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In Memory

Ursel H Allred (Teacher)

Ursel H Allred (Teacher)

Ursel H. Allred A Class Act  Ursel took a final bow and the curtain closed on the life of a fascinating human being and a remarkable teacher  Dec. 12th. Born July 23, 1925 at Leeton, Utah to Ines Meranda and James Heber Allred. Home was a farm in the Uintah Basin, he excelled in school and participated in extracurricular activities to stay away from the farm. Graduated from Alterra High, class of 43. To avoid the draft, he joined the Navy. The Navy shipped him to Saipan, Mariana Islands and later to Japan as part of the post war occupation force. Claims he grew up fast. Out of the navy, into BYU obtaining degree in theatre arts in 1949. As he wrote "I found a field of work I loved and now on to teaching." First stop was Uintah High School between 1949 to 1951 while attending graduate school at the U of U during the summers. He took a year off to attend grad school learning as much about "acting, directing and all facets of theatre" as possible. Signed on at South High in 1952 where he met "great students and did exciting plays. and theatre work." In 1957, he transferred to Highland High where he spent the next thirty years having the time of my life-working with outstanding students and colleagues, producing, directing and teaching theatre They produced "nearly all the big and exciting musicals during those years "for the school play. Ursel liked pushing the envelop, he selected interesting material, demanded a lot and gave a lot. Consequently, the students won many state drama awards for best play and individual acting during his tenure. He retired in 1987. Retirement did not diminish his love of theatre, it merely put him in the audience rather than directing. He embarked on theatre and opera tours to New York, London, San Francisco, and Santa Fe along with attending "local theatre productions, the symphony, the opera and having a pleasant life'" working in his yard, reading vociferously, and cultivating friendships. He managed to stay incredibly active in spite of a number of health problems over the past few of years. Preceded in death by parents, brother and his closest friend and lifelong collaborator, Jack Vigos.  Survived by nephews, colleagues, former students and friends along the road. A special thank you to the crew and patrons at Over the Counter cafe.  He appreciated the service, friendships and conversations. The flowers were a great tribute. As per his wishes, his remains were cremated to be interred at Wasatch Lawn. A memorial service will he held. at the First Unitarian Church at 569 South 1300 East, on Monday_ January 12 at 5:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, he suggested a contribution to any theatre group, the symphony or the opera. Any questions, contact Marc at 278-3538.  Urs, we'll miss you