Remembered respectfully and affectionately by his many family members and friends, is Dr. Joseph Leon Pace, who on May 21st passed be-grudgingly, though with ultimate peace, into the next existence. Dr. Joe was one of a kind. He mixed medicine, family life, his religion, politics, civic and humanitarian service into a homegrown blend which energized an 83-year life of great contribution. For the last 58 years, he was loved, sup-ported and advised by his dedicated and accomplished wife, Pauline Clyde Pace. Always expressing loving pride and amazement at his contributions/exploits /ant-ics/service were his seven children -- Nathan, Craig, Maurio, Malcolm (deceased), Niki (deceased), Shana, and Tia.
Joe was born on May 5, 1917 in Salt Lake City. He grew up in Salt Lake City and Provo and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1938. He received his medical training at the University of Chicago School of Medicine graduating in 1942. That same year, he was married in the Salt Lake Temple to Pauline Clyde of Springville, Utah, and shortly thereafter reported to the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego for his medical internship. Then it was on to his World War II assignment as a flight surgeon aboard a U.S. Navy carrier in the South Pacific.Following the war, he and Pauline established a household and a medical practice in San Jose, California. Joe was one of the old time family doctors who could attend to all types of medical needs in your home, his office, or the hospital. He could dispense wisdom and common sense as well as he could medicine.
Joe had an opinion about most things, leading him to involvement in the San Jose city council and a term as mayor of that city in the 1960's. Although focused on his family and medical practice, he never lost his zest for politics and whether via direct calls to legislators or radio talk show hosts, he made it clear where he stood.
He loved America and was truly part of the "Greatest Generation."
As his medical career wound down, Joe was able to contribute more of his time to his church. He presided over the LDS student branch at San Jose State University and later, with Pauline, served LDS missions in Mexico/Central America, China (PRC), Russia, and Argentina. Apart from his church service he was involved in humanitarian aid throughout the world. He loved to visit the world's hot spots and as a volunteer through the Direct Relief International organization attended to humanitarian and medical needs in Afghanistan, Tibet, China, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Somalia. He volunteered his medical skills to Native American populations in places such as Barrow, Alaska and Red Lake, Minnesota.
Following his retirement from medicine, he and Pauline moved to Salt Lake City to be closer to family. Joe's church service recently culminated when, at the age of 82, he was released as bishop of the Liberty 4th Ward in downtown Salt Lake City.
He would likely say his greatest accomplishment is the posterity he leaves behind. His five living children and 35 grandchildren have already contributed much good throughout the world, and the third generation baby boom has already started.
He is survived by his wife and two brothers, Dr. John Pace of Arroyo Grande, California and Levi Pace of Phoenix, Arizona.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 24th at 12 noon at the Liberty 4th Ward, 1515 S. 200 E. in Salt Lake City. A viewing will precede the funeral service from 11-11:45 a.m. A viewing will be at the Larkin Mortuary 260 East 100 South on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah, close to his son, Malcolm and daughter, Niki.