Brant Herbert Wall

Brant Herbert Wall passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the remarkable age of 104, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 31, 1919 in Castle Dale, Utah, Brant was the fourth of six children born to Alva Frederick Wall and Ida Mae Jones. His life was a testament to hard work, resilience, and dedication to family, law, and community. Services will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 with a viewing at 10:30 am and funeral services at 12:00 pm at their neighborhood chapel at 4407 S. Fortuna Way (3695 East), Salt Lake City, UT 84124.

As a young man while cutting and bailing hay, he would occasionally see people driving down the highway in nice cars and he knew he wanted a better life and knew that getting an education would help him achieve his dreams and goals. That desire led him to advance his education by first attending Carbon College in Price, Utah (now USU Eastern) and then transferred to the University of Utah, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His studies were temporarily put on hold when he served during World War II in the United States Marine Corp and later in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Amarillo, Texas. Upon returning, Brant completed law school at the University of Utah in 1949, beginning a distinguished career that would span more than six decades.

He married the love of his life, Betty Jane Ogden, whom he met at a University of Utah dance held at the Old Mill at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon which still stands today. They were married on November 26, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah while Betty was in nursing school at LDS Hospital. Together, they raised four sons; Greg, Scott, Steven, and Cory. Brant and Betty shared a love story that lasted 78 years until her passing in 2021 at the age of 99. They were later sealed in the LDS Salt Lake Temple in November 1977.

Brant ultimately became the oldest member of the Utah State Bar, and during his career represented clients on a vast range of legal matters over his more than 70 years of practice, primarily focusing on real estate and eminent domain. Because of his renowned expertise he represented landowners and clients over the entire state. His expertise in real estate earned him the respect of other practitioners so much so that even the most experienced attorneys sought out his advice and input on a regular basis and on a wide range of matters. He successfully tried his last jury trial in 2013, at the age of 93, showing his enduring passion for law. Brant took immense pride in working alongside three of his sons and two grandsons at the law firm of Wall & Wall which he founded, Brant was likewise immensely proud of his son Scott who had a successful career as a Special Agent for the FBI. 

Brant had a vivid and adventurous childhood that included a lot of hunting in the mountains near home. He was a hard worker as a young man as was the case with all people of his generation. He worked hard doing tasks for his grandfather, father and others including cutting and bailing hay, tending to and taking care of the family livestock which included herding cattle in the mountains during summers, and delivering newspapers on horseback. His love for the outdoors and family continued throughout his life, with many cherished moments spent camping, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding with his wife, children, and grandchildren at the family cabin in Joe's Valley.

Brant left this life with a full heart, knowing that he was able to tell each and every one of his friends and family members how much he loved them. His wealth was not counted by riches but by his truest treasure in life; his wife and family. Brant was our hero and biggest fan. For those blessed enough to know him, he was your truest friend. He genuinely loved people.

Brant is survived by his sons Gregory B. Wall (Marla), O. Scott Wall (Carolyn), Steven B. Wall (Sheila), and Cory R. Wall (Deanna). He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, who affectionately call him “Papa” and “Son of a gun grandpa” and all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his last remaining sibling, Joann Crawford of Ferron, Utah together with numerous nieces and nephews.

Brant was a man of charismatic wisdom and humor, and shared his longevity secret: “Marry a good woman and don’t get sick.” His advice to others was shaped by his early realization that education was the key to a successful life, a lesson he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Brant’s service during World War II helped shape his compassionate nature. His work with military personnel struggling with acclimating to and dealing with issues related to military life gave him great empathy for all those he encountered over his life. 

Brant's final days were filled with him telling everyone, "Love you, love you, love you," a constant reminder that his family was the most important thing to him. Brant’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service to others which is what made him a truly happy man. It is said that the happiest people are those with the fewest regrets and this seemed to explain Brant’s optimism and mostly cheerful nature over his life. He leaves behind a family who cherishes the memories they shared with him, as well as countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his wisdom and kindness. Brant made sure that his four sons, family, and friends knew just how fiercely he loved them. 

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the tireless and loving care provided to Brant by the staff of The Ridge Cottonwood Assisted Living and his hospice team with Canyon Home Care and Hospice, not to mention many of the residents at The Ridge with whom Brant developed many wonderful friendships.

Brant’s family takes comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved Betty. He will be deeply missed but will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The service will be livestreamed on the Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Goff-Mortuary-116988261695382/  

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)