Bernard 'Barney' Elliott Bettilyon

Just imagine him in his beloved red Porsche Boxster as he heads into the sunset. Barney passed on July 4, 2021, in St. George, Utah of interstitial lung disease. He was the son of Bernard Luther (B. Lue) and Hope Clark Sanford Bettilyon, and was born July 20, 1943 in Salt Lake City.

Barney attended Highland High School and the University of Utah. He married Karen Luderman on December 23, 1966. He worked at Kennecott Copper Co., was a manager at a Handy Pantry Market in Sacramento, CA, and the rest of his life worked as a general contractor at The Bettilyon Corporation building industrial and commercial buildings. He served as President of the company until 2001 when he sold the company and he retired to do the things he always wanted to do.

He was a past member of the Salt Lake Jaycees, Salt Lake Rotary Club, Porsche Club of America, and the Intermountain Region Porsche Club. He and Karen went camping with their family and friends, traveled in a motorhome, took cruises, and enjoyed many adventures. Barney was an intelligent man and had a great sense of humor, often willing to share it with others free of charge. He loved to voice his thoughts with others and enjoyed a good debate. Family gatherings frequently included discussions around his recent editor’s letter in the Opinion section of the Salt Lake Tribune, or discovering the recent escapades of his grandchildren necessitating some sage advice.  He was an ardent fan of the University of Utah cheering for the Utes, especially at the football parties with friends.

Barney is survived by his wife, Karen, daughters Andrea Vogt Kay (Casey), Megan Bettilyon (Tom Driscoll), and Therese Kelly; son Walter Bettilyon (Tracy); grandchildren Kateylyn Vogt Metcalf (Craig), Masey Kay, Caitlyn Bettilyon, Zachary Bettilyon, Anthony Farmer and Wyatt Kelly. His little feline devotee misses him and often goes on a search as she was his constant companion during his illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty Bettilyon Campbell.

As per his wishes, there will be no funeral.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.

Barney, you left us with your knowledge of integrity, the strength of hard work, honesty in all endeavors, and the courage to stand through adversity. You are so very loved and greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ronald McDonald house that he supported or a charity of your choice.

“He lived and laughed and loved and left.” (James Joyce)