Torch bearers
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Many members of the Church have been selected to carry the Olympic torch. Some are listed here; others have been featured in earlier editions. More will be featured in coming issues of the Church News.
Paul G. Osborn, Grandview 16th Ward, Provo
Utah Grandview Stake, carried the torch Feb. 5. He works at a
rehabilitation center to help patients overcome difficulties created by
strokes, brain injuries and/or developmental delays. He has coached youth
sports teams and served as a Scoutmaster.
Rogan L. Taylor, Cascade 4th Ward, Orem Utah
Cascade Stake, carried the torch Feb. 5 in Provo, Utah. A physical
therapist, he founded the charity "Nourish the Children," which raises
money to send packaged meals to children in needy countries.
Kimberly Purcell, Tremonton 4th Ward,
Tremonton Utah Stake, carried the torch Feb. 6. This Mia Maid was nominated
because she always reaches out to others to help or just be a friend.
Alice Averett, Corner Canyon 6th Ward, Draper
Utah Corner Canyon Stake, was nominated as a mother, accountant and youth
athletic leader. She has coached and supported youth soccer in the United
States and in military communities overseas. She organized opportunities
for children of soldiers in Korea to attend the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
J. Scot Halladay, Indian Lakes Ward, Boise
Idaho West Stake, carried the torch Jan. 25 in Boise. He and his wife,
Jenniffer, yes, that is the correct spelling of her name have been involved
for several years with the foster care program; last summer they adopted
one of their foster children, Athena. Without complaint, Brother Halladay
battles Crohn's disease.
Patricia J. Hales, Makati Villages Branch,
Phillipines Makati Stake, was selected to run with the torch in South
Jordan, Utah. Her husband, Don, is on temporary assignment in Manila with
the Church. She has been diagnosed with and overcome cancer twice. Her
daughter, Camille, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1999 and has
undergone five surgeries.
Jennifer Bischoff, North Field 7th Ward,
Pleasant Grove North Field Stake, was nominated for her volunteer work at a
school. She carried the torch Feb. 7.
Joel Allred, 44, Hyde Park 7th Ward, Hyde
Park Utah Stake, was nominated by many students at the school where he
works as the principal. The students said he cares about each one of them.
Stacey Clark, Westbrook 8th Ward, West Jordan
Utah Westbrook Stake, was nominated for her efforts and involvement in the
program Share Parents of Utah. She has organized a 5K run for the group.
Betti Valdez Eskelsen, Blackfoot 9th Ward,
Blackfoot Idaho East Stake, carried the torch Jan. 26. She was nominated
for the influence she has had on her family and for taking care of her
ailing mother.
Robert L. Richards, Berthoud Ward, Loveland
Colorado Stake, carried the torch Jan. 30. He was selected for his
community service, Scouting and his efforts to inspire youth.
Krieg Adair, 13, Monticello 3rd Ward,
Monticello Utah Stake, carried the torch on its first day in Utah, Feb. 4.
He organized a canned food drive for the local food bank and gathered
enough food to feed 87 children for one week. He has made the project an
annual event.
Thomas Scott Whitaker, Midway 1st Ward,
Midway Utah Stake, carried the torch Feb. 7. He was nominated for his
volunteer work at the Olympic venue, Soldier Hollow.
Chris MacKay, Crystal City Ward, Mount Vernon
Virginia Stake, was nominated by his employer, U.S. Congressman Chris
Cannon (R-Utah). Brother McKay said that carrying the torch was one of the
highlights of his life.
Tyler Brett Bass, 15, Holmes Creek Ward,
Kaysville Utah Stake, carried the torch Feb. 6 in Logan, Utah. He was
nominated by his family for his inspirational recovery from surgery that
successfully removed a brain tumor.
Howard Manwaring, Cedar 4th Ward, Pocatello
Idaho Central Stake, was selected because of his work with youth. He was a
marshal for juvenile court.
Natalie Rees, 26, Crescent 21st Ward, Sandy
Utah Lone Peak Stake, was nominated because she has a love for learning.
She is attending graduate school and has made a violin.
Darin Ogden, Timber Creek Ward, Boise Idaho
Stake, does not know why he was nominated but he feels it is so that he can
run in honor of his brother, Nathan, who was paralyzed from his chest down
in a skiing accident.
Patricia Fitt, Orchard 1st Ward, Orem Utah
East Stake, carried the torch Feb. 5 in Parowan, Utah. She was nominated by
her husband, Richard, for her courage in overcoming the death of one of
their children. She volunteers in the community and in the Church.
Rob Nixon, Brigham Young University 96th
Ward, BYU 10th Stake, carried the torch on Dec. 27 in Boston, Mass. He was
nominated because he is an example of determination, courage and hope and
because he finds the good in every situation. He and his brother, Reed,
were both paralyzed in an accident on their way home from a Young Men
activity. The Olympic committee requested that Reed mark the spot where Rob
started his trek with the torch.
Gregory L. Newbold, East Millcreek 9th Ward,
Salt Lake East Millcreek Stake, was nominated for achieving his dream of
being a professional artist. Greg believes art should be uplifting. He has
shared his talents with many groups and encourages others to pursue their
dreams. He carried the torch Feb. 8.
Norman O. Wahlstrom, Kaysville 17th Ward,
Kaysville Utah East Stake, was asked by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee
to run with the Olympic flame Feb. 6 in Ogden, Utah, in honor of his
mother, Mary Alice Wahlstrom, and his sister, Carolyn W. Beug, who were
killed in a plane that crashed into the World Trade Center.
Beth Sheffied Love, 82, Cottonwood 11th Ward,
Salt Lake Cottonwood Stake, was nominated by a grandson who she and her
husband raised. She plays tennis weekly and walks every day.
Georgia Omer, Windsor 2nd Ward, Orem Windsor
Stake, was nominated for her work with education. She teaches 6th grade and
volunteers with cross country, football and wrestling at a high school.
Annette McConnell Huntington, Orem 7th Ward,
Orem Utah Stake, was nominated by her husband Gary. He said she is
constantly sacrificing her own needs for the needs of her family.
Gene Cottrell, Fort Irwin Branch, Barstow
California Stake, carried the torch on Jan. 18. He was nominated for his
service to his family, the Church, community and country. He served as a
Cavalry Scout in the Army for 16 years.
Chip Yost, Chantilly Ward, Oakton Virginia
Stake, carried the torch on Dec. 21. He is the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen.
Robert Bennett (R-Utah) and was nominated by Mitt Romney, president of
SLOC, for his help with the Olympics over the past six years.
Church News readers are encouraged to submit information and photos of members participating as torch bearers. Must include ward and stake information. Please submit photos by e-mail attachment in JPEG format.
E-mail: shaun@desnews.com
