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Show 6 FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2016 DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost American flags line the sidewalks and grounds of the Dee Events Center, honoring the service and life of fallen UHP Trooper Eric Ellsworth on Nov. 30. DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost UHP Trooper Eric Ellsworth’s public funeral was held at Weber State University’s Dee Events Center on Nov. 30. He is survived by his wife, Janica, and three sons. DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost DALTON FLANDRO | The Signpost UHP Trooper Eric Ellsworth’s public funeral was held at Weber State University’s Dee Events Center on Nov. 30. Ellsworth passed away on Nov. 27 in the line of duty. ELLSWORTH ››continued from front the hymn’s lyrics. Among them were representatives from local law enforcement and 25 state agencies who stood and saluted the body as it moved closer to the podium. The music hushed, guests returned to their seats and heads bowed for the invocation. Governor Gary Herbert appeared, offering both praise and condolences to the fami- ly. He commended Ellsworth’s display of service both as a State Trooper and a former Latter-day Saint missionary. “Eric truly does represent the very best that society has to offer,” Herbert said. “He’s a hero — a hometown hero — one that we ought to all try and emulate in our own walk of life, and see if we can, in fact, do the same kinds of things he did in giving service to his fellow man.” Colleagues described Ellsworth as “dedicated” and “per- sistent.” He would apologize if he didn’t respond to more calls than his fellow troopers and felt embarrassed when he was recorded telling a drunk jaywalker to “get off the damn road.” “If Eric had it in his mind that he wanted to improve something, he would, and he would dedicate the time to do that,” Nebeker said. “Eric didn’t ever want it to appear that he was slacking. It would drive him nuts if he thought that someone was doing more than him.” Janica Ellsworth, wife and high school sweetheart to Eric Ellsworth, remembers waiting for him to return from his Latter-day Saint mission. She likened it to seeing him again when they enter the afterlife. “When you finally got home, it was one of the happiest days of my life. I remember thinking you were worth the wait,” she said. “This will be a short time away from each other, and how great will be my joy when we are reunited — this time, for eternity.” The closing prayer was spoken, and the family — bearing the casket — exited from where they entered. As the procession of cars continued, masses of people and giant flags surrounded the streets — a farewell to the departed hero. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com |