Alfred 'Al' Belt
January 14, 1945 - August 22, 2022
Alfred (Al) Belt passed away peacefully surrounded by love at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, UT on August 22, 2022. Having been diagnosed with urothelial cancer the previous September, he met the challenges of his illness with grit and fortitude.
Born in Leiden, Holland in 1945, he immigrated with his family in 1952 and called Ogden, UT home. In 1966 at the age of 21 he was naturalized and became a citizen of the United States – an achievement of which he was enormously proud. Al graduated from Ogden High School in 1963 and pursued a bachelor's degree from Weber State University followed by a master's degree from Arizona State University. As a lifelong learner and avid reader, he entertained those around him with his vast knowledge of everything.
A sense of community was especially important to him – from his early work in men's textiles, his successful career in commercial real estate, his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and serving in the Thunderbird Motor Club of Utah. Many also know him through his participation in various car shows, not only locally but throughout the country as well. It was at these events where he met lifelong friends and was quick to share a laugh (and reprimand anyone who dared touch his car).
Life's simple pleasures brought him joy – a colorful sunrise or sunset, a good cup of coffee (extra hot), fresh flowers around the house, finding the perfect .gif for a text, sharing a news article he found interesting, etc. Even his favorite catch phrase, “It is what it is,” is profound in its simplicity. Yet he also had an appreciation for the finer things in life and surrounded himself with beauty – admiring the paintings around his home and his leather-bound book collection.
Above all things, Al was a lover – of life, of cars, of working in his yard, of travel, of friends, of family and especially the love of his life, Beth. They married in 1990 and shared 32 wonderful years together building a life that impacted so many around them. Together they traveled the world and experienced many amazing things, but his favorite place to be was always with his friends and family.
We, Al's family, would like to thank the doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Their tireless care throughout his cancer journey means more to us than we can possibly express. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor.
Please join us for an open house celebration of life on Wednesday, November 23rd (Pie Night), from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the evening at the Garden Park Clubhouse (11150 S Tydeman Way, South Jordan, UT 84009). Comments and sharing at 7:00 pm.
“If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much,” – Al Belt.
In Loving Memory
I have had the honor of doing some bookkeeping work for Al and Beth for the last 17 years. It was always a highlight to get to visit with Al while I worked. Al and I share a love of cars, specifically Mustangs. He always checked mine out and was always impressed by how immaculate I kept her. If you know Al every car he drove and owned is just so clean and if not driven probably covered up. Dear Friend I will miss making sure the details are taken care of for you in the books. Visiting with you and most recently cheering you on during this cancer journey checking in during the weeks to find out where we stood. I will continue to help Beth do the statements each month and I will show her what you looked for and we will make sure things are perfect. I know you will have your eye on us. I hate goodbyes so I will just say until we see each other again My Dear Friend. Beth and Family I will pray for peace in your hearts.
Beth and Family you're the True Loves of Al's Life. He will be sincerely missed, but Not Forgotten, by the many people his life touched. Al, I'm both proud and honored to call you a close friend for the last 20+ years. I will greatly miss our conversations on Solving the World's Problems, People and of course Cars at our Saturday "Coffee Posse" meetings. Not to mention our Breakfast and Wings outing's, Carshows and the list goes on. Al, now that you're at the "Big Car Show in the Sky" please do us all a favor and get it organized correctly for the rest of us. Save me a spot and we'll be seeing you there, down the road a bit. Beth and Family, our Sincere Condolences and Sympathies along with our Thoughts and Prayers during this difficult time. Butch (Alfred) and Nancy Bartkoske
Our family and the Belt family knew each other years ago. We also came to America from Holland about the same time. I remember Al and his family. Sorry for your loss. John Neyts
Rieneke I am so sorry to hear of you brothers passing. My condolences to your family. Iwoud love to hear from you. Janna Walton
Rieneke I am so sorry to hear of you brothers passing. My condolences to your family. Iwoud love to hear from you. Janna Walton
My late husband, Doug Raley and I, were blessed to call Al Belt our dear friend. He touched our life with true loyalty and always with infectious laughter. His integrity in all things meant so much to us both. He also brought a distinctive sense of style to Doug's wardrobe as he bought Al's latest season of Christian Dior suits each year. Meeting Beth was a dream come true for Al...he was definitely in search of the "future Mrs. Belt." What a wonderful treasure she and her family were to his life. I will always remember and hold dear all of the fun times and the memorable experiences we had together. The legacy that Al left is enviable. He truly lived his best life. We are all better for having known him. I will always hold a special place for him in my heart. My love and sympathy to his family in this sad loss. Audrey Raley Audrey Raley
Beth, I so remember the joy when you met Al. And clearly it stayed throughout your wonderful, adventurous years together. May the memories and family help you grieve and sustain you as you enter this next chapter.
I was sorry to read Al's obituary. I remember him as a neighbor on Wallace Lane in Holladay (If this is the right Al Belt). I walked my dog by every day and enjoyed the visits with you. The Oat Grass you gave me is still doing very well in our yard. Best Wishes, Jim and Helen David
I didn't know Al for very long, but in the short time that I got to know him, he grew to be what I considered a good friend. We shared similar interests in cars and real estate and I always loved our chats that seemed to go on way longer than either of us thought they would. My favorite memory of him was when a few friends and I took the late afternoon and went to autocross our cars at Utah Motorsports Park. I had mentioned that we were going to do that to Al earlier that day and about halfway through our session, he showed up just to watch and enjoy the fun. We always said we'd go out and do that again together, but we never were able to find the time. I wish we had.
I had the privilege of working with Al Belt as a young commercial real estate broker at Wallace Associates in downtown Salt Lake City in the historic Herald Building located 165 Main from 1995-1997. I remember being in a little cubicle, sitting across from Al. He would wave to me every day as we were separated by a multi-story atrium that spanned 4 floors...I remember hearing the faint gurgling of a fountain several floors down... I was 22 years old. Al Belt went out of his way to treat me with kindness and respect. I always looked forward to seeing him in the office. His example of professionalism and kindness inspired me. I remember his dear wife, Beth, who was also so kind to me. The crowning achievement of Al's career was the sale of the high profile Traverse Mountain land assemblage, which I believe included the Micron property. Over a decade later, I had the opportunity to help structure the master plan that exists today on a significant portion of that same property - and recalled often the extraordinary work of Al Belt, who set the wheels in motion. I am so thankful to have known and worked with Al. We send our love, respect, admiration & condolescences to Beth and family. Al's memory will be kept alive. With love, Brandon Fugal
In Loving Memory
