to cooperate with the president of the National Association of Deaf. The Silent Worker, March 1964

After two years of dedicated planning, numerous meetings, TTY calls, and extensive travel to assess needs, the National Association of the Deaf Convention finally came to fruition in Salt Lake City, Utah, in August 1986. Dr. Sanderson and his wife, Mary, served as co-chairs for the successful convention, a testament to their unwavering commitment. The convention was a resounding success, with 1218 registered participants from 49 states and the District of Columbia (UAD Bulletin, August 1986; Newman, 2006).

The Utah Association for the Deaf recognized Dr. Sanderson's significant contributions by awarding him the first Golden Hand Award in 1979 (UAD Bulletin, July 1979). His impact on the community was further acknowledged in 1999 when he received the prestigious Presidential Award for his extensive service, dedication, and allegiance to the state association (UAD Bulletin, June 1999).

Even after his retirement in 1985, Dr. Sanderson's commitment to the Utah Deaf community remained unwavering. He persistently committed his time and energy to numerous organizations, such as the Utah State Interpreter Certification Board, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Institutional Council, the Utah Relay System for Deaf Advisory Committees, the editorial subcommittee of the monthly UAD Bulletin, the Board of Directors of the Utah Association for the Deaf, the advisory committee of the Davis Applied Technology College for the development of an interpreter training program, and the Board of Directors of the 2007 Deaflympics, held in Utah (Newman, 2006; UAD Bulletin, July 2006).

Dr. Frank R. Turk mentioned that Dr. Sanderson's CV is impressive and filled with awards, accolades, and accomplishments. In 2010, Dr. Sanderson received an honorary doctorate from Gallaudet University. He had a remarkable effect on people, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. His impeccable grooming and neat attire conveyed a positive message about him as a leader capable of working with various types of leadership (Turk, 2019, p. 63).

Throughout the years, Dr. Sanderson received numerous honors and awards.

Daniel Cloud Achievement Award
Outstanding State Employee Earl Conder Award
Laurent Clerc Award
Service to Mankind award by each of the following: Bountiful Sertoma Club, Utah District Sertoma Club, and Regional Sertoma Clubs
Award of Merit, Conference of Educational Administrators Serving the Deaf
Powrie Vaux, Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies (Newman, 2006).

Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Taylorsville, Utah, was renamed after Robert G. Sanderson to honor his selfless contributions to the Deaf community. The community center, which spans over 35,000 square feet and includes a gym, stage, office, and more, was an important focal point for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Marilyn Tiller Call, the community center's director, led the campaign to name the center after Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a respected figure in the Utah Deaf community. On October 4, 2003, a community center celebration honored Dr. Sanderson, who was 83 at the time. Marilyn Tiller Call described Dr. Sanderson as someone who never gives up, saying, "Bob reminds me of the Energizer Bunny. Though his body is 83, his passion for advocacy is still young" (Deseret News, September 26, 2003).

L-R: Herb Larson, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Marilyn Tiller Call at the honoring ceremony, October 4, 2003

Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Book, October 4, 2003

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson entered his renaming ceremony on October 4, 2003.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson played a crucial role in the 1988 Deaf President Now Protest as a member of the Board of Trustees at Gallaudet University. His unwavering advocacy for a Deaf president resulted in a significant milestone when Dr. I. King Jordan became the first president of Gallaudet University (UAD Bulletin, April 1988). Dr. Jordan, who worked closely with Dr. Sanderson as a fellow Board of Trustees member, personally recognized and appreciated his leadership during the community center's naming ceremony in his honor on October 4, 2003, marking a historic occasion.

Dr. I. King Jordan, and Dr. Robert G. Sanderson the naming ceremony of the community center on October 4, 2003

A few months after the honoring celebration, Dr. Sanderson wrote "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," which was published on March 9, 2004. Dr. Lawrence R. Newman, a former president of the National Association of the Deaf, described Dr. Sanderson as "caring and diplomatic, a good listener, willing to help and share crucial parts of his wide range of rich and varied experience" (Newman, 2006, p. 200). He has consistently advocated for the deaf, both nationally and locally, and his unwavering commitment has served as an inspiration to many. During a 2003 interview, Diane Urbani stated that Dr. Sanderson had numerous public achievements but was most proud of his family. He said, "I have two great sons, two great grandchildren, and a good wife. What more could a man want?" (The Deseret News, October 4, 2003).

Dr. Lawrence R. Newman. Sands of Time: NAD Presidents 1880-2003

In 2010, Dr. Sanderson, aged 90, was awarded an honorary degree from Gallaudet University, his alma mater. This was in recognition of his more than sixty years of service and dedication to the Deaf community in Utah and nationwide. Dr. Sanderson, president of the Gallaudet Class of 1941, has been a loyal supporter of the university throughout his life. He has been a steadfast advocate for the Deaf community at both local and national levels (Coogan, Office of the President, May 3, 2010; UAD Bulletin, June 2010). His life exemplifies his belief that "Deafness does not prevent a person from accomplishing what he sets out to do if he really wants to do it" (UAD Bulletin, March 2000, 1). His belief in the potential of the Deaf community is empowering and instills hope.

Bob had a wide range of interests and hobbies. His love for reading and writing showcased his intellectual depth and curiosity. In addition, he enjoyed jogging, fishing, and woodworking. He created beautiful knotty pine cabinets for his family home in Roy, Utah. Bob also enjoyed wine tasting and engaging in long, intense political discussions with his Deaf friends (Newman, 2006; Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, June 10, 2009).

Dr. Sanderson, Rehabilitation Coordinator The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

Dr. Sanderson passed away on February 25, 2012, just five days after celebrating his 92nd birthday. He suffered a brain hemorrhage due to two separate falls. Marilyn Tiller Call, who was the director of the Community Center at the time, visited him in the hospital and left a message on his whiteboard for the nurses, stating, "Bob is a giant of a man whose advocacy helped change the world for thousands of Deaf people. This man is so special that he has a community center named after him in Salt Lake City" (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, February 23, 2012). After spending some quiet time in his room, Marilyn reflected on how difficult it must have been for Dr. Sanderson's mother when he and his sister, Barbara, became deaf due to spinal meningitis in their childhood. Marilyn pondered about the potential outcomes if Dr. Sanderson had not become deaf. Would he have been content with an ordinary life instead of a life of greatness? What if his parents had not encouraged him to learn sign language and embrace the Deaf community? Would he have become a lonely introvert? (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, February 23, 2012).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson

The March 2012 UAD Bulletin highlighted Dr. Sanderson's extensive advocacy work for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in Utah over sixty years. His most recent position was as president emeritus of the Utah Association for the Deaf, marking the culmination of his advocacy efforts. Dr. Sanderson collaborated with the association and local Deaf leaders to initiate a long-term campaign to ensure that Deaf individuals in Utah received equitable services compared to their hearing counterparts, which is a testament to the profound impact of his work.

His final role was President Emeritus of the National Association of the Deaf, which he held until his passing (National Association of the Deaf, March 5, 2012). Dr. Sanderson's legacy is one of deep respect and admiration. His commitment to advancing the American Deaf community, both nationally and in his home state of Utah, is a testament to his profound impact. The extent of his contributions is truly remarkable.

Former NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins said, "NAD President Emeritus Robert G. 'Sandie' Sanderson was a true giant who humbly walked with anyone who shared his passion for hard work, volunteerism, and dedication to making our lives better. People who look at his career and civic work would be amazed at how much he really did. We thank the state of Utah for letting us share in his legacy of tireless advocacy on behalf of the American deaf and hard of hearing community" (National Association of the Deaf, March 5, 2012).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, 1960s

The survivors of Dr. Sanderson were his son Barry and his wife Teresa. His wife, Mary, of sixty-two years, passed away on October 6, 2008, and his eldest son, Gary, died on May 12, 2011. Dr. Sanderson's memorial service was held on March 31 at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (UAD Bulletin, March 2012).

Dr. Sanderson's deafness has proven to be both a blessing and a driving force behind his impactful work. His contributions to the Utah Association of the Deaf, the National Association of the Deaf, the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center, interpreting services, and deaf education have been significant. The Deaf community has greatly benefited from his work, and Utah has recognized his exceptional leadership, lifelong commitment, and services. His legacy lives on through the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ensuring his name is forever appreciated and remembered.

Before we conclude, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson delivered the following quote at the National Association of the Deaf Convention in Seattle, Washington, in June 1974.

"Accomplished leaders have the inclination to be strong builder of leaders. They make development of new leaders their lifestyle. They continue to do a lot more through other leaders that hey personally developed. They are people who have been given challenges and responsibilities to grow up with values and goals. People who live with optimism, growing up and thinking they were born to flu. Our Junior NAD program seeks, solicits, develops and promotes such leaders." Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, NAD Convention, Seattle, June 1974 (Turk, 2019, p. 145).

Dr. Frank R. Tuck, a Deaf community leader, recognized Dr. Robert R. Sanderson as one of the Deaf leaders who ranks among the finest educators in history. His leadership, considered on par with outstanding achievers such as George Washington, Abigail Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison, is a source of pride for us all (Turk, 2019). We are fortunate to have Dr. Sanderson as our local leader. His belief in the potential of the Deaf community has shaped and empowered us—a fact that we should all be proud and appreciative of, instilling a sense of pride and appreciation in all who have witnessed his impact.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, 1980s

Notes

Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, personal communication, October 15, 2010).

Marilyn Tiller Call, e-mail message to the Utah Association of the Deaf, February 23, 2012.

Robert G. Sanderson, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, June 10, 2009.

Robert G. Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

References

"'86 NAD convention...A success story." UAD Bulletin, vol. 10, no. 3 (August 1986): 1 – 3.

“2012 Conference Resolutions.” NAD History. https://www.nad.org/about-us/nad-history/

"A Giant among Deaf Leaders Passes Away." UAD Bulletin, vol. 35-10 (March 2012): 1.

Campbell, Jay. “Beth Ann Reminisces.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 11 (April 1992): 4.

"Celebration at New UCCD Grounding-Breaking." UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 2: (July 1991): 2.

Coogan, Megan. "Utah Native Dr. Robert G. Sanderson to Receive an Honorary Degree from Gallaudet University." Office of the Presidnet, May 3, 2010. https://gallaudet.edu/president/utah-native-dr-robert-g-sanderson-to-receive-honorary-degree-from-gallaudet-university/

"Deaf Center Report In." UAD Bulletin, vol. 10, no. 4 (December 1975): 1.

"Deaf Utahn Named as President Emeritus of NAD." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.10 (March 2000): 1.

"Dr. Robert G. Sanderson Honored." UAD Bulletin, vol. 34.01 (June 2010): 1.

Emery Michelle. "Campbell earns award." Ogden Standard-Examiner (July 25, 1990): p. 5.

"Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passes away," 2012. http://www.nad.org/news/2012/3/memoriam-nad-president-emeritus-robert-g-sanderson

"In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson." Tribute by the National Association of the Deaf Administration, March 5, 2012. http://www.nad.org/news/2012/3/memoriam-nad-president-emeritus-robert-g-sanderson

"Interpreters Workshop Planned." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 3 (Spring 1964): 4.

Kent, Cheryl. “The Times Breed Leadership.” The Deaf American, vol. 34 no. 8, 1982.

Lewis, Hannah, P. “End fight on deaf methods.” Deseret News, November 24, 1977, p. A4.

"National Registry of Professional Interpreters and Translators for the Deaf Established." The Silent Worker, vol. 16, no. 11. (July-August 1964): 17.

Newman, Lawrence R. Sands of Time: NAD Presidents 1880-2003. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Association of the Deaf, 2006.

"Obituaries." UAD Bulletin, vol. 32.06 (November 2008): 3.

"Old Dormitory at Gallaudet Uncovers Surprises." UAD Bulletin, v. 15, no. 9 (February 1992): 1.

"President's Awards." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.2 (June 1999): 1.

Porter, Donald. “Robert G. Sanderson.” Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 17, 1986.

"Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf Becomes Reality." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (Winter 1965): 1 & 3.

Robert Sanderson Obituary, March 11, 2012. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saltlaketribune/name/robert-sanderson-obituary?id=25746978

Sanderson, R.G. "Mainstreaming Was Not the Answer for ALL Deaf Children." UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 10 (March 1992): 3.

"Sanderson deserves his due." Deseret News, September 26, 2003.

Sanderson, Robert. G. "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," March 9, 2004.

Schein, Jerome D. A Rose for Tomorrow: Biography of Frederick C. Schreiber. Silver Spring, Maryland:1981.

Scoggins, B.B. "Handling Down the Presidential Batons." NADmag, Vol. 11, Issue 1 (Spring 2012): 1 & 19.

"Selection of New President Sets Off Nationwide Protest." UAD Bulletin, vol, 11, no. 11 (April 1988): 2.

“State Employe Draws Award.” The Salt Lake Tribune, May 15, 1976.

Stewart, Gene. “Robert G. Sanderson – “Sandie.” DSDHH Newsletter (April 2012): 2-3.

Storrer, Jennifer. "Getting to Know UTRID." UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.12 (May 2008): 4.

"To the Prospective UAD Members." UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (July 1979): 7.

Trotter, R. J. "Dr. Sanderson: An advocate for the Deaf." Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011.

Turk, Frank R. From Oaks to Acorns: Promoting Deaf Youth Leadership Through Multigenerational Engagement. Deaf Life Press, May 2019.

Urbani, Diane. "Center for deaf renamed after first director." Deseret News, October 4, 2003.

"Utah wins Golden Rose Award." UAD Bulletin, vol. 30.2 (July 2006): 1.

Joseph B. Burnett, Ambitious Leader

Joseph B. Burnett, a bright student, was taught to read by his father at a young age. In 1918, at the tender age of five, he was enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf. His academic ability was evident when, in 1933, he passed the college admission examination and left for Gallaudet College without completing his high school diploma. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet College in 1937 and worked as an engineer. Joseph's passion for sports was also evident in his outstanding performance, which led to his induction into the Gallaudet University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Kappa Gamma fraternity and actively participated in basketball and track and field at Gallaudet. His love for sports and his determination to excel led him to shatter a 25-year-old record, a feat that was a testament to his enthusiasm and passion for the game. In 1975, Joseph is believed to have been the first Deaf person in Utah to receive a cochlear implant.

Joseph B. Burdett

Joseph Ball Burnett was born on January 8, 1913, in Farr West, Utah, to James M. Burnett and Lizzie May Ball. Joseph was born deaf. Lizzie, his mother, died soon after. When his father married Ann, she raised Joseph (Obituary of Joseph B. Burnett). He went by the name "Joe." His father taught him to read at a young age, and he was brilliant. Joe's father sent him to the Utah School for the Deaf when he was five years old in 1918. After passing the admission exam in 1933, Joe left for Gallaudet College without finishing his high school education. In college, he received a diploma from the Utah School for the Deaf (Obituary of Joseph B. Burnett; LaVerne Burnett, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, January 28, 2009). He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet College in 1937 (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1959).

Joseph B. Burnett @ FamilySearch.org

Joseph's passion for sports was evident in his outstanding performance, which led to his induction into the Gallaudet University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Kappa Gamma fraternity and actively participated in basketball and track and field at Gallaudet. His love for sports and his determination to excel led him to shatter a 25-year-old record, a feat that was a testament to his enthusiasm and passion for the game.

"The root of ambition is in every man; but it riseth not in all' fear keepeth it down in some; in many it is suppressed by modesty." – Unknown.

Joseph B. Burnett, Gallaudet University Athletic Hall of Fame, 1995 @ FamilySearch.org

Joe shared in the Utah Eagle, the magazine of the Utah School for the Deaf, that he had a burning desire to become an outstanding track star while attending Gallaudet College. He aimed to break the mile-run world record. He put in countless miles of preparation and competition, such as college track meets and regional Olympic track tryouts, but it did not work out. However, Joe's resilience and adaptability were evident as he discovered other goals that were at least as valuable as his initial ambition. These goals, which he pursued with the same determination, are a testament to his character and can serve as an inspiration to others (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 2).

Joseph B. Burnett, a member of the Kappa Gamma Fraternity @ FamilySearch.org

Joseph B. Burnett joins the Gallaudet track squad and basketball team

Joe returned to Ogden, Utah, after graduating from Gallaudet College. His life was complicated between 1937 and 1942 by unrealistic expectations, setbacks, apparent justifications, financial difficulties, and preconceived notions about himself. One such concept is the widely held belief among "psychologists," "educators" of the deaf, and supporters of oral methods that the deaf cannot succeed in professions other than teaching because they are unable to read lips and speak clearly (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 2). Joe taught history and geography at the Utah School for the Deaf for two years, from 1937 to 1939. After that, he worked as a canning factory worker, fruit picker, farm worker, printer, linotype operator, and Deaf youth supervisor. He was also unemployed. Nonetheless, he set his career goals (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 2).

Joe's adaptability and determination were further demonstrated during World War II. The military chief of the supply division, who had previously played football with the Gallaudet College team, offered Joe a job as a property and supply clerk at Hill Air Force Base. Despite the initial rejection of his application by the personnel officer, Joe's immediate hiring was a testament to his determination. He requested reassignment as a drafter after serving as a clerk for a year. By convincing the placement counselor that he had taken a drawing class at Gallaudet College and a refresher course at Weber College, he secured a position at the Maintenance Engineering Directorate. He received promotions to senior drafter every six months, which helped him develop effective communication skills with engineers and draftspeople. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for engineering (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 2).

Joseph B. Burnett teaches a lesson in family legal problems. Attendance has averaged nearly 40, with many participating in the 80-mile round trip from Ogden each week. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964

Joe attended Weber College's night engineering program from 1942 to 1946 (The Utah Eagle, January 1954). Following World War II, a force reduction "bumped" him from his job (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955).

On September 13, 1944, Joe's life took a beautiful turn as he married LaVerne Petersen at the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Obituary of Joseph B. Burnett). This union brought a new chapter of love and companionship into his life.

In the spring of 1946, the Ogden City Engineering Department hired him as a drafter, marking a significant turn in his career. Here, he studied municipal engineering under the supervision of Deaf engineer Ned C. Wheeler, a role he held until the fall of 1947 (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 2).

Joe spent two years studying engineering at the University of Utah, stationed at Hill Field Air Force Base, marking his academic journey. His dedication culminated in his graduation with a field certificate.

Joseph Burnett and LaVern Petersen @ FamilySerach.oorg

Joe's adaptability was put to the test when he received a telegram from the Oil Shale Experimental Station of the United States Bureau of Mines in Rifle, Colorado, confirming the approval of his application for an engineering draftsman job. His jaw dropped as he gazed at the atlas. Rifle, located in the Rocky Mountains 200 miles west of Denver, had a population of only 2,000 people. He wondered about the social life. He expected it to lead to something more valuable. His wife, LaVerne, and he decided to move to Rifle (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 2). In Colorado, he obtained a professional engineer's license (LaVerne Burnett, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, January 28, 2009).

Joe's determination was unwavering as he explained how the 'sink or swim' approach enabled him to acquire progressive experience in technical engineering, showcasing an engineering understanding akin to what he gained from a full four-year college engineering curriculum. He eventually achieved his goal with his promotion to mechanical engineer and subsequent redeployment to the Design Section. He held that position for over two years (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 3).

Joseph B. Burdett, Industrial Engineer. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

In the spring of 1952, Joe applied for a promotion and a transfer. He obtained them both and returned to Hill Air Force Base, where he had previously lived. At Hill Air Force Base, he embarked on a successful career as an industrial engineer for the Plant Engineering Division. His achievements were a testament to his abilities and determination (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 3).

According to Joe, some tasks can be complex for people who can hear, but he added that being deaf did not prevent him from performing his duties. He reflected that his performance was remarkable. He solved problems as an industrial engineer in the Layout and Facilities Branch of the Industrial Engineering Division of Maintenance at Hill Air Force Base in Utah using unique problem-solving methods, common sense, and astute sketching skills (The Utah Eagle, January 1954). Joe struggled with lip reading and had poor speech quality. He followed a protocol in which he informed them of his hearing loss and handed them a pencil and notepad. As he became more friendly with them, they came to understand him better. He wrote down all the facts to avoid future misunderstandings and even kept some of them in his file (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955).

Joseph B. Burnett working as an industrial engineer at Hill Air Force Base, 1955. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

Joe had a talent for communicating through sketching. He was an amateur cartoonist and illustrator, and he could quickly sketch to represent an idea or a group of related ideas. He believed illustrations could help forepersons, designers, drafters, and maintenance staff understand the core idea better than written or verbal communication. He often used the phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words" to emphasize the power of visual communication. Joe believed most people could communicate through pictures and sketches, making understanding less important (Burnett's article in The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 4).

In 1975, Joe's life took a significant turn when he became the first person in Utah to receive a cochlear implant. This milestone was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of collaboration. The House Hearing Institute of California and the University of Utah Biomedical Center worked together to launch the cochlear implant program, a teamwork that led to medical advancements (Nelson, The Salt Lake Tribune, April 27, 1975; UAD Bulletin, June 1975; LaVerne Burnett, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, January 28, 2009).

Joseph B. Burnett, 62 getting his cochlear implant. UAD Bulletin, June 1975

Joe's legacy lives on after his passing on March 24, 1989. He is survived by his wife, LaVerne Burnett of Ogden, and his two sons, Michael and Byron. Vern, a son, is buried next to his father (LaVerne Burnett, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, January 28, 2009).

Joe's parting words resonate with positivity and inspiration, "Let us remember that it is not deafness, but one's attitude toward it, that can limit one's success in work and enjoyment of life" (Burnett, The Utah Eagle, April 1955, p. 4).

Jospeh B. Burnett, engineer @ FamilySearch.org

Notes

LaVern Burnett, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, January 28, 2009.

Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

References

Burnett, J.  “Speaking as a Deaf Engineer.” The Utah Eagle: Special Alumni Issue (April 1955): 2-4.

“Commendation Letter Received by Maintenance Industrial Engineer.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 65, no. 4 (January 1954): 6-7.

Joseph Burnett: B.A., 1937. Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/47271

“‘Joe, ’62, hears first time sound by ‘plugging into’ a U. computer.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 10, No 2 (June 1975): 4.

Nelson, A. “Joe’ 62, hears his first sound by ‘plugging into’ a U. computer.” The Salt Lake Tribune, April 25, 1975.

Obituary: Joseph B. Burnett.

W. David Mortensen, Fearless Leader

W. David "Dave" Mortensen, a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1949, was a figure of unwavering dedication to the Utah Deaf community. His leadership journey, which began with the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1967, is characterized by his fearlessness, ambition, and persistence. His dedication to the association is evident in his record-breaking tenure as president, spanning twenty-two years from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. His unique achievement remains unmatched, making him the association's longest-serving president. His work as a political activist, which includes persuading politicians to enact laws, organizing rallies for issues, writing news stories, and explaining the Deaf community's concerns, has earned him widespread recognition. Dave's academic achievements, including a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Utah in 1976 and a master's degree in social work in 1982, further underscore his dedication to the Utah Deaf community. He was the first Deaf certified social worker in Utah and worked at Valley Mental Health as a Deaf counselor while also working at the Newspaper Agency Corporation at night.

W. David Mortensen, 1975

W. David Mortensen was born in Provo, Utah, on June 3, 1931. He was the fifth of Neve Mortensen's and Louie Elizabeth Allred's five children. He is commonly called "Dave" (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

In the fall of 1935, Dave and his family came down with scarlet fever, except for his older sister, brother, and father, who were away on business. Louie Mortensen locked herself and her children in their respective bedrooms. Scarlet fever was a contagious disease common among children at the time. Dave did not recover well. Complications developed with swelling behind his ear where the mastoid bones were, and he had surgery to remove the bones. He recovered well, but the following fall, he became ill again, and the doctors informed the mother that if her son survived the night, it would be a miracle, not medical prowess. He had surgery again for sinus thrombosis, a severe complication. No hospital was nearby, so they took him to the Clark Clinic in Provo. The only hospital was in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite the lack of medical resources, the family's determination to save Dave's life was unwavering. Dave's transport to the Salt Lake City hospital was too dangerous (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

To help pay for his surgery, Dave's mother cleaned the Clark Clinic. The entire family relied on prayers to spare Dave's life, as there were no 'miracle drugs' available. For quite some time, his mother and Dave's 'Aunt' Alta spent every hour cleaning out his throat, removing phlegm or mucus. Eventually, the doctors declared Dave on the mend, answering prayers. His mother didn't notice Dave's lack of response to calls until later in the spring of 1937. She suspected he was gradually losing his hearing, but that didn't stop him from becoming an expert lip reader. Despite his health challenges, Dave's resilience shone through. Because of his lip-reading abilities, the family would not have known he was losing hearing. He spoke very well until his mother called him, and he did not turn around (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Neve Mortensen (Father), Kent, Don and W. David Mortensen, age 6

Dave spoke well and didn't notice the difference because he understood his family quite well through lip reading. He didn't think he was any different from his family. His brother and sister must demonstrate his hearing loss, so one stood behind him while the other asked what he was saying. That's when he realized he was deaf from scarlet fever and mastoid infection. This realization had a profound impact on Dave, altering his perception of himself and his place in the world (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Peggy McEntee, a Deseret News reporter who spoke with Dave, shared that he attended Joaquin Elementary School in his early years. From his perspective, his involvement with the school was 'normal,' to say the least. He got along well with his classmates because he could read lips and speak fluently. His teacher used to tell him to draw pictures while the rest of the class listened to music. Dave believed he was the only deaf person on the planet. He didn't realize he was deaf until he was eight. He did exceptionally well in public school but frequently felt lost in class, unable to follow the teacher or participate in the same programs as hearing children (Deseret News, July 26, 1986). This highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the experiences of Deaf individuals and the importance of creating inclusive environments for all.

W. David Mortensen's last year at Joaquin Elementary School. He was 10 years old at the time

It was a significant turning point in Dave's life when he transitioned to the Utah School for the Deaf at the age of 11 in the autumn of 1938. For the first time, he learned sign language and met Deaf teachers who became his role models. When he first arrived at the Utah School for the Deaf, he went through an 'identity crisis' (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). According to the reporter, Dave had no idea there were other Deaf people like him (Deseret News, July 26, 1986). With time, he discovered who he was as a Deaf person and developed a talent as an advocate for the Utah Deaf community. Since then, he has been heavily involved in the Utah Deaf community (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Dave quickly rose to the top of his class at the Utah School for the Deaf (Peggy EcEntee, Deseret News, July 26, 1986). The school initially placed him in the fifth-year class, which is equivalent to third grade. A month later, they moved him to the fifth grade alongside students his age. His academic excellence was evident as he excelled in his studies. He became an avid reader after starting kindergarten at a public school. Dave loved books and would take them home from the library to read. He had a habit of forgetting to return books to the library (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

W. David Mortensen sitting in front of the Main Building of the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah

Dave's experiences have had a profound impact on his life. He became a member of the Park Literary Society and the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association while attending the Utah School for the Deaf. After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1949, he majored in journalism at Brigham Young University. He was also employed by the BYU Press at the time. However, after two years, Dave dropped out of BYU. The reason was not academic, but personal. He felt a deep loneliness in Provo, Utah, and yearned to interact with other Deaf people. He had many hearing friends, but they didn't motivate him (personal communication, April 17, 2009, Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen).

The Park Literary Society of the Utah School for the Deaf (L-R). Secretary Peter Green, Vice-President Jerry Westberg, and President W. David Mortensen

Written by W. David Mortensen. the 1949 Utahan

Dave recalled an incident with a mini-tractor at the Utah School for the Deaf. He was eager to drive the mini tractor, so he went to the shed where it was stored and drove it around. When he came to a steep incline, he used the wrong gear, and the mini-tractor went over the pitch, throwing him off. He was left swollen and bruised. Dr. Boyd Nelson, the school superintendent, wrote Dave's father a letter threatening to expel his son. During this difficult time, Dave's father took the note to a judge. The judge then wrote to Dr. Boyd Nelson, telling him that he couldn't do that because the school was responsible for Dave and had failed to fulfill that responsibility. The support from his father and the judge reassured Dave. He was about 15 or 16 years old (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

W. David Mortensen @ FamilySearch.org

Dave's unique style of socializing is another memory from the summer of 1947. Faced with a lack of Deaf peers in Provo, he turned to embroidery as a means of connection. His dedication to this craft led him to create a beautiful piece of embroidery, which he entered at the Utah State Fair and won first place. This piece, now framed in an antique frame, is a testament to the role embroidery played in Dave's social life, and it now hangs on his Deaf daughter Kristi's living room wall near the front door (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

W. David Mortensen, 1949 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

Dave's move to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952, was a turning point in his life. He was welcomed by the city's large Deaf community and found a job at an engraving company, where he worked until 1954. That year, he found his greatest joy when he married Shanna Christiansen, a 1954 Utah School for the Deaf graduate, on June 15 in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following their marriage, he continued his professional journey by taking a job on the night shift at the Newspaper Agency Corporation, publisher of the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News newspapers (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Shanna Christiansen & W. David Mortensen, June 15, 1954

Dave and Shanna had five children between 1956 and 1966: Kevin David, Kristi Lee, Karin Jane, Kent Ross, and Kory Neve. Karin died in 1989 from an epileptic seizure. Their daughter, Kristi, was deaf, just like her parents. Her deafness was unknown until Grandma Mortensen and Aunt Mary informed Dave and Shanna that there was some speculation that Kristi was losing her hearing. In June 1961, Dave and Shanna took her to the University of Utah for a hearing test with audiologist Jim Hilber, and it was determined she had some hearing loss but was not completely deaf. Dave sobbed upon learning of his daughter's hearing loss, not because she was deaf, but due to the poor education she would likely receive at the Utah School for the Deaf. The University of Utah tests were reported to the Utah School for the Deaf. Two months later, four Utah School for the Deaf representatives came to their home and told Dave and Shanna they should send her to the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah. The segregation of oral and sign language on campus led Dave to decline the offer. He kept her at home when she was four years old. This decision was not easy, as it meant they had to find alternative ways to educate Kristi. He enrolled her in the oral program at Riley School in Salt Lake City, Utah (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Ron Nelson & Kristi Mortensen

In 1970, Dave decided to further his education and enrolled at the University of Utah, majoring in sociology, with the help of his vocational rehabilitation-paid interpreter, Beth Ann Campbell. His family and community rallied around him, providing the support he needed to continue his studies while working the night shift at the Newspaper Agency Corporation. In 1974, Valley Mental Health offered him a job as a counselor, and he worked during the day while attending university. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a Certificate in Social Work in 1976. Despite the challenges, Dave became the first Deaf person in Utah to receive accreditation as a social worker (UAD Bulletin, July 1976). He was also the first Deaf person to graduate from the University of Utah with a master's degree in social work (Green, Fox 13, March 29, 2014).

Dave returned to the University of Utah in 1980 to pursue his Master's degree in social work. He worked as a counselor for the Utah Deaf community at Valley Mental Health during the day and night shifts at NAC. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1982 and became a licensed clinical social worker (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

W. David Mortensen in his classic car, 1950s

At the same time, Dave found time to be involved with the Utah Association for the Deaf. Despite his hectic schedule, Dave managed to volunteer as a room father once or twice a week in Kristi's classroom—a self-contained classroom for the deaf at Riley Elementary in South Salt Lake, then at Lafayette Elementary in Salt Lake City downtown, and finally at Dilworth Elementary School east of Sugarhouse. His role as a room father not only ensured Kristi's proper education but also served as a model for other Deaf students. His dedication and influence extended beyond his daughter, inspiring other Deaf students who were not as fortunate as Kristi. He also took Kristi aside on Saturday mornings after family chores to teach her different subjects so she stayed caught up when she started junior high and high school. During the summer, he would take her to his classes at the University of Utah as part of his teaching curriculum (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Dave served the Utah Association for the Deaf in various capacities since 1967, notably as president and editor (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5). He began his involvement as editor of the UAD Bulletin, where he served for several years, using his skills to ensure the Utah Deaf community was well-informed and connected. Later, he took on the role of editor of the Utah TTY Directory, a position that allowed him to further his impact on the community by providing a vital resource for Deaf individuals (UAD Bulletin, August 1995; Kinney, UAD Bulletin, March 2002).

The UAD Bulletin, December 1969

Dave's journey was not without its challenges. He was elected UAD president at the 1971 convention and spearheaded advocacy for Deaf children's appropriate education. He actively participated in political affairs, opposing the implementation of a dual-track education system that separates oral and total communication tracks. He also fought for Murray School District to pay for interpreters for Kristi while she was in junior high and high school. His Deaf daughter inspired him to advocate for Deaf children's right to equal access to education as hearing students (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). Dave Mortensen was a fearless, ambitious, and persistent leader (Dr. Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, July 8, 2011). He is best known as a political activist. Dave stated, "I firmly believe that an education taught in the proper mode will enable many to achieve a good education and much success in life's consequences" (UAD Bulletin, November 1999, p. 5).

His positive role model inspired Kristi to become a Deaf education advocate. As a result, Kristi's advocacy work was a resounding success, earning her an 'Honorable Mention' from the Governor's Commission for Women and Families on May 2, 2002, for her educational service and accomplishments. The ceremony was held in the State Capitol's Gold Room, a testament to the impact of her work and a source of inspiration for the Utah Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, June 2002, p. 1).

W. David Mortensen, 1980. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

While Dave and Shanna greatly valued Kristi's education, they also included their other four children in their family adventures. The parents took them on annual trips to Columbus, Ohio, Boston, Massachusetts, and San Francisco, California, to visit Dave's siblings. These trips were not just about visiting new places but also about creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. The Mortensen family discovered many intriguing places on these road trips, and these shared experiences remain cherished memories for all (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Dave had long been involved in the Utah Association for the Deaf. He served as president of the Utah Association for the Deaf for twenty-two years, from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. He is the association's longest-serving president, and no one has beaten him. Overseeing several programs, Dave witnessed the organization evolve from a simple to a more complex structure. As a result, during his presidency, the Utah Association for the Deaf transitioned from a small, home-run organization to a well-functioning business office (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

In 1971, W. David Mortensen discussing TTYs with Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson. Lucy Greenwood is the interpreter

Throughout his tenure as president, Dave's unwavering commitment to the Utah Association for the Deaf was evident. He was a Deaf political leader known for his determination and perseverance, and he famously organized rallies to advocate for legislative change. He also tirelessly lobbied his district's senators and representatives for the Utah Deaf community's accessibility needs, even when most legislators were not as proactive. His persistence, boldness, and eagerness to advocate for the Utah Deaf community set a remarkable example for others to follow. Dave's political connections were instrumental in getting legislators to listen and understand the local community's accessibility needs (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

His lobbying efforts had a profound impact, leading to the establishment of a deaf center, the first of which was the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5). This was a significant milestone for the Utah Deaf community, providing a dedicated space for their needs.

His proactive approach was instrumental in establishing the TTY Program for the Utah Deaf community in 1975 through a federal government grant (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

Dave worked hard with the state legislature in 1986 to pass a law requiring two Deaf people to serve on the USDB Institutional Council, later renamed the Advisory Council (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

Dave also worked hard behind the scenes to gather members of the Utah Deaf community to lobby on Capitol Hill for a relay service for Utah. Legislation resulting from his efforts established the Utah Relay Service for the Deaf in 1988 (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

In 1994, Dave demonstrated his persistence by returning to the state legislature to lobby for the certification of sign language interpreters, the recognition of American Sign Language as a foreign language, and the establishment of the Interpreter Training Program at Salt Lake Community College (UAD Bulletin, November 1999). His efforts led to the establishment of the Utah Interpreter Program, several interpreting businesses, and an increased awareness of the need for interpreters in medical settings.

Dave was a member of the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities and the Utah State Committee on Consumer Services (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

W. David Mortensen with a large mailbox TTY machine UAD Bulletin, June 1972

Over the years, Dave served as a rally leader in the following settings:

In 1970, the Utah State Board of Education decided to make Total Communication the primary focus of the deaf's education.
In 1977, the University of Utah added Total Communication pedagogy to the Teacher Preparation Program.
In 1982, the Utah Capitol passed a law establishing the Utah Interpreter Service under state funding following the United Way's discontinuation of funding support.
The Utah Capitol passed Senate Bill 101 to set up a Utah Relay Service in 1987.
In 1994, the Utah Capitol passed a law establishing the Interpreting Training Program at Salt Lake Community College for prospective interpreters.
In 1994, the Utah Capitol enacted a law that recognized American Sign Language as a foreign language and required schools, colleges, and universities to accept American Sign Language for credit toward language requirements.

Dave also dedicated years to advocating for the following actions by the Utah Legislature:

Obtain funding for the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
In 1987, a Utah Relay Service for the Deaf was established by charging a telephone service fee.

Signing to permit purchase of TTYs for free distribution in 1988. Governor Norman Bangeter sitting. L-R: Lee Shepherd, Kristi Mortensen, Shanna Mortensen, Donna Lee Westberg, Tim Funk (assisted Dave Mortensen on the Hill), Ben Edwards, Mr. Edwards, Roy Cochran, Senator Darrel Renstrom, D-Ogden (He helped passed the SB 101 bill), Dave Mortensen, Art Valdez

Dave's journey to secure funding for the Deaf community initiatives was not without its challenges. He approached the United Way in 1978 and successfully obtained funding to launch the first Interpreter Service for the Deaf. The Utah Association for the Deaf was the first to manage Utah's Relay Service. After a few years, the Utah Association for the Deaf continued to run the program until Dave, in 1987, took his determination to the Legislature and proposed Senate Bill 101 to establish a permanent interpreting service to assist the Utah Relay Service. His unwavering commitment and hard work at the Utah capitol led to the implementation of phone surcharges to fund a relay service and TTY distribution program in Utah (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, March 2002).

The idea of recognizing outstanding Deaf individuals in each state was born at the 1978 National Association of the Deaf conference. Dave proposed establishing the Golden Hand Award in Utah, a significant step in acknowledging the contributions of the Deaf community. In 1979, he was the first recipient of the Golden Hand Award from the Utah Association of the Deaf. What was initially meant to be a paper certificate, Dave felt a plaque would be a more fitting tribute and a plaque has been awarded every time since, symbolizing the importance of recognizing the achievements of the Utah Deaf community (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

When the National Association of the Deaf asked each state to have a Miss Deaf (State) contestant attend the National Association of the Deaf's centennial year anniversary in 1980 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dave, as UAD president, implemented the Miss Deaf Utah Pageant in 1979. This pageant was a platform to celebrate the beauty, talent, and intelligence of Deaf women, and it provided an opportunity for them to represent Utah at a national level (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

W. David Mortensen thanks Utah Governor Norman Bangerter for signing the bills advancing deaf causes in 1991

Dave served on the following committees:

Public Service Commission on the distribution of TTYs
Committee on Interpreting
Utah Relay Committee, as Chairman
Committee to encourage hospitals to have interpreters for Deaf patients
Committee to request lawyers to hire interpreters when with a deaf client
Utah Telecom Directory for several years as editor

Dave's steadfast support and advocacy for the Utah Deaf community did not go unnoticed. In 1995, the Utah Association for the Deaf acknowledged his service by presenting Shanna Christiansen Mortensen, his wife, with a Presidential Award. This award was a testament to her support and patience during Dave's twenty-two years of dedicated service to the Utah Association for the Deaf. A lifetime membership also recognized her commitment to Dave's leadership within the association (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).

Shanna Christiansen, 1954 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

Dave's efficient use of time is truly impressive. After thirty-one years of service, he retired early, at 58, as a "buyout" from the Newspaper Agency Corporation. He then worked at Valley Mental Health until 1996, when he retired at 65 after twenty-three years of service. In total, he worked for fifty-four years, with the two jobs overlapping. Dave also spent eight years at the University of Utah studying for his MSW (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, September 1996) and two years teaching American Sign Language classes at Salt Lake Community College (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). His role as President of the Utah Association for the Deaf for twenty-two years was another testament to his efficient time management. Dave always recognized the contributions of numerous board members throughout those years, a clear sign of his appreciation for teamwork (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, September 1996).

Dave was the recipient of the following honors:

1972: National Association of the Deaf Award for excellence in cultural achievement news publication
July 1973: Certification from Registry of Interpreting for the Deaf in reverse interpreting
August 1976: Certification from Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in reverse interpreting
1976-1979: Certification of Appreciation from Utah State Board of Education for service on the Utah State Advisory Committee
May 1977: Served as the delegate to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals in recognition of dedicated services
1979: Utah Association for the Deaf Golden Hand Award
June 1981: Meritorious Service Award in recognition of valuable service on the Board of UAD
June 1987: Certification of Appreciation in contribution unlimited time on SB 101
January 1990: Utah State Committee of Consumer Service for strong consumer advocacy
March 1990: Utah State Office of Rehabilitation – Coalition for People with Disabilities
1993: Guerts/Knowles Outstanding Volunteer Award: in recognition of exemplary service rendered to offenders at the Utah State Prison
January 1995: F.O.E. Aerie #76 Achievement Award for inspiration, strength, and determination to overcome any obstacles
July 1998: Award from the National Association of the Deaf Knights of the Flying Fingers
1999: Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Legacy Award for USDB Alumni Achievement
June 2003: Utah Educational Interpreter Award as a deaf community advocate in the field of educational interpreting

Dave received the Distinguished Service Award in September 2007 for his long-term service to the Utah Association for the Deaf, particularly his work with the Utah Legislature. When the majority of his district's senators and representatives were hesitant to lobby on matters critical to the Utah Deaf community, he actively sought their assistance. His efforts had a profound impact, persuading lawmakers to take notice and learn more about deaf issues in general, empowering the Utah Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, pp. 1 & 5).

W. David Mortensen receives the Distinguished Service Award in September 2007 for his long-term service to the Utah Association for the Deaf, particularly his work with the Utah Legislature. L-R: Robert G. Sanderson, Dave Mortensen, Miss Deaf America, Chelsea, and Utah Association for the Deaf president Rob Kerr

In the 1997 UAD Bulletin, a long-serving UAD president, Dave, answered, "What's ahead for the UAD to do?" His response, "There are and will be a continuous stream of various matters popping up, matters that might stop our onward movement to achieve more enhancement to our quality of life," highlights the crucial role of the UAD in improving our quality of life. Reflecting on my years as president, it seems only yesterday when my work started. I do believe that many achievements were accomplished during my tenure. This doesn't mean that it is the end of the road for me. No, the road we are traveling has no "Deaf End." He also stated:

"The UAD is a household word among the deaf and hard of hearing community. Why? Issues that improve and enhance the quality of our lives have been brought into reality. Many more issues will be worked on in the coming years. The deaf and hard of hearing have always had to work and fight for what they felt was rightfully part of their lives. I cannot keep thinking of how many things have been brought up, and goals have been set, and work is progressing. We don't always succeed the first time, but we don't give up, either. "Dave had spent a good part of his life leading the UAD. He was proud of whatever had been accomplished during this time because it benefited everyone, not just a single person. He said, "If I had my life to live again, would I go through it? You bet!" The statement was made by W. Dave Mortensen in the UAD Bulletin on July 3, 1997.

Shanna Christiansen and W. David Mortensen at "This is the Place" in Salt Lake City, Utah, 1954

Dave was a respected leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as the Sunday school president for thirteen years and later as a Sunday school and priesthood instructor at Salt Lake Valley Branch, later Ward, from 1971. He continued in these roles for twenty-three years until the Salt Lake Valley Ward split into the 1st and 2nd Wards in September 1998. Dave also served as executive secretary for the Salt Lake Valley 2nd Ward for the Deaf for three years, demonstrating his commitment to the Deaf Latter-day Saints community (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009).

Dave was appointed president emeritus by the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2013 and served until his death in 2018. He succeeded Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who passed away in February 2012 (Kinney & Kinner, UAD Bulletin, August 2013).

W. David Mortensen, 1980. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

HONORING W. DAVID MORTENSEN
WITH A LIFETIME ADVOCACY AWARD

As a Utah Deaf community historian, I proposed honoring W. David "Dave" Mortensen for his exemplary service at the Utah Association of the Deaf meeting in 2013. My proposal was approved. In collaboration with the UAD Honoring Event Committee, Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Utah Association of the Deaf, we, as a community, held a special ceremony on March 29, 2014, to unveil Dave's Lifetime Advocacy Award and portrait, along with a brief biography, to honor his more than forty years of advocacy contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Additionally, the event served brunch to over fifty people. Speakers at Dave's honoring ceremony included UAD president Philippe Montalette, DSDHH director Marilyn Call, retired USOR executive director Don Uchida, and Valerie G. Kinney, who discussed various aspects of Dave's life from childhood to the present (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, April 2014).

W. David Mortensen Mortensen cutting a ribbon

At Dave's honoring ceremony, the DSDHH director, Marilyn Call, praised "his tireless efforts over the years to fight for deaf rights in education, the workplace, interpreting, and medical fields." Dave was overwhelmed by the honor and stated, "His ultimate goal all along was to provide deaf people with equal access to everything hearing people had." His daughter, Kristi, noted, "He is a good reminder for us that when we see a barrier, we need to do something and speak up. We have all kinds of accessibility and technology today. Our lives are much better because of him" (Lee, KSL, March 29, 2014). The Sanderson Community Center museum area displays plaques, his portrait, and a brief biography for everyone to see and remember. Often hidden behind the scenes, his contributions were significant. Dave had advocated for civil and accessibility rights for the local Deaf community, leaving a valuable legacy for future generations. His work continues to shape our future, giving us hope and optimism for what is to come.

Although Dave passed away on January 20, 2018, in West Jordan, Utah, his legacy continues to inspire and guide the Utah Deaf community. Surrounded by those he loved and loved him in return, at the home of his daughter Kristi Lee Mortensen, Dave's memory lives on in the hearts of those he touched (Obituary for Warren David Mortensen).

W. David Mortensen standing in front of his two plaques

Shanna, Kristi, & David Mortensen

Marilyn T. Call & W. David Mortensen

Kristi and her dad, W. David Mortensen

Did You Know?

In the September 2003 UAD Bulletin, Ron Nelson, who is Kristi Mortensen's husband, mentioned that Boyd E. Nelson, the Superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, is his great-uncle (his father's uncle). Boyd Nelson only worked at USDB for a few years before moving to New Jersey to serve as the State Superintendent of Schools (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, September 2003).

Dr. Boyd E. Nelson, Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind

Note

Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 17, 2009.

Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

References

“Awards Presented at the Banquet.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 19.2 (July 1995): 3.

“Governor’s Commission Honors Deaf Woman.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 26.1 (June 2002): 1.

Green, Mark. Utah man honored for lifetime of work with people who are deaf. Fox13. (March 29, 2014).http://fox13now.com/2014/03/29/utah-man-honored-for-lifetime-of-work-with-people-who-are-deaf/

“Highlights of UAD Board Meeting.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.6 (November 1999): 5.

Kinney, Valerie. “Utah Deaf Trivia.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 25.10 (March 2002): 3.

Kinney, Valerie and Kinner, Jodi. “W. David Mortensen Becomes President Emeritus.” UAD Bulletin, vol, 37 - 03 (August 2013): 1.

Kinney, Valerie. Dave Mortensen Horning Unveiling. UAD Bulletin, vol. 37-11. (April 2014): 1.

Lee, Jason. “Utah man honored for being decades-long 'voice' of state's deaf community.” (March 29, 2014). http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=29264903#6A8qmCTxLrrA4jrp.99

McEntee, Marni. “Social Work has an insider’s view of the problems growing up deaf.” Deseret News, June 26, 1986.

Mortensen, Dave. “UAD President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 20.4  (September 1996): 4.

Mortensen, Dave. “The Grand Banquet.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 21.1 (July 1997): 3.

Mortensen, Kristi. “The Grand Banquet.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 21.1 (July 1996): 3.

Nelson, Ron.  “President’s Message.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 2.

Obituary for Warren David Mortensen.

“Prestigious Awards Given During UAD Conference.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.5 (October 2007): 1 & 5.

“W. David Mortensen.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 11, No. 2 (July 1976): 2.

John "Jack" F. White, Athletic Leader

John "Jack" F. White, a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1932, was an athlete who played football, basketball, and basement for the school. His forty-year involvement in Utah sports as a player, coach, manager, and athletic director for the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf (UCAD) teams left a lasting impact. He held practically all of the UCAD's offices and was a loyal supporter of the club and community. His five-time delegate role at national tournaments for the American Athletic Association of the Deaf, as well as his commitment to the sporting climate and sportsmanship, have left an indelible mark on many people's lives. Jack's achievements are something we can all be proud of and celebrate.

John F. White, 1932 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

Dan V. Mathis, a Deaf grandson of John F. White,
edited a biography of his grandfather.

In 2005, Gary L. Leavitt, a Deaf student at the
University of Utah, wrote a paper for his history class titled
"The Silent Sportsmanship: John "Jack" F. White."

John F. White was known to the Utah Deaf community as "Jack." He was born to Fredrick John Scranton White from England and Ruth Glass from Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 19, 1910. During Jack's delivery, the doctor allegedly failed to properly grasp his head, causing a severe strain on the ear's nerves, which led to his subsequent deafness. His parents tried to find medical assistance to restore his hearing but to no avail. There was no "treatment" to make it happen. Jack remained deaf all his life, creating a unique legacy enriched with challenges, opportunities, and fulfillment.

John F. White smiling at his mother, Ruth Glass White, in front of the Main Building of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1918 @ FamilySearch.org

Jack's life changed significantly when he switched from using non-standardized "home signs" to formal sign language. This transition happened when he started attending the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, at the age of seven in 1917. He lived at the school during the week and went home only on some weekends and holidays. He quickly learned sign language from his teachers and peers at the school.

During his time at the Utah School for the Deaf, Jack's interest in and love for sports grew, thanks to his future brother-in-law, Charles Fowkes, who was Vida's brother. When Jack was just a teenager, Charles, despite being much older, challenged him to participate in the school's sports activities, or else throw him into the swimming pool. As a result, Jack became an avid sports enthusiast with exceptional athletic ability and knowledge of the games. He joined the basketball, baseball, and football teams at the Utah School for the Deaf. His dedication and hard work made him a star player in all three sports, earning recognition and respect from his peers and teachers.

John F. White, Captain of the Utah School for the Deaf basketball team, 1926 @ FamilySearch.org

In 1930, Wayne E. Stewart, the then-student captain of the basketball team, penned a report about the team's success. Despite their record standing at 4-13, they had given their all. Wayne, who contributed 12 points during the season but only played six games, demonstrated remarkable perseverance and dedication.

The following year, Jack became the captain of both the basketball and football teams. He took on the responsibility of writing the reports for the basketball team the following season. His team, which had the most successful season until that point with nineteen victories and six losses, was a testament to their unity and strength. The Ogden school's team was a cohesive unit, and Jack contributed 145 points in those twenty-four games.
If Jack had been "mainstreamed," a term used to describe the process of integrating Deaf students into regular schools and activities, chances are he would not have gotten to play the sports he loved so much. At that time, most coaches would not have given a Deaf student fresh off the street a chance to play for the team due to the negative perception of deafness and communication barriers. Additionally, most hearing sports enthusiasts considered the communication system necessary to include a Deaf student as overwhelming and a waste of time, or so it seemed.

John F. White, Captain of the Utah School for the Deaf basketball team, 1929

Jack, the quarterback for the football team at Utah School for the Deaf, was a symbol of unity and leadership. He often passed the football field at Ogden High School, where the school's football team would practice and hold their games. He knew his team needed a good challenge, so he approached the coach of the Ogden High School team to discuss a possible scrimmage between the hearing and deaf teams. Back then, the Utah School for the Deaf's football team did not have regular uniforms or protective gear like Ogden High School's team had. Instead, they wore thick, long-sleeve shirts, jeans, homemade cleats, and deep pegs for the game. Despite their smaller size, the Deaf team remained united in their goal and gained physical strength from the Utah School for the Deaf's physical education programs. The Ogden High School team seemed to have a greater advantage, but the deaf team's unity and resilience proved to be stronger, more cohesive, and a worthy opponent of their hearing counterparts, winning the scrimmage game 20-16. With all the practice and rivalry between the two teams, Ogden High School parlayed the drills into their victory: they won the state championship in 1932.

John F. White, second from right) as Caption of the basketball team for the Utah School for the Deaf, 1929. Photo courtesy of the Richard Thomsen’s Family History

At the Utah School for the Deaf, Jack learned to become a printer and a linotype operator. He graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1932. One of his earliest jobs was working for the University of Utah Printing Press. Before landing the job there, he approached the press boss about working in the press. He offered two weeks of work without pay to prove he had all the skills and was a hard worker. The boss agreed, and two weeks passed. He was impressed with Jack's work. He decided to hire him. He offered Jack a job in Salt Lake City with the Newspaper Agency Corporation, leveraging his training and experience from school and the workplace. He was not alone in those years when he worked with the NAC. At the agency, he worked with a total of twelve Deaf people. By the time 1987 rolled around with the advancement of technology in the freight train, the NAC had seen many changes. Linotypes had become obsolete, replaced by the ubiquitous computer. Computer literacy became a modern and required skill that many Deaf printers didn't have, and the workforce was eventually reduced from twelve to three of those long-time workers. Jack retired in 1987 at the age of 77, after a career spanning fifty-five years in the printing industry and forty-two years in the NAC, to be specific.

John F. White pastes on forms, which will be photographed, stereotyped and put on high-speed rotary presses, 1968. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf and moving to the Salt Lake area, Jack had a lot of free time. The school year was over, and marriage was not a pressing issue for him. His work occupied merely eight hours a day. He needed to do something at home, under the watchful eyes of his parents. His attention and focus turned to sports, the 'other love of his life.' His initial interest in sports remained strong. Jack set out to rectify the lack of organized sports activities for the deaf in 1932. He founded the Salt Lake Silent Club through his ingenuity and persistence, but his role didn't end there. He became its player, coach, and manager, a testament to his dedication and love for sports and the Utah Deaf community.

Soon after Jack's graduation, he had a slew of girlfriends, but one particular lady caught his eye from the Utah School for the Deaf: Vida Fowkes, whom he married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on October 31, 1938. Their marriage lasted sixty-seven years until Jack died in 2005. They had three children: two daughters and one son. While raising their family, the entire household communicated in sign language, and all three children signed before they spoke. The eldest child, Carol, has a son named Dan V. Mathis, who is also deaf like his grandparents. Jack and Vida's entire family, including their youngest great-grandchild, has used or learned to use sign language. Another interesting family note: Vida Fowkes and Kenneth C. Burdett, who was a longtime teacher and administrator at the Utah School for the Deaf, were first cousins.

John F. White & Vida Fowkes' Engagement, 1938. Photo courtesy of the Richard Thomsen’s Family History

John F. White & Vida Fowkes walking in the field by the canal at the ranch in Almy, Wyoming, when he proposed, August 1938. Photo courtesy of the Richard Thomsen’s Family History

Getting friends to play competitive games was a real challenge at first. Jack would go ahead and apply for his team's league membership. Many hearing people who heard this thought it was a joke! Deaf people in sports? Sure, they could play other deaf teams, but why do the deaf play the hearing? Not all hearing people were ready for that one. However, with the unity and resilience of the Silent Club, and the help of wise and understanding individuals, the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Division accepted them into their league. Jack personally counseled and coached the referees on how the deaf would be watching him for signals throughout the game and what signs meant. Since most of the referees had some ability to signal with game-related signs, the transition appeared to be a smooth one. Jack would go on to arrange basketball games between the Silent Club and other hearing teams in the area. The Silent Club continued its illustrious career until the summer of 1945.

The Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf, a sports federation operating out of Los Angeles, came to light in 1945. At the same time, the American Athletic Association of the Deaf was founded in Washington, D.C. Jack informed his group of an upcoming tourney in Los Angeles, California, and the fees required to play in that invitational.

Not everything went as smoothly as one might hope. Jack informed four of his team's best players about the tournament, only to later discover that the L.A. Deaf Club team had convinced all four to move to Los Angeles, find better jobs than they had in Utah, and become part of their team! Jack was furious at this theft (or 'betrayal'). However, he refused to let this setback defeat him. Instead, he rallied around eight other people at the club, whose basketball skills were not as exceptional as the four members who had defected, and raised a team for the tournament in a relatively short time.

Dan V. Mathis & Stephanie Lowder, 2011

When it came time to go to the tournament, more problems arose. Many of the eight needed help to afford transportation, housing, and food for such a trip from Salt Lake City and back. Because he trusted the team and loved the sport and competition, Jack took $200.00 from his savings to pay for the trip. The team, despite the challenges, did their best and their efforts were rewarded with the consolation trophy for their 2-1 record. This was an inspiring and impressive performance for a team that had just been formed!

After the tournament in 1945, Jack faced a new challenge. He returned home to organize the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, a task that was not without its difficulties. It signaled the demise of the Silent Club, a significant change in the community. In 1947, the Utah team, which Jack still coached, drove to Oakland's second FAAD tournament. The FAAD officers asked him to organize the 1948 FAAD tournament in Salt Lake City as president of UACD. He organized new committees to arrange parties, dinners, and raffles to help build up their UACD fund for the tournament. He rented the old Deseret gym for $200 for two nights. Finally, they had enough money to pay for transportation for other teams. The tournament was a big success.

The 1947 Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf Tournament in Oakland, California. Front Row: Coach (Joseph Burdett?), #7 Earl Smith (His son, Evern Smith was a hearing interpreter), #5 Paul Wood, (hidden number) player?, # 1 player ?, ,(hidden number) player ?, # 9 John F. White. Back Row: Coach (Joseh Burnett), #4 player? , # 2 player?, # 9 Bruce Eyre, # 2 Eugene Plumby, #7 player ?, # 8 Shirley Barney (person with mustache), Ross Thurston (what is his #)?

John F. White’s Utah Deaf Sports Records

The 1948 Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf. Front Row: #9 Dicky Bess, #2 player, #5 player, #6 player #4 Kenneth Caraveau, Back Row: Coach? Paul Wood (#?), Kirk Allred (#?), Bruce Eyre (#?), #3 player, #7 player, #8 player, #10 Lloyd Perkins,?, ?, Phil Thorston, Don Jacob Shirley standing, Eugene Barney, John F. White, Plumby

Until around 1956, the group had been competing with mainly hearing teams. However, a new organization emerged: the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf. This was a unifying force, bringing together Deaf teams from Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. No longer were the Deaf teams forced to play their hearing counterparts. Instead, they could now compete against each other, fostering a sense of community and solidarity and becoming a force unto themselves in the athletic world.

UACD & NWAAD Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, 1962. John F. White on the right back row

Despite the challenges, the UACD continued to compete with hearing teams through the Monday Night Sports Program with the Salt Lake County Recreation Department. The Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf, the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf, and the American Athletic Association of the Deaf exclusively included deaf teams in their circuit. Individual teams could compete against whomever they wished, showcasing the UACD's resilience and determination.

The UACD demonstrated its strength by winning the 11th annual NWAAD games championship in San Francisco, California. Jack ensured that this team adhered to all of the NWAAD's rules, which worked in their favor. The UACD played very well against the Oakland team but later forfeited the game in favor of the Utah team, showcasing their commitment to fair play. Oakland violated NWAAD regulations by having too many team members on the floor at one time.

At the time, Jack was the UACD's manager, chief fundraiser, and enthusiastic promoter for the club. Using his natural link to his work at the newspaper and the publicity the club could afford, Jack began putting out visual all-point bulletins to raise funds to send the deaf champions to the AAAD national tourney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This would be the first trip for a Utah team to that national meet. The team's exceptional sportsmanship, demonstrated by their bravery and fair play, was recognized with the 1964 'Sportsmanship Trophy,' a prestigious award in the sports community.

Members of the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, district champs of Northern Athletic Association, pose with trophies: front from left, Roy Cochran, Roy Milborn, Carl Obson, middle: Bruce Harvey, Ronald Perkins, Leon Curtis, coach: Ed Bell, John F. White, manager: back, Norman Williams, Robert Bonnell, Jay Christensen, Eric Przybyla, and John Murray. UAD Bulletin, February 1964

Jack's dedication to the AAAD games was unwavering. Jack demonstrated his commitment to the AAAD games by winning five delegate elections nationwide. He enthusiastically accepted his bid to host the 1977 AAAD games in Salt Lake City during his fifth term.

The 1977 AAAD games were a significant milestone, marking the 33rd annual American Association of the Deaf national basketball tournament and the first ever held in Utah. Salt Lake City hosted the event, honoring John F. White and Rodney W. Walker for their years of service to the national promotion of sports among the Deaf.

Jack wore three hats during the 1977 tournament. Not only did he serve as regional president, but he was also the coach for the UACD and secretary to the administrative committee. With all the work involved and not many people volunteering to shoulder the massive workload, Jack vowed, "Never again!" The out-of-pocket funds alone stretched the Salt Lake City team and its supporters to the maximum. However, with Jack's competent leadership and management skills, the tournament was a definite coup for the UACD, showcasing his ability to overcome challenges and achieve success.

John F. White (far right) with members of the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, 1964

The competition between the Deaf teams and other teams continued. Then, in 1982, a pivotal moment arrived for Jack. Jack received his first competitive opportunity, paving the way for numerous future awards. The January 25, 1982, edition of the Salt Lake Tribune featured an interview by John Mooney, who had the honor of speaking with the Deaf inductee to the prestigious NWAAD Hall of Fame for his byline, Sports Mirror.

Jack's recognition and membership in the prestigious group of Deaf athletes was not just an accolade but a testament to his many years of dedication and leadership.

In 1991, the Utah Association for the Deaf acknowledged Jack's profound impact on the community. His lifetime of work and unwavering support had left an indelible mark. The plaque bearing his award reads, "Utah Association for the Deaf, President's Award, given to John F. White for his many years of service to the Utah Deaf Community."

Despite retiring from sports in 1992 due to advancing age and health concerns, Jack's interest in sports remained undiminished. This was evident when, in 1994, the AAAD Golden Anniversary National Basketball Tournament in Akron, Ohio, inducted Jack into the National Hall of Fame, making him one of the six inductees.

On September 27, 1997, during the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf 50th Anniversary Celebration, Jack received a UACD Sportsmanship Award for his lifetime contribution to sports activities for the Deaf.

John F. White (far left standing) with members of the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, 1960s

Jack's unwavering dedication to Utah sports spans over forty years. His roles as a player, coach, manager, and athletic director for the UACD teams have left an enduring legacy. His commitment to the Deaf community is evident in his numerous leadership roles within the UACD and his frequent representation as an AAAD delegate at national tournaments.

Jack's influence on the sports landscape and his promotion of sportsmanship have left an indelible mark. His influence extends beyond the Deaf community in Utah, resonating across the nation. His story is one of transformation, not just for the Deaf but for all sports enthusiasts, including many hearing individuals whose lives he has significantly impacted.

John F. White in his suit with members of the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, 1960s

Jack's life was a testament to his love for family and sports. He was a devoted husband to Vida and a caring father to Carol, Jack, and Sherri. His greatest joy was seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren thrive in their academic and athletic pursuits. Jack's love for sports extended to his hobbies, which included reading sports news, attending Utah Jazz and University of Utah games, and playing basketball. He also had a passion for pets, gardening, and travel. Jack was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in various roles within the Deaf congregation.

Jack passed away on December 23, 2005, at the age of 95, in his hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah.

John F. White, 2000. Photo courtesy of the Richard Thomsen’s Family History

Note

Dan V. Mathis, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 1, 2009.

Reference

Leavitt, Gary L. "The Silent Sportsmanship: John "Jack" F. White" for the history course at the University of Utah, 2005.

Rodney W. Walker, Spiritual Leader

Rodney W. Walker's historical significance in the Utah Deaf community is a source of pride and respect. He graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933 and Gallaudet College in 1939. He was a member of the Kappa Gamma Fraternity. While living in Utah after graduating from Gallaudet College, Rodney was the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, a delegate to the National Association of the Deaf, president of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf, president of the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf, and national chairman of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf basketball tournament in Salt Lake City. His membership in the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Salt Lake City Division No. 56, United Utah Organizations of the Deaf, and Gallaudet University Alumni Association's Beehive Chapter further underscores his importance. Rodney's role as the first Deaf temple sealer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a significant milestone in the history of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community.

Rodney W. Walker. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

Rodney W. Walker was born deaf at home in Driggs, Idaho, on February 23, 1914, to parents Chester Bryon Walker and Ada Sheets Wilson. His older brother, Emerson, was also deaf, but tragically passed away at the age of five in 1917, leaving Rodney as the sole Deaf member of the family. The family, including Rodney, used home signs to communicate, but Rodney often felt a lack of full communication. This early experience of isolation would shape his future (Walker, 2006). In an interview with LDS Church News, Rodney reflected, "My family used some minimal home signs, but I often felt a lack of full communication" (First Sealer Serving in Salt Lake Temple, LDS Church News, August 8, 1998).

Rodney W. Walker driving the 1916 Cadillac car, 1922 @ FamilySearch.org

Despite the challenges he faced in a public school near his home, where he couldn't understand his teacher or classmates, Rodney's family was determined to provide him with the best education. At the age of five, Rodney's parents and a friend embarked on a journey from Driggs, Idaho, to Ogden, Utah, in their family's 1916 Cadillac touring car. Their destination was the Utah School for the Deaf, where Rodney would enroll. At the school, Rodney quickly picked up the manual alphabet and signs from his classmates, a testament to his determination and adaptability (Walker, 2006).

Rodney W. Walker (center), age 7 at the Utah School for the Deaf @ FamilySearch.org

Rodney's spiritual journey began at the age of 11, when he attended the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At that time, over ten students, Main Building residents, and church members attended the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Rodney, one of them, held various church positions, including deacon and priest. His active participation in the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association classes and activities further strengthened his bond with the church (Walker, 2006).

Ogden Branch for the Deaf Young Men, about 1928. L-R: Joseph Burnett, Alton Fisher, Jack White, Wesley Perry, Rodney W. Walker @ FamilySearch.org

Rodney's close friend, Joseph B. Burnett, who had just finished his first year at Gallaudet College, inspired him to attend there after he graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933. He applied for postgraduate work at the Utah School for the Deaf, where he would study the subjects needed for the Gallaudet College entrance exam. During the school year 1933-34, he worked as a boy supervisor while studying for the exam. Despite his concerns about his English challenges, Rodney made a courageous decision not to let this deter him from enrolling at Gallaudet College and went (Walker, 2006).

Utah School for the Deaf, about 1928. Rodney-front row-second from left @ FamilySearch.org

Utah School for the Deaf, about 1929. Rodney-front row-left @ FamilySearch.org

Rodney W. Walker, 1933 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

In the fall of 1936, he reunited with Utah School for the Deaf alums Ned Wheeler, John Glassett, Dolores Atkinson, Earl Jones, Earl Rogerson, Robert Sanderson, Robert Lewis, Verl Thorup, and Kyle Workman. In his 'My Life Story' book, he proudly stated, 'It was the highest number of Utahns who were at Gallaudet College, the number never surpassed since then.' This achievement at Gallaudet College is a testament to Rodney's success and determination (Walker, 2006).

Utahns at Gallaudet College, 1937. Front Row (L-R): Verl Thorup, Joseph Burnett, Dolores Atkinson, Rodney Walker and Earl Jones. Back Row (L-R): John Glassett, Ned Wheeler, Earl Rogerson, Bob Sanderson, Robert Lewis and Kyle Workman

During his five years at Gallaudet, Rodney was a member of the Kappa Gamma Fraternity, the football, basketball, and track teams, the Kappa Gamma Fraternity Dance, and the Football Homecoming Dance. His dedication to education was evident as he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in math and chemistry in 1939 (Walker, 2006). Despite the limited Deaf services, Rodney was unable to attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during his time at Gallaudet (First Sealer serving in Salt Lake Temple, LDS Church News, August 8, 1998).

Rodney W. Walker's Kappa Gamma Fraternity Certificate, 1934

Rodney returned to Utah after graduating from Gallaudet College and working as a data integrator for the American Smelting and Refining Company for 38 years. He retired in 1978 (Walker, 2006).

Rodney W. Walker as data integrator at the American Smelting and Refining Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, 1968. The UAD Bulletin Summer 1968

Rodney married Georgia Hendricks in the Salt Lake Temple on October 22, 1940. They had two sons, Rodney Dale and Richard Gary. Georgia passed away on July 2, 1988. Rodney married Joan Patricia (Pat) Seegmiller at the Jordan River Temple on September 16, 1989. Pat was well-connected to the Deaf community through her son, Nathan Van De Graaf, and her late Deaf father, Carlos Seegmiller (Walker, 2006).

Georgia Hendricks & Rodney W. Walker @ FamilySearch.org

During an interview with the LDS Church News in 1998, Rodney responded by explaining how he became involved in church capacities, as follows:

In the early 1940s, George Hill, general superintendent of the Sunday School, asked Rodney a profound question: "As a Deaf man, where do you go to church? How many deaf people, regardless of religion, live in Salt Lake City?" This question sparked Rodney's journey of service. He conducted an informal statistical survey of the Deaf population in Salt Lake City, as well as their status in the church. The survey's findings reached the church's general authorities. The Sunday School of the Deaf organized itself into the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf in 1948. This branch, initially considered a foreign language branch, was a significant step towards inclusivity. Rodney served as the Sunday School teacher for the branch. A few months later, the Salt Lake Park stake transferred the branch to their stake and organized a priesthood quorum. He served as a quorum instructor and counselor in the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. In 1971, the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf became the first deaf ward. Rodney's leadership was instrumental in this milestone. He later served as bishop of this ward and the Salt Lake Park Stake High Council for thirteen years, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership (LDS Church News).

Rodney's dedication to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended beyond his local community. He also served at the Jordan River and Salt Lake Temples. He credited his deep involvement in the church to his first wife, Georgia (Walker, 2006).

Rodney W. Walker's statistical survey of the Deaf in Salt Lake City, 1940

In addition to his church duties, Rodney succeeded E. Ross Thurston as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf at the 1948 convention. During his first year as president, he encountered numerous issues with Deaf peddlers selling "Manual Alphabet" cards, including a message with "pity" words on the back. The peddlers sold the cards by passing them to people and then returning to collect money. They would then vanish (Walker, 2006). According to President Walker, "activities of the sympathy peddlers" pose a "problem for the honest and respectful deaf people of Utah, and that the merchandise they offer is sold for more than it is worth" (Salt Lake Telegram, March 31, 1949).

Out-of-state Deaf peddlers and imposters were becoming more active in Utah towns, posing a problem for the honest and respectful Deaf people of Utah and the United States. President Walker states, 'Utah is becoming known among deaf peddlers as an easy place to make money, which goes against the pride of all honest, hard-working deaf people everywhere' (Deaf Peddlers and Imposters, 1949). Thus, on April 5, 1949, he issued a warning in the Salt Lake Telegram entitled 'Give Them a 49 Helping Hand, Not a Handout' against 'out-of-state' deaf peddlers and imposters' who had recently been active in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and other towns in Utah (Salt Lake Telegram, April 5, 1949). He strongly advocated for the allocation of tax dollars towards the upkeep of the Utah School for the Deaf and Gallaudet College, stressing the importance of educating and empowering Deaf individuals to become dignified citizens of Utah and the United States. Many Deaf people had met the public's expectations of becoming an asset, with good jobs, families, and homes (Bulletin, April 1, 1949; Deaf Peddlers and Imposters, 1949).

Rodney W. Walker (left), Salt Lake City, and John Glassett, (right), Murray, exchange congratulations after being elected officers of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Walker is reelected president and Glassett is elected vice president Publication Unknown

Peddlers would occasionally appear in Salt Lake City and other Utah towns. Some peddlers could hear and pretend to be deaf to gain sympathy and make quick money. Deaf Utah residents were dissatisfied with the situation. Finally, President Walker and the association agreed that the Deaf peddlers were physically capable of working and earning their own money without the aid of others (Walker, 2006).

In April 1949, President Walker launched a campaign against professional panhandlers. The Utah Association of the Deaf, in a united front with the Utah Division of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, issued a public education campaign to stop professional Deaf peddlers' activities. Rodney W. Walker, president of UAD, John Palmer, president of the NFSD's Salt Lake Division No. 56, and Robert Welsh, president of the NFSD's Ogden Division No. 127, wrote an article titled "Do Not Give Money to Deaf Peddlers and Imposters" (Rodney, Palmer, & Welsch, The Bulletin, April 15, 1949).

President Walker also wrote an article about Deaf peddlers and mailed a copy to each newspaper publisher in most of Utah's counties. Some newspapers responded to his request by printing the articles.

Despite the widespread publications, a few peddlers persisted in their activities, continuing to beg for money in the Salt Lake City area. They deliberately avoided contact with any Deaf people, fully aware that the Utah Association of the Deaf was against their practice of soliciting easy money, advocating instead for hard work to earn a living (Walker 2006).

Newspaper articles concerning the Deaf peddlers

In 1998, the LDS Church News announced a historic moment for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. Rodney, an 84-year-old descendant of Utah pioneers, had become the first Deaf temple sealer. The announcement of Rodney's designation as a Deaf Sealer at the Salt Lake Park Stake conference, which included the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf, was a moment of pride and admiration for all members (LDS Church News).

Rodney's impact on the Deaf Latter-day Saints and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was profound. He shared that in 1997, Salt Lake Temple President Carlos E. Asay envisioned a full deaf program at the temple, including a Deaf sealer. A patron can receive the full beauty of the temple ordinances using sign language (LDS Church News). Rodney served as a temple sealer until his death in 2007, earning the respect and appreciation of all who knew him.

During the LDS Church News interview, Rodney stated that his first interest in genealogy began when he returned from Gallaudet College in 1935. His uncle showed him his pedigree charts, dating back to the late 1200s, while he stayed at his house. After his appointment to the committee on September 14, 1947, Rodney gradually invested his energy in the John Walker Family Organization. Rodney was a significant contributor to the book "Ancestry and Descendants of John Walker," published by this organization in 1953. He eventually became the executive secretary and worked tirelessly for the organization, writing the newsletter, maintaining the current addresses of over 4,300 family members, and compiling five books of family history (LDS Church News). He was the only Deaf officer of the John Walker Family Organization, and he spoke at the 1981 World Conference on Records (UAD Bulletin, July 1981).

Rodney W. Walker working on the descendants of John Walker UAD Bulletin, June 1973

Rodney reported collecting over 16,000 names of his ancestors, and he was a distant cousin of Priscilla Steele Burdett's first husband, Earl Rogerson (Walker, 2006). Rodney's wife, Pat, mentioned in the LDS Church News that he typed the John Walker Family Organization letter, had it printed, folded, and stapled, and sorted the letters by ZIP code. His work was indeed "a labor of love" (LDS Church News). People showered him with gratitude for his tireless efforts at a family reunion. Pat stated, "This is his way of bonding with his family." "He does it on his own," she added. "If others try to help, they interrupt his smoothly oiled system" (LDS Church News).

Rodney W. Walker & Patricia Seegmiller's 1989 Wedding

Rodney was a dependable spiritual, social, and sports leader (Dr. Robert Sanderson & Valerie Kinney, personal communication, July 8, 2011). He had long been involved in the Utah Deaf community, leading by example and inspiring others. He was president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, a delegate to the National Association of the Deaf, the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, president of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf, president of the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf, and national chairman of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf basketball tournament in Salt Lake City. His leadership was also evident in his involvement with the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, the United Utah Organizations of the Deaf, and the Beehive Chapter of the Gallaudet University Alumni Association (Walker, 2006). Norma Matheson, wife of Utah Governor Scott Matheson, presented him with the Golden Key Award for his outstanding achievement on May 22, 1981. The Governor's Committee on Handicapped Employment presented the award (UAD Bulletin, July 1981).

Rodney W. Walker, Teacher of the Year--1995-at Salt Lake Community College @ FamilySearch.org

In 1990, Rodney began to teach American Sign Language at Salt Lake Community College. In 1992, he was honored with the college's Teaching Excellence Award. His exceptional achievement was recognized with an induction into the UAD Hall of Fame (UAD Bulletin, March 1993; Walker, 2006). Out of 500 adjunct instructors, Rodney was one of five chosen for this prestigious award (UAD Bulletin, July 1992). Furthermore, he was presented with the Golden Hand Award for his community service at the UAD conference in 1993 (UAD Bulletin, July 1993, p. 3).

Rodney passed away on August 2, 2007, leaving a void in the Utah Deaf community. He was a man to be admired and loved, having accomplished much. He never stopped working, giving, serving, and helping and never complained (Walker, 2006; Patricia Walker, personal communication, November 25, 2008).

Rodney W. Walker @ FamilySearch.org

Did You Know?

Joan Patricia Seegmiller's father, Carlos Watson Seegmiller, graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1920 and was the first Deaf graduate of Utah State University in 1925, where he earned a degree in structural engineering and architecture. He was a highway draftsman for the United States Bureau of Public Roads for thirty years and a cartographic and landscape draftsman for the Forest Services for seven years (UAD Bulletin, July 1992).

Carlos Watson Seegmiller. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962

Notes

Patricia Walker, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, November 25, 2008.

Robert Sanderson & Valerie Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

References

“Beggars: Group Launches Campaign Against Professional Panhandlers.” Deseret News, April 5, 1949.

“Beggar Warning Sounded in S.L.” Salt Lake Telegram, March 31, 1949.

“CONGRATULATIONS.” UAD Bulletin, v. 16, no. 2, (July 1992): 1.

“Deaf Peddlers and Imposters.” 1949.

“Do Not Give to Deaf Peddlers And Imposters.” The Bulletin, April 1, 1949.

“First Sealer Serving in Salt Lake Temple.” Deseret News, August 8, 1988. http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/31252/Deaf-sealer-serving-in-Salt-Lake-Temple.html

“Golden Hand Award.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 18, no. 2 (July 1993): 3.

“Golden Key Award Goes to Rodney Walker.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 2 (July 1981): 4.

“This Month’s Profile: Rodney Walker.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 17, no. 10 (March 1993): 8.

“To A Greater Glory.” UAD Bulletin, v. 16, no. 2 (July 1992): 5.

Walker, Rodney W., Palmer, John, & Welsh, Robert. “Do Not Give Money to Deaf Peddlers and imposters.” The Bulletin,April 15, 1949.

Walker, Rodney, W. My Life Story, 2006.

Ned C. Wheeler, Conservative Leader

Ned C. Wheeler, a man of many titles, was Ogden's city engineer and a busy man in Utah. He graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1934 and attended Gallaudet College for three years. He founded the Utah Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, overseeing the fund and awarding scholarships with the assistance of a governance board from 1975 until his passing in 1981. Shortly after his death, his enduring impact on the Utah Deaf community led to renaming the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf. Before retiring in 1980, Ned worked as a civil engineer for Ogden for 40 years. Ned was a member and chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind from 1968 until 1981, where his advocacy and leadership significantly improved the educational opportunities for the deaf. He also served on the National Association of the Deaf's Ways and Means Committee from 1966 to 1968, contributing to the organization's financial stability. He was the convention chairman for the 1968 National Association of the Deaf Conference in Las Vegas, where his organizational skills and dedication to the cause left a lasting impression. In addition, he served as the Grand Western Vice President for the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf and won an election to the Gallaudet College Board of Trustees in 1972.

Ned C. Wheeler

Ned C. Wheeler was born hearing in Ogden, Utah, on March 1, 1915. His parents were L. Claude Wheeler and Vera Royle (Standard-Examiner, December 11, 1981). When he was in seventh grade, he, age 13, lost his hearing due to spinal meningitis. After two years of trying to make it in public schools, he gave up and enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, in 1931, where he thrived socially and academically in sign language. He graduated in 1934. Ned explained in the interview that mainstreaming offers nothing to people who are deaf, even those with late adventitious deafness. It is not comparable to an excellent deaf program at our school (Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

Ned C. Wheeler, 1935 @ FamilySerach.org

Ned C. Wheeler @ FamilySearch.org

Ned attended Gallaudet College for three years (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1959). He went home in the spring of 1937 and married Edith Deininger of Wisconsin on November 23, 1937. They were parents of three children: two daughters and one son. It is believed that Ned did not return to Gallaudet College for his final year due to the financial constraints of the 1930s Great Depression, which forced him to seek employment to support his family (Edith Wheeler, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, March 9, 2009; Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

Edith Deininger & Ned C. Wheeler @ FamilySearch.org

While at Gallaudet College, Ned studied architecture. When he left college, there was no work in the architecture field. He eventually landed a drafting position with the Forest Service in the civil engineering field. Ned finally obtained a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah. After graduating, he worked as a draftsman in the City Engineering Department. He typically communicated orally at work. He also relied on the pad and pencil for all important communications. He taught some of his employees sign language. Ned noted that they go on to better jobs when they become proficient in sign language, demonstrating that those with strong learning skills can always improve themselves (Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

Ned C. Wheeler & Edith Deininger @ FamilySearch.org

From 1948 to 1967, Ned not only founded but also managed Engineering Consultant, Inc. His role extended beyond the city, as he oversaw the city's engineering office staff and ensured the successful execution of all engineering designs. This included the construction of sewers, water systems, distribution lines, roadway improvements, street surfacing, and park enhancements (Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

Ned's career path is a testament to his professional growth and adaptability. He began as a draftsman, then advanced to the role of design engineer in the engineering division. The promotion to office engineer in 1962 marked a significant milestone in his career. His experience spans various drafting and engineering roles for both the county and the city, starting in 1938 (R.W.T., The Utah Eagle, February 1972, p. 3).

Ned C. Wheeler, a Civil Engineer. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

Ned's illustrious career as a civil engineer for Ogden City spanned forty years, culminating in his retirement in 1980. His dedication to the field is evident in his long-standing membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers, which he joined in 1950. In 1974, the Ogden City Council recognized him as an exemplary public employee (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, December 11, 1981), a testament to his outstanding service.

Ned C. Wheeler (at right) employed as a civil engineer in 1955. The Utah Eagle, April 1955

Outside of work, Ned was also involved on a local and national level in the following positions:

Member of the Utah Association of the Deaf Board of Directors,
Member of the Ways and Means Committee of the National Association of the Deaf
Convention Chairman for the 1968 National Association of the Deaf Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada
Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Grand Western Vice President of the National Federal Society of the Deaf and
Member of the Gallaudet College Board of Directors (The Utah Eagle, February 1972; Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

Ned C. Wheeler on the front cover of The Deaf American magazine in September 1976

In a 1976 interview with Gene Peterson for The Deaf American magazine, Ned's significant role in the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf was highlighted. He played a key role in establishing the Ogden Frat Division, and his genuine belief in the necessity of this organization for the deaf was evident. Having attended his first convention in Chicago in 1951, he saw the potential for the Fraternal Society of the Deaf to promote the Deaf community, a vision he worked tirelessly to realize (Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

Edith, Ned's wife, was also a strong advocate in her own right. After raising their family, she worked for the Weber County Recorder's Office for twenty years, rising to a responsible supervisory position. She was always ready and willing to support Ned in his advocacy on behalf of the Deaf community, demonstrating the strength of their partnership and their shared commitment (Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976).

UAD Bulletin, 1961

Ned was a conservative leader (Dr. Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, personal interview, July 8, 2011). Ned was a notable leader from the 1940s until he died in 1981. Ned devoted much of his free time to various organizations, showcasing his unwavering commitment. Within the local community, he was president of the Utah Association of the Deaf for three years. He was chairman of the Board of Directors for fifteen years (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 9, 2009). Ned was a member and chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council to the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind from 1968 to 1981, according to "The Deaf Education History in Utah." While chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council in 1970, he was instrumental in replacing the "Y" System with the Two-Track Program, designed to give parents the option of choosing between oral and total communication. At the time, the "Y" System policy in 1962 required all students in the primary department to begin in the oral program. They couldn't transfer to the simultaneous communication program unless they had "failed" the oral program by the 6th or 7th grade.

While advocating for deaf education in Utah in 1976, Ned shared in the interview that there had been a lot of mainstreaming during the past few years. Nonetheless, it appears that the younger generation, despite graduating from a so-called "talking" high school, quickly joined the Utah Deaf community to fulfill their social lives. He had also encountered others who were eager to socialize with signing Deaf individuals outside of school. He observed that mainstream Deaf individuals, lacking the necessary education to succeed in their daily lives, had joined the Frat, a social organization within the Deaf community, for social growth (Peterson, The Deaf American, September 1976, p. 4). His firsthand experience of losing his hearing and attending public schools made him more likely to understand the challenges faced by Deaf students in a mainstream setting, leading him to advocate for deaf education in Utah.

Ned C. Wheeler & Edith Deininger, June 1969 @ FamilySearch.org

The 1982 Utahn Yearbook stated, "He was an inspiration to the Utah School for the Deaf's students, patrons, and staff." Ned and his wife, Edith, were always interested in the school and strove to make it better. In addition to his prestigious accomplishments, he was always willing to get involved in the small day-to-day problems of the school. The week of his death in 1981, Ned had planned to help organize a museum for the school" (Utahn, 1982). His sudden passing was a profound loss to the Utah School for the Deaf, and it was a missed opportunity for the school to have its own museum.

Ned C. Wheeler, Western Grand Vice President, signing at the 25th Anniversary celebration of Ogden Division No 127, 1970 @ FamilySearch.org

Ned's appointment to serve on the board of his alma mater, the Utah School for the Deaf, was a great honor for him, the Utah School for the Deaf, and the State of Utah. In 1972, he became the first Utahn to serve on the most important governing body of the world's only liberal arts college. This was one of the greatest honors given to a former Utah School for the Deaf student. The Utah School for the Deaf became even more proud when the board appointed Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Celia May Laramie Baldwin, both Utah School for the Deaf graduates, to its first nine-person Board of Fellows (The Utah Eagle, February 1972).

From 1975 until his death in 1981, Ned, the founder of the Utah Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, supervised the fund and scholarship awards through a governance board. Following his death, the scholarship foundation was renamed the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf (Edith Wheeler, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, March 9, 2009).

Despite his busy schedule, Ned always found time for his personal interests. He held a high rank in his Ogden Branch for the Deaf, and his love for traveling and woodworking was well-known. He often gifted his children with wooden toys he had crafted himself. He even made a beautiful grandfather clock for Edith, a testament to his love and craftsmanship. His other hobbies included fishing, camping, golfing, and bowling, which he enjoyed in his leisure time (Edith Wheeler, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, March 9, 2009).

Ned C. Wheeler @ FamilySearch.org

Notes

Edith Wheeler, private interview with Valerie G. Kinney, March 9, 2009.

Robert Sanderson & Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, July 8, 2011.

Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, March 9, 2009.

References

Peterson, Gene. "Ned Wheeler, Engineer...With Gene Peterson." The Deaf American, vol. 29, no. 1 (September 1976). 3-5.

R.W.T. “Gallaudet Board Gets USD Grad.” The Utah Eagle, Vol. 83, No. 5 (February 1972): 3.

The Utahn Yearbook, 1982.

G. Leon Curtis, Outgoing Leader

G. Leon Curtis was well-known both in Utah and across the country. He was president of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1965 to 1968. During the 1965 Utah State Legislature session, he lobbied the legislature for proper deaf adult services under the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. This advocacy eventually led to the founding of the Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a critical center that provides a range of services and support to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. In 1985, Leon and his wife, Connie's oldest daughter, Susan Ann, who is a Child of Deaf Adults, starred as a young hearing girl named Magaret with Deaf parents in the film 'Love is Never Silent,' in which Ed Waterstreet and Phyllis Frelich, both veteran members of the National Theatre for the Deaf, portrayed prominent parts.

G. Leon Curtis. The Utah Eagle. April 1955

G. Leon Curtis was born hearing to Guy A. Curtis and Agnes Rasmussen on Labor Day, September 3, 1932, at Dee Memorial Hospital in Ogden, Utah. He was the youngest of five children. His siblings were Afton, Von, Dan, and Max. Afton, his oldest Deaf sister, reportedly longed for a baby sister. When he and his mother returned home from the hospital, Afton saw him and fell in love. They had been very close since then (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009). Their family, united in love and support, was a source of strength for Leon throughout his life.

Afton Curtis with her youngest brother, Leon Curtis, 1932 @ FamilySearch.org

Leon's parents brought him to Dee Memorial Hospital in 1938 for a tonsillectomy. Unfortunately, during the procedure, the surgeon made a grave error, cutting too deeply and damaging Leon's hearing. The incident significantly impacted his education, as Madison Elementary School did not acknowledge his hearing loss until he failed the second-grade spelling test. His teacher's referral to an audiologist confirmed his hearing loss (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

Leon, like his Deaf sister Afton, attended the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden in 1940, where Afton and her husband Kenneth C. Burdett worked as teachers (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

In 1946, he began his day at Central Junior High School and progressed to Ogden High School. Despite his hearing loss, he excelled in his studies and was a dedicated student. He also continued his education at the Utah School for the Deaf every afternoon. His hard work and determination paid off when he graduated from Ogden High School in 1951, a testament to his resilience and success (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

G. Leon Curtis, 1952 @ FamilySerach.org

Leon studied pharmacy at the University of Utah in 1952. In 1953, his academic journey took an unexpected turn when his father suffered a heart attack, forcing him to put his studies at the University of Utah on hold. Despite this setback, Leon demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience by starting a printing business. In 1954, he graduated from the Southern School of Printing in Nashville, Tennessee. Subsequently, he worked for the Salt Lake Tribune in Salt Lake City, Utah, and later for the Ogden Standard-Examiner in Ogden, Utah (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

Leon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he taught seminary at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf from 1961 to 1968. The students from the Utah School for the Deaf walked two blocks to attend their 6:30 a.m. class. Many of these students were able to go on a mission after completing their seminary program (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009). Leon was the first hard of hearing teacher at the Deaf Seminary. In 1968, he started teaching with the assistance of J. Wayne Noble and Stephen Mecham. His leadership entailed teaching the gospel orally, in sign language, and in Braille. Each class had about fifteen people sign up, and he taught at the branch until 1969, when he resigned and returned to Weber State College (George, Leon Curtis, personal communication, 2013).

G. Leon Curtis teaching seminary class

In 1968, Leon assumed the role of branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf following the release of Max W. Woodbury, who had served as the branch's president for fifty-one years. He had two counselors, Kenneth L. Kinner and William Ronald Johnston, as well as a clerk, Arvel H. Christensen (The Ogden Standard Examiner, February 4, 1967; The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967). He was president for one year when he decided to return to college in 1969 (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

New officials of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf are G. Leon Curtis, Kenneth L. Kinner and W. Ronald Johnston.(left to right). President Curtis succeeds President Woodbury who retired after 51 years of service. Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 20, 1968

Leon's academic journey showcases his intellectual ability and dedication. In 1972, he graduated from Weber State University with a bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology. He then pursued his passion for helping others by earning a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, in 1973. His quest for knowledge didn't stop there, as he later obtained a degree in management from San Diego State University in 1990 (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

After finishing his studies, Leon began working as a school counselor at the Arizona School for the Deaf. His role as an assistant football coach allowed him to demonstrate his leadership and team-building skills. In 1976, his efforts paid off as the team, under his guidance, won the state championship for the first time in the school's history. This serves as evidence of his coaching abilities and the team's collective efforts (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

G. Leon Curtis. UAD Bulletin, Winter, 1964

At the end of 1979, Leon was hired as the state coordinator for the deaf at the Department of Social and Health Services in Olympia, Washington. As the program grew from two to twelve staff members, he became the director of the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Out of the 12,000 employees at DSHS, he was one of only three to receive an award, a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication. Leon retired from the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in October 2004. This office is part of the State Government Department of Social and Health Services (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf team at the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1962. Front row L-R: R: .J. Christensen, R. Bess, R. Potter, K. Stewart, R. Kerr; 2nd Row L-R: R. Johnston, R. Bonnell, V. Jones, A. Valdez; 3rd row, L-R: R. Loveland, K. Nelson, L. Curtis, B. Harvey, John F. White (manager/coach)

Leon was very involved in sports like basketball and softball from 1954 to 1972. He held various roles in the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf (NWAAD) and the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD), which inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 1983 and 1988, respectively (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

1964 UCAD Basketball Team. District champs of Northern Athletic Association, pose with trophies: front from left, Roy Cochran, Roy Milborn, Carl Obson, middle: Bruce Harvey, Ronald Perkins, Leon Curtis, coach: Ed Bell, John White, manager: back, Norman Williams, Robert Bonnell, Jay Christensen, Eric Przybyla, and John Murray. The UAD Bulletin, February 1964

Leon was well-known in Utah, just as he was national. Leon said that from 1965 to 1968, he was president of the Utah Association of the Deaf. He was the treasurer of the Utah Association for the Deaf from 1956 to 1963 and secretary for two years. During the 1965 Utah State Legislature session, he and other UAD officers pushed for better services for Deaf adults through the Office of Rehabilitation Services. This advocacy work led to the establishment of the Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a significant milestone in improving services for the Deaf community (Curtis, UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965; Sanderson, 2004). He was president of the Arizona Association of the Deaf from 1976 to 1979 (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

Later, Leon served on the NAD Board of Directors for Region 4 from 1984 to 1990 and 1996 to 2004. He received the Golden Hand Award from the Washington State Association of the Deaf in 2001, as well as the Golden Hand Award and the Flying Fingers Award from the National Association of the Deaf in 2002 (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

Larry W. Blake, left, received the first UAD Award from President G. Leon Curtis at the 21st Biennial Convention of the Utah Association for the Deaf. Miss Dixie Lee Nastfell served as the ceremony's interpreter. The award, a beautifully engraved silver tray, was awarded to Larry W. Blake in appreciation for his efforts on behalf of the Utah Deaf community. UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965

Leon's appointment by the Mayor of Lacey to the City of Lacey Planning Commission from 1993 to 1997 was a significant recognition of his leadership. The city even provided an interpreter to ensure effective communication with other commission members (Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).

Leon's keynote speech at the Utah Association for the Deaf Convention in 1997 left a lasting impact. He shared his memories of living in Utah, and his admiration for the Utah Association of the Deaf's work in Utah was evident. Kristi Mortensen, a UAD Convention attendee, highlighted the most compelling parts of Leon's speech, which she said were:

"EVERYBODY wants it,
ANYBODY can do it.
SOMEBODY had to do it, but
So
EVERYBODY will not get it,
ANYBODY cannot do it,
SOMEBODY won't do it,
Because
NOBODY is willing to do it" (D. Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, July 1997, p. 3).

G. Leon Curtis, 1977

Leon, then director of Washington State's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, received the prestigious Governor's Distinguished Management Leadership Award in 2003. This award, a testament to his exceptional leadership, was a significant milestone in his career. According to the letter he received:

"…outstanding managers are invaluable assets to state government, and this award offers special recognition to those who have demonstrated excellence in the performance of their responsibilities. Your leadership, initiative, and expertise reflect your strong commitment to public service and your quality management abilities."

Leon was honored at the Governor's Mansion on June 4 of that year. He retired in August after twenty-three years of service (UAD Bulletin, June 2003, p. 3).

Connie Perkins and G. Leon Curtis, 1971

Leon had five daughters: Sonia and Rebecca (Becky) from his first marriage to Eleanor Kay Kinner and Susan, Marie, and Sherrie from his second marriage to Connie Perkins. Together, they have fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (Leon Curtis, February 7, 2009, personal communication).

Susan Ann, Leon and Connie's eldest daughter, made a significant impact as young Margaret, a young hearing girl with Deaf parents, in the 1985 film "Love is Never Silent." Her portrayal, alongside Ed Waterstreet and Phyllis Frelich, both longtime members of the National Theatre for the Deaf, brought the emotional drama to life. The film, spanning from the 1930s to the late 1960s, was a testament to the power of storytelling. "Love Is Never Silent" received an Emmy nomination and aired as a Hallmark Hall of Fame special (Corry, 1985; UAD Bulletin, December 2006, p. 4).

Love is Never Silent. Amazon.com

Leon, a prominent figure in the Deaf community, wrote a poem called 'Can't Hear, But...' about his feelings about being deaf in 1991. The National Association of the Deaf, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of the deaf and hard of hearing, published it in their main publication, the NAD Broadcaster. This poem, which appeared in the NAD Broadcaster, the primary publication of the National Association of the Deaf, was a powerful expression of Leon's experiences as a Deaf individual.

Can’t Hear, But... By G. Leon Curtis

But I can feel...
I can’t hear the dog yelp when I step on its foot,
But I can feel the dog’s bite on my leg, or see the dog hopping around the room in pain.
I can’t hear the knocks in the motor of my car, but I can feel the rough vibration.
I can’t hear the words my daughters say on the telephone, but I can feel that they speak in a nice way.
I can’t hear my daughter’s voice in the chorus, or playing the piano, but I can feel the happiness and peace.
I can’t hear the loudness on the TV, but I can feel the vibration a few minutes later or someone will come and turn it down.

But I can see...
I can’t hear the car’s honks, but I can see the red faced angry driver behind me.
I can’t hear the doorbell, but I can see my dog barking at the door, or light blinking off and on.
I can’t hear the words, but I can see the written/printed words.
I can’t hear the man behind me asking for the time, but I can see his serious look on his face as I turn around.
I can’t hear the voice from the speaker, but I can see the interpreter relaying the message.
I can’t hear the words from a song, but I can see the singer’s faces and feel the vibration.
I can’t hear the children’s voices, but I can see their smiling faces.
I can’t hear the angry voice, but I can see angry faces.
I can’t hear the burp, but I can see the embarrassed faces.
I can’t hear the announcement, but I can see the confusion/concerned looks on the people’s faces.
I can’t hear the children arguing, or what it was about, but I can see the hurts on their faces and I will try to mend their conflicts.
I can’t hear the child cry, but I can see the tears on her face. I can’t hear evil, but I can see evil.
I can’t hear the siren from a police car or fire truck, but I can see the red lights flashing in my rear view mirror.

But I can smell...
I can’t hear the gas released from a guy’s stomach, but I can smell the gas.
I can’t hear the timer on the stove, but I can smell the burning cake.
I can’t hear, but so what! I am doing just fine!

The NAD Broadcaster and UAD Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 3. August 1991.

G. Leon Curtis. FamilySearch.org

Leon passed away on February 11, 2021. He enjoyed reading and engaging in outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and hunting (Obituary of G. Leon Curtis). We appreciate his lifelong service and contributions to the Utah Deaf community and the national Deaf community.

Notes

Leon Curtis, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, February 7, 2009.

Leon Curtis, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, January 9, 2013.

References

“20 Years Ago.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 30.7 (December 2006): 4.

Corry, John. “'Love is Never Silent’, on deafness in a family,” December 9, 1985. http://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/09/arts/love-is-never-silent-on-deafness-in-a-family.html

Curtis, Leon. “The President’s Corner.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 6 (Spring 1965): 2.

Curtis, Leon, G. “Can’t Hear, But…”UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 3 (August 1991): 14.

“From the UAD President’s Desk.” UAD Bulletin, 21.2 (July 1997): 2.

George, S.L (-).

“Honors.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 27.1 (June 2003): 3.

Obituary of G. Leon Curtis.

Ogden Standard Examiner, February 4, 1967.
“President Woodbury Honored For 50 Years of Service.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 5 (Winter 1967): 2.

Sanderson, R. G.  “A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” March 9, 2004.

The NAD Broadcaster and UAD Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 3 (August 1991).

Ronald C. Burdett, Successful Leader

Ronald C. Burdett, known as Ron, was born in Odgen, Utah. His parents, Kenneth C. Burdett and Afton Curtis, were deaf. They graduated and taught at the Utah School for the Deaf. Like his parents, he also attended the Utah School for the Deaf. However, faced with the expansion of oralism and the decline in education, he left the Utah School for the Deaf during his senior year in 1965 to attend Gallaudet College. He graduated in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in computer studies and accounting and a master's degree in special education and rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge. Ron's educational journey was marked by challenges, but he persevered and eventually succeeded in various professions. His professional success is evident in his role as the Vice President of Community Relations at Sorenson Communications. On September 29, 2016, the Ron Burdett, '70, Seminar Room on the second level of the Sorenson Language and Communication Center building was named to recognize Ron's numerous contributions to the Deaf community.

Ronald C. Burdett @ Sorenson Communications Inc

Ronald C. Burdett, affectionately known as Ron, has a profound connection to Utah. He was born to Deaf parents Kenneth C. Burdett and Afton Curtis, both of whom not only graduated from but also taught at the Utah School for the Deaf.

Ronald C. Burdett, a student at the Utah School for the Deaf, 1960s

The school embraced the Dual Division (also known as the "Y" system) in 1962, mandating that all children begin in the Oral Department and could only transition to the Simultaneous Communication Department in sixth or seventh grade (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; Wight, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970). Ron, then a sophomore, joined other high school students in a united student strike against the new Dual Track Division, which would have each track have its own separate classrooms, dormitory facilities, recess, and co-curricular activities (but not athletics) (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970; Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012). Many students, including Ron, opposed the new Dual Track Division's operation, citing the formation of a "wall" when the division forbade oral and simultaneous communication students from interacting with each other.

Ron Burdett, second from the left and his classmates at the Utah School for the Deaf

As Ron was completing his junior year, the Utah School for the Deaf was facing academic and social challenges, leading to a decline in student morale. In 1964, he attended the 100th-year reunion of his classmate, Celia May Laramie Baldwin, at Gallaudet. This event became a turning point in Ron's life, inspiring him to join the college. He enrolled in Gallaudet's college preparatory program, which prepared him for college-level work the following year. After successfully passing his entrance exams in the summer of 1965, he set off for Washington, D.C. He spent his senior year of high school as a prep student at Gallaudet (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966). Ron's father, a Gallaudet College alum, had encouraged him to "take the plunge." Ron's journey continued as he earned a bachelor's degree in computer studies and accounting from Gallaudet College in 1970, followed by a master's in special education and rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge.

Ron's journey was marked by success in his diverse career paths. He served as a professor and Dean of Deaf Studies and Special Services at Ohlone College, and also held the prestigious positions of president of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability, division director of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Division, and Vice President of Community Relations at Sorenson Communications, Inc. (UAD Bulletin, March 2006).

Ronald C. Burdett's Gallaudet sweetheart and wife, Joyanne K. Rasmus. The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

On September 29, 2016, Gallaudet University honored Ron Burdett, a graduate from the class of '70, by naming a seminar room after him. Burdett has made significant contributions to the Deaf community, and his name now graces the Ron Burdett, '70, Seminar Room on the second floor of the Sorenson Language and Communication Center building. At the ceremony, Ron thanked Gallaudet for providing many opportunities to learn, lead, and pursue his goals. He credited his time at Gallaudet as a pivotal starting point for his leadership and success. He also emphasized that his academic experience at Gallaudet, where he met a diverse range of people, prepared him for his career and extracurricular activities. This community inclusivity and richness at Gallaudet was great preparation for his future community relations work at Sorenson Communications, where he met thousands of Deaf people (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016).

Ron Burdett, ’70, poses next to his honorary plaque. Gallaudet News Photo by Zhee Chatmon

Ever since Ron graduated from Gallaudet in 1970, he has made significant contributions to the Deaf community professionally and personally. His role as an educator and administrator has left a lasting impact in the workplace. However, his contributions go beyond his professional life. His work ethic and leadership abilities have been a great source of inspiration for the Deaf community, and his impact has been felt throughout Utah. Ron's achievements are a testament to the potential of Deaf individuals, showing that they can not only succeed but also thrive in all their endeavors and make a significant impact on the Deaf community.

The ASL/English Bilingual Program at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, is a testament to the selfless service of Ron's father, Kenneth C. Burdett. From 1934 to 1974, Kenneth dedicated his life to the school, serving in various roles such as student, boys' supervisor, head basketball coach, athletic director, teacher, printing instructor, and curriculum coordinator. Kenneth's unwavering dedication and selfless service not only honor his contributions but also highlight the Burdett family's deep-rooted legacy and significant contributions to the Deaf community.

References

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012.

Greenname, Andrew. "Ron Burdett, '70, honored at Sorenson naming ceremony." Gallaudet: On
The Green, October 3, 2016.

"New Developments in Utah's Educational Programs for the Deaf." The Utah Eagle, vol. 79, no.
5 (February 1968): 13 – 15.

"Ron Burdett Begins New Job at Sorenson." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 29.10 (March 2006): 5-6.

"Wins UAD Award." The UAD Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 1 (Fall 1966): 1.

Wright, Ray. "Deaf Teaching Methods Debated." Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970.

John Wallace McMills,
Business Mind Leader

In 1888, at the age of six, John Wallace McMills entered the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. He learned various trades at the school, excelling in horseshoeing, harness repair, and fabrication. Shoemaking became his lifelong occupation. When his father's health deteriorated, John left school to become the primary breadwinner for the McMills family, as his mother relied on him for a steady income. John's dedication to his family was unwavering, leading him to open his first shoemaking and repair shop in Tooele, Utah, at the age of 19, in 1902. In 1903 or 1904, he moved his business to Mercur, Utah, to support his family. After marrying Pearl Ault in 1910, he opened a new shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1926 and later relocated to San Francisco, California, to run his shoemaking business. Due to Pearl's health issues, he and their two daughters, Eva and Lucy, moved back to Utah to run his last business, J.W. McMills Shoe Repairing Co., located at 267 E. 5th South in Salt Lake City, Utah. John's strong family values were evident in his unwavering commitment to his family. John was well-known in the local business community, and the Utah Deaf community respected him and frequently sought his advice. After working for fifty years, he retired and sold his business in 1952. In 1916, John Wallace McMills was one of the founding members of Salt Lake City Division No. 56, an insurance company.

John Wallace McMills, 1902

Jean Pearl Greenwood Thomas, the daughter of
Lucy Pearl McMills and Virgil Rogers Greenwood,
provided a biography of her Deaf grandfather,
John Wallace McMills, for this history website.
Her mother, Lucy McMills Greenwood, is the third child
of John Wallace and Pearl Ault McMills.

John Wallace McMills was born on January 9, 1882, in Grass Creek, Summit County, Utah Territory, in the United States. His birthplace was also in Almy, Wyoming. John's father, Charles Paterson McMills, worked in mines. When Charles' wife Isabella's family moved to Utah from Scotland, her parents, Jane McCormick Wilson and John Wallace, lived in Coalville, Utah. Isabella's parents' home was small and far from the mines. Isabella and Charles set up a home in a cave near the coal mine in Grass Creek. Their son, John Wallace McMills, was born in this cave. As far as we know, the entrance to Grass Creek is no longer accessible to the public.

John Wallace McMills as a young man

John's father, Charles, was a machinist for Her Majesty Queen Victoria aboard ships. After arriving in America, Charles worked as a mine mechanic. He repaired and installed mining shafts and other equipment in Wyoming and Utah mines. After John was born, Charles and Isabella moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Charles helped to install the shaft in the Salt Lake City Temple. After completing the temple shaft work, John's family relocated to Tooele, Utah. Charles resumed his machine shop work in the Ophir and Mercur mines, focusing on mine shafts and equipment. This was a significant period of relocation and adaptation for the young John, who was just beginning to understand the world around him.

John was the eldest son of nine children. John became deaf at the age of four when he contracted meningitis. During his youth, John was playing with his brothers when he ran through the screen door. As a result, John cut his leg on the screen door. This injury was severe and left John lame throughout his life. Despite this setback, John maintained his determination to live and achieve anything he set his mind to. His physical condition did not deter him from leading an active life. John was a quick walker, and he walked everywhere he went, a testament to his resilience and determination.

John's parents enrolled him in the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1888 after learning of his deafness. While at school, John learned many trades. John excelled in shoemaking, repairing, and making harnesses for horses and cattle. Shoemaking became his lifelong trade, and he became a respected figure in the local community for his craftsmanship and dedication to his work.

Family of Isabella Wallace and Charles Pateson McMills: Jean Wallace, Charles Wallace, John Wallace the oldest, William Wallace, David Wallace, Ruth Wallace, Mary Wallace George Wallace, and James Wallace (James is not pictured, deceased as a baby, buried in the SLC cemetery). Parents are sitting down. Toole, Utah @ FamilySearch.org

John's father, Charles, fell ill with a black lung while working aboard steamships in England. His health deteriorated during his years in America. In about 1902, he purchased harnesses, shoemaking, and repair equipment for John because he could no longer work and support his family. At the tender age of 20, John made the courageous decision to drop out of the Utah School for the Deaf, shouldering the responsibility of becoming the primary breadwinner for the McMills family. Other children also contributed to the family's income, but John's mother relied on him for a steady source of support.

At the age of 19 in 1902, John set up his first business in Tooele, Utah. He later relocated his business to Mercur, Utah, in about 1903 or 1904, continuing to support his family. His father, Charles, died of a black lung in Tooele on November 30, 1904, and was buried in the family plot in Tooele, Utah.

John's business in Tooele was a success, but he saw the potential for greater financial growth in the mining town of Mercur. After the fire in 1902, Mercur began to flourish, and John seized the opportunity. He moved his shop and established another business in Mercur. His sister, Jeannie Wallace McMills, made a weekly journey by train to Mercur to collect the money John earned for the family. In Mercur, John dedicated the majority of his time to making harnesses for horses and mules, as well as producing and repairing shoes.

John Wallace McMills

John's sister, Jeannie, met Pearl Ault (b. December 11, 1891) in Mercur and introduced them. John already knew Pearl. They were former classmates. John and Pearl were dating each other. Her sister, Rachel Ault Elton, ran the boarding house, where Pearl worked as a cook. John's mother, Isabella, was not pleased to learn he was dating a girl.

John's mother expected him to stay with her for his entire life as a single adult male. However, John and Pearl's friendship turned into love. John's mother did everything she could to prevent John from marrying Pearl. She even made John move to Salt Lake City, Utah, and relocate his business. After arriving in Salt Lake City, she wanted a home, so she arranged for a wood mill to provide the lumber and equipment needed, and John built a house and a large chicken coop for his mother on Lake Street in Salt Lake City. He found work at a local shoe repair shop in Salt Lake City and started working there until he could open his own shop.

John married Pearl Ault on June 15, 1910. When he brought her home, his mother, Isabella, refused to let Pearl live in the house, so John and Pearl lived in the chicken coop. Eventually, Isabella relented and allowed Pearl into the house. John and his mother had a heated discussion about John's shop and living quarters. Isabella wanted to sell dry goods in John's shop, but he refused her demands. Realizing she had no power over her son, Isabella needed additional income and searched for other options.

Isabella's search for additional income led her to Robert Campbell, a former acquaintance from Scotland. They married, and soon after, Isabella and Robert moved to San Francisco, California, where most of Isabella and Charles' sons had relocated. This marriage and the subsequent move significantly altered the family dynamics, marking a new chapter in their lives.

John Wallace McMills Shop in Mercur, Utah about 1906

John secured a new shop on December 14, 1926, located at 261 East and 5th South in Salt Lake City, Utah. John's business boomed, but tragedy struck the family in late 1927. John was out late working on his car. There was no electricity in the garage where he was working. John used a kerosene lantern while he worked on his car. It was late, and Pearl sent her daughter, Lucy, to get her father for supper. Lucy told her father her mother wanted John and her to go home. Inexplicably, the kerosene lantern ignited the car John was repairing, causing severe burns to his right side and hand. John was rushed to the hospital. The burns were so severe on his hand that the doctors wanted to amputate his right hand. Eva, John's eldest daughter, protested, but the doctors were determined. Eva called Uncle Charlie, John's brother. Uncle Charlie told the doctors that they could not amputate his right hand. Uncle Charlie persisted, stating that the doctors' decision to amputate his right hand would significantly impact his ability to earn a living and communicate through sign language. Uncle Charlie was forceful! The doctors reluctantly agreed to Charlie's demands, wrapped John's right hand in bandages, and sent him home. Despite this tragic incident, John's resilience shone through.

The removal of the bandages revealed that all the fingers on John's right hand had grown together. As a result, his hand was completely immobile. Unable to work, John's brothers, Charles (who lives in Utah) and David (who lives in San Francisco), sent John by train to his brother David's home. David found a specialist who could operate on John's hand to separate and rehabilitate it. While John was in San Francisco, Pearl and John's two daughters, Eva and Lucy, went to live in Cedar Fort, Utah, with Pearl's sister, Mamie Ault Calton. Despite the physical distance, the family remained united and supportive, which was a source of strength for John during his recovery.

While John was recovering from surgery on his hand, he searched for a place in San Francisco where he could set up his business again. Finally, he found a great location, wrote to Pearl, and told her he found a place where he could set up a business and never move back to Utah. John worked in a movie theater with his brother, David, to secure enough money for train fares for his wife, Pearl, and the girls to travel to San Francisco. Due to the limited size of Uncle David's home, they sent Eva to San Bruno to care for her grandmother, Isabella. Pearl became a live-in cook and housekeeper for Mr. Comosie, a businessman in San Francisco. Lucy and John stayed with David's family. Life was difficult in San Francisco. Everyone had to work, and John faced numerous challenges in establishing his business in a new city, but his determination and resilience never wavered.

John Wallace McMills and Pearl Ault wedding, June 15, 1910 @ FamilySearch.org

As it happened, Emma, David's wife, and Mary John's sister decided to put Lucy in a Catholic orphanage. Lucy heard them talking. This hurt Lucy deeply. With her sister Eva gone, her mother gone, and her father working, she felt alone and afraid. However, the family's love and care for Lucy was evident. When David got home, he asked Lucy why she was crying. Lucy told Uncle David of the plan to put her in an orphanage. David was furious with his wife and sister. Then, Lucy was sent to live with her mother at Mr. Comosie's house. Lucy had to be very quiet and remain unseen while Pearl was working. Lucy was grateful and much happier with her mother.

Tragedy again struck the family when Pearl's appendix burst while working for Mr. Comosie in San Francisco. Despite the dire circumstances, the family's resilience shone through. When she got to the hospital, the doctors immediately performed the surgery. Unfortunately, it appeared that during surgery, Pearl had passed away. The doctors stitched up Pearl's wound from the surgery and had her taken to the morgue. Pearl removed the silver dollars from her eyes while in the morgue. When one of the orderlies noticed Pearl moving, he rushed her to a room where they were warming Pearl's body temperature. The doctors told John that Pearl could not live in San Francisco because the weather was too damp, and she would not be able to recover from pneumonia she contracted from her surgery.

John McMills and his daughter, Lucy Pearl

After facing a long struggle, John returned to Utah and started his business on 5th South, Salt Lake City. However, upon his arrival, he encountered a setback when the person renting his equipment refused to return it to him. Undeterred, John tirelessly fought to regain ownership of his shop. The intervention of Bishop Fetzer of the Salt Lake City 8th Ward, a respected leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finally facilitated the return of the shop and equipment. John's unwavering determination in the face of such adversity is truly commendable.

The depression had begun by the time John restarted his business. He started to train the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as apprentices in the shoemaking and repair trade in exchange for commodities and some financial compensation from the church. John also instructed local hearing men in the trade, enabling them to earn additional income. John was tenacious and full of determination all his life. He would not allow discouragement or distraction from his goals. Eva, John's daughter, was the only one who could interpret for him. She had to fingerspell every word for John. If spelling accuracy were required, Eva would interpret. If John could not understand a word, he would use his dictionary to ensure he understood everything relating to his dealings with people who could hear. John disliked people who could hear him because they would try to cheat him or undercut his price. One day, his granddaughter, Jean, realized she was a "hearing" person. Crushed at the thought that she was a hearing person, she asked her mother, Lucy, about this. Lucy told Jean, "You're not a hearing person. Grandpa loves you very much." Don't you doubt Grandpa's love for you, even when you're not hearing?

John was a stickler for well-made shoes. When school started, Jean, her brothers, and sisters had to line up with their new shoes for their grandfather, John McMills, to inspect each autumn. Their mother, Lucy, waited and held her breath, hoping the shoes would meet with her father's approval. Often, John would make the sign for "no good" (right index and middle fingers held together, drawn across the palm) and then make a fist with his right hand, hitting his palm. Lucy would lower her head and shake it; oh no, her father would toss the shoes back at us individually. Buying shoes for school was a nightmare—a struggle between the latest fashions and decent old saddle Oxfords!

John secured a position at the Standard Repairing Company, to support his family until he could regain his own business

John's dedication to his business was unwavering, even when faced with personal challenges. He continued to work for his own business until 1952, when he retired and sold it. This photo, a testament to his resilience, shows the damage to his right hand. Despite losing his little finger, he never let it hinder his work or his spirit.

Eva's journey to independence began at a young age. She worked for her father until she secured employment at fourteen, a testament to her determination and work ethic. Her career took her to various department stores in Salt Lake City, Utah, where John was well-known to local businesses. The Utah Deaf community also respected John and sought his advice. Eventually, Lucy joined her father's business, polishing and dyeing shoes every day after school until she married in 1936.

John was an avid reader. John was never without the Bible and the dictionary; these books were always by his side. His favorite books to read were detective stories, and he especially enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock movies. When visiting Grandpa McMills and Auntie Eva, Jean accompanied her grandfather to the movies on Saturday afternoons. John taught Sunday school at the Salt Lake Valley Branch in Salt Lake City, on 5th South and 8th East. Jean remembers watching her grandfather teach his class. John loved walking, and Jean would walk up 5th South to meet her grandfather and walk home after early morning priesthood meetings.

John made these business cards for his show repairing shop

John often took pictures of his family. He had his cameras, tripods, and a darkroom to develop the pictures in his tiny apartment bathroom in Salt Lake City, as well as a darkroom made especially for him in Lucy's home in Ogden.

John Wallace McMills was fun-loving and such a tease. He always made everyone laugh. He loved playing checkers and always had time for games with his grandchildren. He loved his family, friends, and little children. John particularly loved Billy, a little Deaf boy, and took him under his wing. Billy was the son of Ferdinand Billiter, a close friend of John's. Billy was not only deaf; he had an additional disability.

John Wallace McMills, Lucy Pearl McMills, and her husband, Virgil Rogers Greenwood

John's 90th birthday party, which took place on January 9, 1972, at the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf, was a truly significant event. It was a tribute to the love and respect he had gathered over the years. John was ecstatic to meet and greet his numerous friends, and his eyes often welled up with tears of joy. His passing later that year, in June 1972, marked the end of a remarkable era.

Jean Pearl Greenwood Thomas, a well-known interpreter in Utah, is the daughter of Lucy Pearl McMills and Virgil Rogers Greenwood. Her mother, Lucy, was also an interpreter, and she was the third child of Deaf parents John Wallace McMills and Pearl Ault. John Ault McMills, their first baby, passed away shortly after birth and rests in Cedar Fort. John and Pearl McMills had three children: John Ault, Eva Alice, and Lucy Pearl.

John Wallace McMills @ FamilySearch.org

Pearl Ault McMills and her husband, John Wallace McMills, exchanged letters that provided the information for this account. These letters, currently in the possession of Jean Greenwood Thomas, offer a personal and intimate insight into their lives. Eva Alice McMills Prudence Fowler, who goes by three last names, and Lucy Pearl McMills Greenwood also wrote family histories. Oral histories were passed down by Pearl Ault McMills, John Wallace McMills, Eva Alice McMills, Lucy Pearl McMills, and Linda Alice Greenwood. Jean Pearl Greenwood Thomas learned about her grandfather, John W. McMills, through their personal experiences.

John Wallace McMills was a founding member of Salt Lake City Division No. 56., an insurance company, founded for and by Deaf community members. After an unknown dispute, John resigned from FRAT. Members of the Utah Fraternal Society of the Deaf. John Wallace McMills is the first person sitting on the left