Wayne Shurtliff

Robert Wayne Shurtliff, 59, passed away on April 23, 2012, surrounded by his family, after a relentless battle with cancer. He was born August 12, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Robert Davidson Shurtliff and Helen Abbott Shurtliff. He grew up in the Sugarhouse area, attending the University of Utah after graduation. Always up for an adventure. he joined the National Guard and began a love of travel. He served a mission for the LDS church in Houston Texas, came home to continue his education, and met Diane Hess from Ashton, Idaho. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity on September 13, 1974. Wayne graduated from the University of Utah with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1976 and took employment with EG&G in Idaho Falls. He later earned his Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Idaho. After eight years in Idaho Falls, Wayne fulfilled his lifelong dream of traveling the world when he accepted employment with Saudi Aramco and relocated the family to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. They spent the next 25 years living, working and participating in the Middle East and its surroundings. Wayne was an example of hard work and integrity. He believed that everyone could be a friend and continually reached out to make sure people, especially young people, had fun. Wayne was instrumental in creating a Boy Scouts of America troop in Yanbu, serving in all leadership positions to strengthen boys from all nationalities to become contributing leaders in their own right. He served on the local school board, organized and promoted community events which gave his children an opportunity for enrichment. His sense of adventure took him exploring the country in which he lived, he loved the desert and joined with many groups for travels into the deep desert. It didn’t matter much what there was to see, the fun was in getting there. As the children grew up and left home, he and Diane visited many countries to see as much of the world as possible. Wayne was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Branch President, High Counselor and as a member of the Stake Presidency for many years while in Arabia. He retired in 2008 and returned to Ammon, Idaho, with the intent to continue his church service and freely travel to new places. He left behind many memories that will continue to sustain and lift his family and friends, he passed on to a greater opportunity, leaving behind a beautiful legacy for his family, so much of life lived in such a short time. His family wishes to express sincere gratitude for all the extended family and friends who have made this journey a spiritual feast. He is survived by his wife Diane and his children: Michael Wayne (Elise) Shurtliff of Boston, MA, Scott Hess (Britney) Shurtliff of Idaho Falls, ID, Sheree Diane (Spencer) Allison of Ammon, ID, Brian Gene (Marie) Shurtliff of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Emilie Marie (Ian) Wells of Phoenix, AZ. Fifteen grandchildren, four sisters, and a brother. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Ammon LDS Stake Center, 2055 South Ammon Road, with Bishop Randy Collins of the Ammon 5th Ward officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Pine View Cemetery in Ashton, Idaho. Gratitude is extended to Teton Oncology whose doctors and nurses tried valiantly to help. Thank-you also to Alliance Hospice for their kindness and concern during Wayne’s last days on earth.

Funeral Services -- Friday

11 a.m. ,Friday, April 27, 2012 Ammon LDS 5th Ward 2055 South Ammon Road Ammon, ID 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Wood East Side (963 S. Ammon) and on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial in Ashton-Pine View Cemetery