Our wonderful father and friend passed away August 9, 1995 of heart failure.

Born Oct 30, 1923 in Oakley, Utah to Leland H. and Myrtle Stevens. Married Phyllis Paul, December 19, 1947. He was a graduate and Studentbody President of Evanston Wyoming High School, 1941. Enrolled at the University of Utah in 1941, played on the 1941/42 football and basketball teams before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. During his service in the Air Force, Tally played basketball for Lowery Field and football for the Fourth Air Force Team.In 1946 he returned to the University of Utah where he played on the 1947 and 1948 Championship Football Teams and was selected as an All Conference End. Member in 1947 NIT Championship Basketball Team. Tally was invited to play for the 1949 Pittsburg Steelers National Football League Team, but elected to pursue a coaching career instead.

He accepted a head coaching position at Morgan High School and after one year went to East High School, where his football team won three state championships between 1950-1955. Spent the next five years coaching football at Brigham Young University, as an assistant for three years and two years as head coach for the 1959-1960 football seasons.

In 1953 Tally joined Jimmy Brown as partners in Stevens & Brown Sporting Goods and enjoyed a long-lasting friendship and partnership for 35 years. Tally will be remembered for his tremendous generosity and unselfish time he dedicated to the community. He was President of Sugarhouse Chamber of Commerce, Founder and Commissioner of the Junior Ute Football Conference, Co-Founder of the Salt Lake Automotive Baseball League, Co-Founder and Chairman of Multiple Sclerosis "Banquet of Champions", on Board of Director of the Salt Lake Country Club and served as Vice President.

Tally served the University of Utah as a Director of the Alumni Association, Vice-Chairman of the Crimson Club, and Director of Alumni Emeritus Association. In 1993 Tally received the highest honor the University can bestow a former student with, the Distinquished Alumnus Award. This spring, Tally was one of four inductees to the University of Utah Crimson Club Hall of Fame.

Tally was an extemely loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather. Tally has left a legacy to former students, athletes and friends who now have raised their own children and will be revered for his own lasting memory.

Tally is survived by his wife; daughters and son, Terri (Brad) Smith, Park City; Sandy (Jim) Pagoaga, Gig Harbor, Wash.; Tally, Jr. (Michelle) Stevens, Salt Lake City; six grandchildren, Taylor and Tyson Smith, Steven and Jane Pagoaga, Tally III and Nichole Stevens; brothers and sisters, William W., Oakley, Utah; Mrs. Esther McGarry, Ogden, Utah; Howard E., Donald L., and Ronald R., all of Salt Lake City; Mrs. Carma Pedersen, Salt Lake City.

View Comments

Preceded in death by parents; sister, Marjory Stevens and brother, Richard Stevens.

Tally's family would like to extend special thanks to Tally's devoted brother, Howard, Dr. Kenneth Nielsen and the Care of St. Joseph Villa. In memory of Tally, donations may be made to: University of Utah Crimson Club, C/O Jon M. Huntsman Center, S.L.C, UT. 84112; St. Joseph Villa, 475 East Ramona Ave., S.L.C., UT. 84105; East High School Football, C/O East High School, 840 South 1300 East, S.L.C. UT. 84102; Multiple Sclerosis Society, 525 South 300 West, S.L.C., UT. 84101.

Memorial Services will be Monday, August 14, 1995 at 11:00 a.m. at Wasatch Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive. Friends may call Sunday at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South from 6-8 p.m. and at the church Monday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. before the service. Interment, Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

T 8/11 N 8/13

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.