the kirklands

Val M EllisonVal M Ellison1958 ~ 2010Val M Ellison died of cancer on 30 January 2010. Val leaves behind many people whose lives have been forever changed because of his example of valiant living and his steadfast association and friendship.Born on 4 June 1958, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, to Myrna Loye Davies and Gary Ellison (raised by Herbert Harker), Val grew up in many places: Provo and Dugway, Utah, Pocatello, Idaho, Calgary, Alberta, and Santa Barbara, California. As a child, Val was known for his mischievous sense of humor and fastidious cleanliness; the family called him "Mr. Clean." He loved Tae Kwon Do, motorcycles, and rock music, especially the band, T. Rex. He was a leading conspirator in various youthful exploits with his siblings Wendy, Lori, and Brian. He made his family laugh and laugh, whether in sacrament meeting giggle sessions or in laugh-til-you-cry marathons around the fireside.In 1976 Val graduated from Santa Barbara High School and a year later served in the Colorado Denver Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a boy who "always knew the Church was true," Val blossomed spiritually during his mission. He became an exceptional missionary, baptizing dozens of people, and ultimately served as an Assistant to President Jack Wheatley. During his mission he helped develop a teaching curriculum called "The Lord's Program" that assisted investigators to change their lives in powerful ways.In 1980 Val married Sherrie Ann Payne, with whom he raised five wonderful children: Cory Elvidge (Jared), Jacob (Jamie), Victoria, Tara, and Luke. Nothing pleased Val more than to see his children excel and be happy. He delighted in giving them unusual opportunities to experience the joy of life, often at considerable sacrifice and expense. One Christmas he gave them all skis and boots, on another electric guitars and drums (to form a family band), on still another camping equipment"the common thread in all these gifts being their tendency to unite his children in fulfilling activities. Val was so proud of them for their personal successes. Before Tara went on her mission, for example, he took her on a trip to the Holy Land where they shared many sacred experiences.Val began his professional life as a banker. He had a keen mind for business, and was soon managing the Santa Barbara branch of County Savings, where he served as an executive vice president. Despite this success, Val recognized that this career path would not help him reach his potential for working with people to improve their lives. So in 1987 he quit his job, moved his family to Provo, Utah, and enrolled at Brigham Young University as a psychology major. Val excelled in school, graduating with his bachelor's degree in only three years. He then began a master's degree in sociology at BYU. During part of this time he supported his family by working as an expert ferrier, shoeing horses for appreciative clients throughout Utah Valley.In 1995 Val began working with the Utah County Government, Substance Abuse Division, as a treatment specialist at Foothill Treatment Center in Springville, Utah. In July 1997, he developed an intense new treatment curriculum and started the On-Unit-Treatment division of Foothill Treatment Center at the Utah County Jail (O.U.T. Program). The program became a huge success and Val was honored both as Utah County Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year. At the Fall 2009 Substance Abuse Conference he received the Justice Award from the State of Utah. The curriculum that he developed in the O.U.T. Program has since been implemented in other jails, prisons, and treatment programs across the United States. Val himself began teaching the program at his own Life Skills Institute, a company dedicated to helping people "do life well." Literally hundreds of grateful clients have expressed their appreciation to Val for his loving but demanding care.In 2004 Val's wife Sherrie died of cancer. His last two years were made especially sweet through his marriage to Melanie Larson McClellan. Together with her children Jen Kirkland (Kevin), Kylie Christensen (Dallas), Robbie, and Maddie, Melanie brought joy to Val's life during a difficult time. To the end, he exemplified a model of dedication to his great loves: his family, his work, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.Funeral Services will be held at 1050 E. 100 N., Lindon, Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (646 E. 800 N., Orem), prior to the service Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.