Walter Lansing Ames

Walter Lansing Ames, 73, of Orem, Utah passed away peacefully in his home on June 22, 2020 surrounded by family and friends. He shamelessly thumbed his nose at Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade and finally needed some rest. We celebrate his life and honor his legacy of love, humor, service, knowledge and generosity. He was born August 17, 1946 in Long Beach, CA to Bill and Frances Ames, and is survived by his wife, 6 children, sister and brother, bonus mom, and a host of grandkids. He served an LDS mission in Japan, after which he married Evelyn, the love of his life, in 1969. Walt had an insatiable appetite for knowledge, and earned degrees from BYU (BS), University of Michigan (PhD), and Harvard Law School (JD). Having a deep love of Japan and an intrinsic understanding of its culture, he and his family spent more than 20 years living in the region in both professional and ecclesiastical contexts, the highlight of which was leading the Japan Nagoya Mission for the LDS Church from 1991-1994. Walt’s professional career included business consultant, executive search (aka “head hunting”), and university professor. One of his biggest loves was reading about war history and world culture. He was also an avid swimmer and had a great love of bluegrass music. Walt was a devoted husband and loving and engaged father. He traveled the world with his family, sharing disparate cultures and ways of being through the lens of an enlightened anthropologist, expanding and enriching the worldview of all around him. No matter the culture or location, Walt was a gifted conversationalist and quick to make friends with all who met him. He was a great source of wisdom, guidance and support to all who knew him. He tried to live in this world with kindness and to serve with love. We love you Dad! The viewing will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 10-12 at the Orem Utah Suncrest Stake Center at 90 North 600 West. All are welcome. We respectfully request that you wear a face mask. Please share your photos and memories at Nelson Mortuary (link). In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one out for katsudon, tako yaki or a mango lassi.