Lavar Krantz

Eldon LaVar Krantz, our devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 at the age of 80. LaVar was born November 6, 1930 to Henry C. and Ida S. Krantz in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Alberta Clayton on June 4, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. She passed away on October 22, 1957. On October 2, 1961, he married Marilyn Wright in the Salt Lake Temple. LaVar was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and he had a sure testimony and love of the Savior. Most of the service he rendered in the church was musical in nature. He was a gifted violinist. His playing came from the heart, creating a unique and beautiful sound that was unmatched. It will be missed! At the age of 19, he became a member of the Utah Symphony. In 1965, he and his family moved to Rochester, New York where he pursued his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music and was awarded a full scholarship. He was concertmaster of the Eastman Philharmonic and played first violin in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1968, he accepted a teaching position at the University of Hawaii music department. For the 30+ years he resided in Hawaii, he also performed with the Honolulu Symphony, with various chamber groups and as a free-lance musician. He enjoyed teaching students privately and many of them have gone on to perform professionally. After retiring, he and Marilyn moved back to Utah in 1999. He remained active in music by performing, giving violin lessons, and establishing the Canyon View Strings Orchestra. LaVar loved nature and beauties of the world. He was a master gardener. Since returning to Utah, he produced a beautiful garden. Many people enjoyed visiting his home each year to see his iris and daylilies. His greatest joy was his family, and he always found time to be with them. All of his children, as well as some grandchildren, play the violin. He was a wonderful photographer, and the pictures he took of his family will be treasured for years to come. He leaves a legacy of music, a sense of humor, appreciation for the beauties of this world, and an example of service, sacrifice and love. We will miss him greatly. LaVar is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children: Valerie (Craig) Lawrence, Laurilyn (Wade) Butin, Rosalie (Kelly) Keddington and Norman (Melinda) Krantz; sister Marlene (Glen) Steiner, brother Darol (Phyllis) Krantz, and 12 grandchildren. Preceded in death by: his first wife, Alberta, two daughters, Diane and Linda, his sister Ardel, and his parents. We want to thank his many doctors and his nurse Dede and others who have given such compassionate and tender care. Services will be held at Sandy Hills Ward, 1500 East 8600 South on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 E. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com.