Walter Muir

Walter Edward Muir, age 69, of Orem, Utah, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017. He was born December 8, 1947 in Milford, Utah, to Walter Henry Muir and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Muir. He married his sweetheart, Arda Jean Pierce on September 12, 1970. She preceded him in death February 6, 1989.

Ed served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time outside with his kids and grandkids. He was a lifetime member of the Timpanogos Archers Club.

Ed is survived by his 3 children: Courtney Muir Pham of Malden, Massachusetts; Jennifer Muir of West Valley City, Utah, and Matthew Muir of Spanish Fork, Utah; 2 grandchildren Kaitlynn and Evelyn Pham; his sister Nola Gornichec and brother Doug Muir. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Muir Ludlow.

A small memorial service for family and close friends will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. as a graveside service at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah.

Here is a tribute from each of his kids and grandkids:

From Matt:

The most amazing Father, Grandfather, Best friend, Role Model, Mentor, and Little League Baseball Coach anyone could ever ask for was called home to his Heavenly Father on March 13, 2017. Dad was an avid outdoorsman, who specialized in archery hunting and catching the best fish. He was devoted to the Timpanongos Archery Club as a lifetime member, his favorite place to visit with friends and family, as well as his little slice of heaven on earth where he could get away from all of life’s problems and recharge his batteries. There was not many work parties or club shoots that the man missed over the wonderful 30 years I was able to spend with him on this earth. His love for archery was contagious. He loved to share the sport with young and old and would always lend a hand or coach at any moment he could. His second favorite thing was sports. He loved his Boston Red Sox and his San Francisco 49ers and the University of Utah. We were blessed to be able to take in a Red Sox game at Fenway with the whole family, including his granddaughters. That night was so special to him.  He loved that place and always would bring up how magical Fenway Park was to him.  I can’t help but think of the joyous reunion he is having in heaven right now, I can only imagine the fishing trips he and his dad will go on, and the camping and hunting trips he is planning with the love of his life, Arda Jean.  I loved that man with all my heart, and as broken as I am right now, all I can think of his how blessed and lucky I was to have a dad like him. Thank you, Dad, for instilling in me all the qualities a man should have and possess and I look forward to carrying on your legacy. Until we meet again, enjoy those front row seats at the Red Sox, 49er’s, and Utes games. Always shoot straight at those giant muley bucks in the sky, keep that fly rod handy, and don’t beat those fish up too bad up there. And remember, just like you taught me, stay  “Muir tough”.

Love you Dad

From Jenn:

Dad,

I have so many things to thank you for. You have given me so many of my best qualities.  Thank you for teaching me to love the outdoors, to be stubborn and speak my mind, and to be a responsible, strong, intelligent woman. Thank you for the laughs, the tears, and for being there for us during all of the tough times and of course the most wonderful times we have been through as a family. Thank you for encouraging me to get an education, and for taking pride in me when I graduated from college and graduate school. I’ll never forget how many people you loved to tell about that.  Thank you for teaching me to love football so I can keep up with the boys.  Thank you for encouraging me to play soccer as a kid, and teaching me your love for archery.  Thanks for the fishing and camping trips, these trips will be great memories that I will always treasure. Thanks for giving me my sense of adventure which has allowed me to see so much of this beautiful country and this planet.  Thank you for serving in our military and fighting for our country and for peace. Most of all, thank you for bringing me into this world and showing me how to not just survive it, but enjoy it. Give mom the biggest hug for me, as well as my grandparents and Aunt Barbara.  Let them know to take good care of you until we meet again. I will miss you more than words can say.

Love you Dad, Jenn

From Courtney:

Dad,

I don’t know if words can fully express what you mean to me and how grateful I am for you. I didn’t appreciate it or fully understand as a kid, but you worked so hard for us. Now as a single parent, I see what you went through and I am amazed at how well you did it after mom was gone.

While I never grew to appreciate fishing, hunting, or archery like Jenn and Matt did, you still instilled a great love and respect of nature in the process. I can’t get enough of camping or hiking because of you. I can walk or hike for miles on end because I have this need to see what’s around the corner or over the hill for the chance to see some wildlife. I am trying to instill the same love with my girls.

You have been an amazing and sweet Grandpa to Kaitlynn and Evelyn. They loved to go fishing with Grandpa. They loved to spend time with you. They loved talking to you on the phone. You always made them feel special and loved.

Thank you for teaching me to work hard. Thank you for teaching me to be strong. Thank you for teaching me that it is good to be smart. For encouraging me to be educated and to learn. Thank you for teaching me to love nature and football. Thank you for being my Dad. I miss you and love you so much. Give mom, Aunt Barbara, and my grandparents my love. Lots of hugs and kisses from me. I know that you’re in good hands.

Love you so much,

Courtney

From the Grandkids:

Kaitlynn:

I remember when Grandpa came to Boston when Evie and I were little. We went to Fenway Park to watch a Red Sox game. We took a trip up to Maine. Evie was still a baby. We stopped at a seafood place and Grandpa gave Evie a lemon slice to try. She didn’t like it. It was funny.

I remember Grandpa taking us fishing. I remember going to the Uintas and Evie caught a Tiger trout. Fishing with Grandpa was fun. Because of him, I love to go camping and fishing.

Grandpa always made me feel special and loved. I love you, Grandpa!

Evelyn:

Fishing with Grandpa was the best. It was a lot of fun. I love you, Grandpa!

Condolences may be left for the family on this site.