Albert Wayne Ivison

Albert Wayne Ivison, our “Papa Wayne” was born Albert Wayne Grimm on March 30, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho and passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in St. George, Utah at the age of 87. Papa Wayne was the son of Rosa (Pierce) and Earl Grimm. Growing up in Glendale, Utah with his two brothers, Jerry and Jim, they experienced the tragic loss of their mother. This childhood event was marked by both hardship and an extraordinary act of love as the three boys were lovingly adopted by Rosa’s sister, Alberta our “Grandma Bert,” and her husband, Edwin Ivison—an act of selflessness that shaped the course of their lives. Papa Wayne is now the last to join his brothers in the next chapter of their journey.

Wayne attended West High School in SLC, Utah and was a star running back on the football team. He left to join and proudly serve in the United States Army. After moving to Valparaiso Indiana, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn J. Schooley where they welcomed their first son, Mark Wayne. Papa and Carolyn had three children Mark, Karen, and Michael. After thirty years Papa and Carolyn later divorced yet remained friends.

Wayne later met and married Susan Ellis with whom they shared the past 33 years together, traveling and having many adventures exploring the US, playing Skip Bo and enjoying one another. Papa gained five wonderful children, Jodi, Jennie, Jillanne, Joshua and Jacob.

Wayne was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 16 great‑grandchildren, and 6 great‑great‑grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy and his eyes twinkled when they called him “Papa”. Papa Wayne has been reunited with his beloved son Mark and daughter Jodi.

Wayne lived life with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. He and Susan loved visiting National Parks and made frequent trips to South Dakota to witness the ongoing creation of the Crazy Horse Memorial. He rode motorcycles, enjoyed snow skiing, Lake Powell and boating. Owning and driving a Corvette was his happy place. Papa loved camping and later upgraded to a very cool motor home, which Papa directed instructions as Susan drove like a pro. Wayne was rarely seen without his loyal puppy, Sammy, by his side. Papa used to sing “SAMMY!?” if Sammy was not in sight and Sammy would come running, his beagle ears bouncing in joy. Papa developed a passion for horses, and his ever‑present Diet Coke became something of a personal trademark.

Wayne’s career began with his military service and continued through decades as a tire salesman and business owner. Known for his full mustache and signature toupee—he was a man whose appearance was as memorable as his personality. He enjoyed hunting and once famously brought home a mountain lion from a deer hunt, which was later preserved as a rug that became part of early family lore.

Above all, Papa loved his family. His life was shaped by resilience, tragedy, devotion, humor, and a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that filled his many years. His legacy lives on in the stories he leaves behind and the generations who carry his spirit forward. A gravesite memorial service will be held at the Southern Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2181 1600 S, Cedar City, UT 84720, on May 29, 2026, at 1:45 PM, where family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and honor of Wayne’s life.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Wayne’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com