Obituary: Richard Lowell Cornelius

Richard Lowell Cornelius 1927 ~ 2006 Richard Lowell Cornelius, 79, died peacefully Thursday, August 31, 2006 of complications following open-heart surgery at St. Mark's Hospital, surrounded by his adoring family. Dick was born on June 21, 1927 in Bountiful, Utah, to Clester A. Cornelius and Ruth B. Eldredge. From the age of three, he was raised by his grandparents in Salt Lake City. He attended South High School and the University of Utah. After serving in the Navy in World War II, Dick met the love of his life, Dolores Marie Weisenberg. They were married on September 17, 1948 and together raised four loving children. At age 16, Dick started working at Monroe Machinery & Supplies, Inc. as a filing clerk, went on to excel in sales, bought the company, and sold it in 1990. He was a great example of dedication and hard work to his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong student and thoroughly enjoyed his world travels with his wife. Interested in everything and everyone, Dick was extremely active in the community. He was an avid Boy Scout leader for 45 years, an achievement which culminated with the Silver Beaver Award in 1982, and continued to be active in scouting until his death. Dick helped organize a little league baseball program in Holladay in the 1960's, and coached many teams over the years, including girls' softball. A lifelong aficionado of classical music, Dick was a Utah Symphony docent and participated in the community outreach program to Utah public schools. He was a great patron of the arts. Dick served on the board of Salt Lake Donated Dental, which provides free dental care to the homeless. He loved the city of Holladay, served on the Community Council for many years, and helped spearhead the incorporation of Holladay City. Throughout his life, Dick was an active member of the LDS Church, and viewed his fellow ward members and neighbors as extended family. Dick was proud of his association with "The Geezers," a close-knit group of friends who golf. Throughout his life, he was an active golfer, athlete, and Ute fan. Dick is survived by his wife, Dolores; children, Joan Cornelius, Mark (Cheri) Cornelius, Ruth (Mark) Williams, and Amy (Stephen) Broadhead; his 10 grandchildren, Brittany, Adam, Garrett, Megan, BethAnn, Daniel, Stephen, Peter, Benjamin, and Timothy; and his half-sister, Mary Ann Robinson. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the excellent doctors and nurses at St. Mark's Hospital, especially to Rick, the head ICU Nurse, who stayed with Dick and his family throughout. Friends are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday, September 6, at 12 noon, at the Holladay 28th Ward on 2625 Milo Way in Holladay. A viewing will be held at the same location on Tuesday, September 5, from 6-8 p.m., and on Wednesday at 10:30a.m., prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Salt Lake Donated Dental, The Assistance League of Salt Lake, The American Red Cross, or The Humane Society of Utah.