LaVere Dee Poulsen, M.D. 4/2/1925 ~ 4/10/2007 Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend LaVere Dee Poulsen passed gently into the night on April 10, 2007. Loved ones were stunned that an aggressive cancer ended his life so quickly. We want more time with our dear LaVere. LaVere was the first of six children of James Lowe and Elsa Anderson Poulsen. He was born in his grandmother's home at 12:01 a.m. on April 2, 1925 - so, in his words, "I was not quite a fool." He grew up in Montana and Idaho and returned to Magna in the 7th grade. LaVere graduated from Cyprus High School as valedictorian of the class of 1943. In World War ll he served as a radar observer, radio operator and gunner on flight status in the Army Air Corps. LaVere entered the University of Utah in 1946 and graduated from medical school in 1952 with a firm desire to do family practice near his hometown. After an internship at the old St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, he joined Dr. Glenn Wilson in opening the original Granger Medical Clinic on Jan. 1, 1960. He was also involved in starting Valley West Hospital, now Pioneer Valley Hospital, and was proud of his role in helping bring quality medical care to the West Valley area. Many patients were served by Dr. LaVere over his forty year career; he retired in 1995. He was married to Barbara Noe for 20 years and together they raised three children: Ginny, Drew and Jeff. LaVere married Colleen Nielson Fowler in 1977 and they spent 30 wonderful years together. His grandchildren refer to him as the world's greatest grandfather. Known for his large personality, booming voice and an enthusiastic, optimistic nature, LaVere had a keen mind, a unique sense of humor and colorful style. He was a true "people person" and loyal friend. We will remember his teasing, generosity and lack of pretense. He enjoyed traveling the world with Colleen, being an "eager eater", movies, reading and bridge. LaVere was "poetry in motion" as a skier and bowler; however, despite five holes in one, he was questionable as a golfer. L.D. was definitely an original! He was a member of the LDS church. LaVere is survived by his wife, Colleen; brothers: John (Shauna) and Jerry; sisters: Margie (Ron) Williams and Claire (Jim) Stevenson; daughter, Ginny (Mark) Eggen; son, Jeff; stepdaughter, Liz Nebeker; stepson, Stuart (Alice) Fowler, M.D.; grandchildren: Lacey (Spencer) Ferguson, Rob Eggen, Kristine (David) Orme, Dan Nebeker, Kate (Thomas) Harvey, Robert, Sarah, Tom, James and Willie Fowler; and great grandchildren: Josh and Maddie Orme. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; son, Drew; and son-in-law, Richard Nebeker. Special thanks to the medical staff at Pioneer Valley Hospital and those who attended to LaVere at the CareSource Hospice Residence. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Drive; burial will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit at the mortuary on Friday evening 6:00 to 8:00, or one hour prior to the services on Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to NAMI Utah (National Alliance for the Metally ill) or CareSource.
Next Up In
Utah