Walter Rulon Bandley

Walter Rulon Bandley | March 10, 1938 – May 28, 2024   

Walter Rulon Bandley, 86, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, following a brief illness.

Walt was born March 10, 1938, in Burley, Idaho to Rulon and Maude Sutton Bandley. He was raised on their family farm in Burley and moved to Orem, Utah after the death of his father in 1948. Walt attended Spencer School and Lincoln High School in Orem, where friendships were cultivated and maintained for more than 75 years. While in high school, he dated Greta Madge Olsen, whom he later married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 22, 1957. She preceded him in death on November 21, 2014.

Walt was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings; some of which he even enjoyed.

Following high school Walt worked with Westco Cabinet for a few years before starting his own cabinetry business. Over the years he built a strong business based primarily on word of mouth. Walt became known for quality craftsmanship and was always in demand; his work was sought after by those familiar with his skills. He was a master of woodworking, carefully creating beautiful cabinetry. Later in life he still went to his shop and puttered around making whimsical canes, rings, earrings, custom toothpicks, and chess boards.

Walt and Greta were blessed with five children, all of whom were taught to work hard, be honest, serve others, and love unconditionally. In 1960, Walt and Greta purchased and built their Orem home in a cul-de-sac neighborhood filled with wonderful people and friends who impacted their lives, and their children’s lives, for the very best.

Walt was a great judge of character and always willing to help those in need. His unconditional love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immense, supporting their educations and careers and attending many of their sports and school activities.

In 2004, Walt and Greta moved and enjoyed the many years they subsequently lived in the ancestral Olsen home until both of their deaths. 

Walt will be missed deeply by his children who survive him; Cindy (Richard) Tullis, Michele (Steve) Davis, Marci (Bruce) Rickenbach, Kate Bandley Mann, and Shawn (Nancy) Bandley. He is survived by 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gordon Olsen and many beloved nieces and nephews. Walt was preceded in death by his wife Greta, his parents, his sister Louise Barlow, his brother Paul Bandley, and his granddaughter Lily Kate Mann.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Sharon 4th Ward LDS Chapel, located at 730 E. 445 S. Orem, Utah. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, June 7, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary located at 495 S. State Street in Orem, and Saturday just prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.