Stanley Follett

Stanley Martinus Follett died peacefully at home on April 5, 2010 surrounded by family.

Dad was born July 17, 1926 in Centerfield, Utah to Martinus Tillman Follett and Mabel Elizabeth Larsen.

His family moved to Morgan during his teen years. He graduated from Morgan High School, after which he joined the Army Air Corps in 1945 and served in post-WWII Asia.

He married Colleen Butters on March 19, 1947; they were later divorced.

Dad was known for his love of animals, especially horses. He worked with them throughout his life. He participated in many rodeos as a calf and team roper. In addition to the pleasure horses he had throughout his life, he also bred several successful race horses. He was a mink rancher for 35 years and won many awards.

He married Merlynn Thompson on March 28, 1987. They lived in Morgan, Utah until 1990, when, at 63, he and Merlynn moved to Durkee, Oregon where he lived out his lifetime dream of owning and operating a cattle ranch. He lived in Durkee fulfilling that dream until one month ago when they moved back to Utah to be closer to family.

Dad was always a very hard worker and admired that quality in others. He loved teaching and throughout his life, he mentored many through his example and instruction. He was 'his own man' and a 'real American cowboy.' He loved the outdoors and the beauty it offered. Whether on a horse or in the truck he was always looking for something else 'just over the next ridge.'

In dad's own words, "I'm a mean, fighting son-of-a-bitch!" . . . and he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mignon and a brother, Larry.

He is survived by his wife, Merlynn, Centerville, UT; two sons: Scott (Middy) Follett, Clearfield, UT; Dan (Judy) Follett, Morgan, UT; two daughters: Ann (Joel) Fawcett, West Haven, UT; Linda (Kelly) Bingham, Plain City, UT. Five step-daughters: Amy (Cliff) Lawrence, Irvine, CA; Susan (Martin) Brown, Farmington, UT; Carolyn Thompson, Everett, WA; Lynne Thompson (Norman Hubbard), Mercer Island, WA; Diane (Scott) Ellenson, Farmington, UT. 38 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Arlene (Johnny) Irwin, Morgan, UT; and Elaine Averett, Ogden, UT; one brother, John Follett of Sandy, UT.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the Walker Mortuary, 45 West 200 North, Morgan. Friends and family may call at the mortuary Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Casual dress is appropriate and expected.

Interment at North Morgan Cemetery.

Thanks to: the people of Durkee for all the love and support over the past 20 years; to special friends, George and Dale Smull, who made sure Dad's horse, Bobby, and dog, Willy, were part of "His Final Ride"; and to Merlynn for making it possible for him to live his lifelong dream.