Our beloved father and grandfather, Lorenzo Clark "Rennie" Romney, 85, died April 10, 2000.
A lifelong resident of Salt Lake City, he was born July 18, 1914 to Mary Ellen Clark and Walter Romney. Shortly after his graduation from East High School, he was involved in a tragic accident where he lost his left arm and two digits on his right hand--but as a result found his wife of over fifty years, Alice Emma Louise Voss, who nursed him back to health. They were married August 6, 1933. She passed away in 1986. For over fifty years, he lived in the same house on the corner of Princeton Avenue and 15th East, where he and Alice looked after their children, grandchildren and their flower beds and gardens.Together they raised five children: Mrs. Eleanor Kent, Salt Lake; Dr. Walter A. Romney (Susan), Salt Lake; Dr. Michael C. Romney (Cindi), Richmond / Nelson, New Zealand; Dr. Steven V. Romney (Lynne), Vernal, Utah; and Mrs. Alice Mattern (John), Albuquerque. NM. He is survived by two sisters, Francis Stevenson, Salt Lake; and Mary Milner, Chicago, IL. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. We all love him dearly and will miss him.
After graduation from the University of Utah in 1937, he embarked upon a life of public service. He was immensely patriotic and even more proud of his service to the community having worked for all levels of government in Salt Lake: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, the State of Utah and the United States Federal Government. First, he worked for the Salt Lake County Welfare Association as a Social Worker, administering to those in need during the Depression. Later he was Director of Social Services for Salt Lake County General Hospital. In 1943, he was elected and served as a Utah State Senator. After his brief stint in the Senate, he served as a Salt Lake City Commissioner from 1944-1963. While working for the city he loved so much, he was instrumental in shaping much of Salt Lake City, including Salt Lake International Airport. He served as commissioner of public health and safety and was responsible for the police and fire departments, as well as numerous public housing and assistance programs. He was also commissioner of parks and public property, and helped appropriate land for many of the city's parks and golf courses. Until recently, he served on the Board of Trustees for the Sugarhouse Park Authority. A lifelong Democrat, he ran as the Democratic candidate for Governor in 1956, losing by a very narrow margin. In 1963, he was appointed by President Kennedy as the Director of the Housing and Urban Development for the State of Utah, and survived the changing of five presidential administrations. In this capacity, he assisted thousands of Utahns in acquiring homes. He retired from this position and public service in 1986. He was charitable, generous and devoted much of his time to helping others. He was a member of numerous committees and advisory boards. Along the way he made many friends.
He truly enjoyed the outdoors and the splendor of nature. He loved spending time in his garden, teaching his grandchildren about flowers, politics and history, panning the Republicans and praising the Democrats, appreciating the stars and viewing sunsets. He loved visiting with his family around the kitchen table. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He made those around him feel loved, and greeted all those with whom he came in contact with a pleasant smile and a kind word.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, at 12 noon, at the Bonneville Stake Center Chapel, 1535 East Bonneview Drive(1000 S.) Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the chapel.
Final resting place will be next to his beloved wife at Larkin Sunset Lawn.