Irene Warr

October 6, 1931 - January 30, 2013

Irene Warr

1931 – 2013

My loving mother passed away on January 30th in Salt Lake City, due to complications stemming from Multiple Myeloma.

Irene Warr, a native of Erda, Tooele County, Utah began her law related career as a legal secretary for the Utah State Tax Commission Inheritance Tax Division on March 1, 1949, after graduating from Tooele High School.  She enrolled in Westminster College in 1950, when she also began working in the law office of the late Dan B. Shields.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1954, cum laude in biology, chemistry and pre-med., and then entered the University of Utah College of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor in 1957.  Since 1957 she had been engaged in private practice in Salt Lake City.

She had served the Utah State Bar in several capacities, including terms on the Fee Arbitration Committee and Discipline Committee.  She maintained membership in the Utah State Bar, Salt Lake County Bar, and the American Bar Association, belonging to several sections.  For more than forty-eight years Irene was a member of the National Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy Association, where she had served as Regional Vice President.

Irene had served as a Trustee and President of the Legal Aid Society and as a Trustee and President of the Sarah Daft Home and had been a board member on numerous other community charities and civic organizations.  She was a member of the Murray Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Irene was a past state president of the Business and Professional Women of Utah. She founded the nonprofit BPW Utah Foundation and served as its first President. Irene was involved in BPW for more than 50 years.

In 1998 she received the first Distinguished Alumni Award presented by Westminster College of Salt Lake City.  She was recognized among the first 100 women admitted to practice law in the State (she was the 38th admittee).  She held the oldest active license among Utah's women lawyers.  In July of 1999, the Utah State Bar designated Irene the "Distinguished Lawyer of the Year" for the State of Utah. In 2007 she was presented with the Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award For the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession.

Irene is survived by her only child Dan B. Busey (Sarah Ann Sherk); grandsons Benjamin Alex and Patrick Ryan, who were the light of her life. 

Respecting her wishes, there will be no services.  Her family requests that those of you who knew her, celebrate her life and achievements at the time of your choosing and in the manner that we all know she would approve.

Donations can be made in Irene's name to the cancer research charity of your choice.

 

Camp Irene or The Queen of Clean by Ben Busey and Irene Warr 2012

I was sent to Camp Irene

To live with the Queen of Clean

Every day we looked for dirt

Every day I wore a clean shirt

and I turned sixteen!                                  

(That was pretty neat)

In this house you pick up your sox

And anything loose gets put in a box

And the only object at the end of a toss

Is the clothes hamper!

This you need to get through your bean

If you are going to live with the Queen of Clean

(And I always got plenty to eat)

I wore out my gloves

I got a few loves

But rarely got to sleep in

It was work, work, work,

Do not shirk

And in the end you will win!

 

So sayeth the Queen of Clean:

You survived….

You thrived….

And perhaps some day

You'll be able to say

It was quite a stay at Camp Irene

 

In Loving Memory

My dear, Irene, I will be sad for a very long time. I'll never forget your amazing personality and clearly remember the first time we met in 1964. So glad I got to see you recently. May God speed you to happiness and joy and love. Glena

Glena Montoya

West Valley City, UT

Dear Dan, Sarah, Benjamin, & Patrick, We just want you to know how important your mother, grandmother was in our lives. She was so good to our families and has helped us along the way. One thing about her she would say it like it was. She was so proud of those grandsons. Anytime we were in the office or at lunch she would bring out pictures and stories of them. What an opportunity for Benjamin to come to camp Irene..She loved every minute of his stay with her. Just want you to know how much Irene was loved and we will miss her so much.. Our thoughts are with your family The Godfreys Dick, Diane,Scott & Aunt Erma,

Dick,Diane &Scott Godfrey

Cottonwood Heights, Ut

Irene, My friend, my mentor: Thank you for the lessons, the laughs and the tireless effort on behalf of others. You are family! As always, love Shelley.

Shelley Wiseman

Salt Lake City, UT

I met Irene while walking at the Valley Fair Mall. Both of us were very committed 'mall walkers'. I was very impressed with her professionalism and dedication to her craft. She was a very classy lady. I am so sorry for your loss. Leslee

Leslee Dalton

West Valley City, ut

Irene Warr was a true pioneer. As one of the first women admitted to practice law in this State, she paved the way for all those who followed. I had the pleasure of working with Irene on a number of cases, including human resource matters for Dick Simon Trucking. Irene's brilliance was mixed with good common sense, a no nonsense approach, and a dry wit. I will miss her deeply. My condolensces to the family. My only regret is Irene did not want us to come together in a celebration of her life. My law firm made a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in her memory.

Don Winder

Salt Lake City, UT

Dan, I had the pleasure of being in the Murray Rotary club with your mother. She was an absolute joy to know. My condolecnes to you and your family.

Kyle Winther

Murray, UT

I left a message on the Tribune website too, and here's what I said. Irene and I started as colleagues but became friends. I was supposed to go with Irene to San Carlos this winter, but she became sick and could not go. Our last conversation was her deep regret she would not make it there and also her having to give up her practice. The Salt Lake legal community, especially the women, will miss her. San Carlos and its Rotary Club will miss her. I will miss her. She was a pioneer; she was strong; she was her own woman.

Cindy Crass

nan, nan

Dan and Ben Busey, I'd like to let you know what an impact Irene had on my life as a forward thinking woman and professional. She was always there for our family legally and personally. She fished with my father in Mexico and guided our family through legal issues. I had an "appointment" to see your mom/grandmother at Highland Care but unfortunately missed her by 2 days. I feel lucky to have run into her at the grocery store while she was scooting around purchasing M&M's. I will miss her presence and am sad for your loss. Sincerely, Karen Elliott

Karen Elliott

Holladay, Ut

Our family was so lucky to know Irene. She did work for us on many occasions. We will always remember her supreme kindness in dealing with us, her knowledge and explanations of all things legal, and her genuine concern for us. She was such a wonderful woman. Jackie Goalen Detmers, Jill Goalen Laws, Jeff Goalen.

Jackie Detmers

Sandy, Ut

I was married to Irenes nephew for many years. She was the kindest, smartest and most generous person I think I have ever known. Her passing leaves a great void in our lives.. She was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Farewell to a wonderful Lady.

Donna Warr

West Jordan, Ut

We have lost one of the brightest minds I have ever know, What a treat to have known someone who could practice law and still be fun to be arouns! I loved the way she would get right to the point and not mince words. All of us that met Irene have become better people for it. Thank you and God Bless.

Richard Lucas

Salt Lake City, Ut

Dear Dan and family. I cannot convey with words what Irene meant to me. She has been a friend and mentor for most of my life. She was a friend and attorney for my grandfather, father, and myself. All of her friends, clients and associates called her "mother" for a very good reason. She was a kind, generous and caring individual who helped me from my teenage years throughout my life. The education she gave me will be with me forever. . I will miss her greatly. May her memory be eternal.

Bruce W. Shand

Salt Lake City, Ut

Dan and Sarah Please except our sincere sympathy for your loss. I know how much you loved and respected your mother. She was a incredible woman that accomplished a great deal. I will always remember her great sense of humor and genuine kindness. I also remember how much pride she took in having you as a son. I would like to hear from you. I often think of you. Gail Miller tells me that you still work for the Miller group. If you find a few minutes please contact me. My cell number is 801 949 9635. Again I'm so sorry for your loss.

Doug and Terry Howell

Sandy, Ut

Dear Dan, On behalf of Pixie and her family, we would like to express our love and deepest sympathy to you at this very sad time. You and your Mother made a great team. The two of you showed dedication to Pixie that was nothing short of amazing. We will always remember your Mother and we give great thanks for her and her life. I know that her love for you and her strength, will help you through this loss. With Love,

Cindy D.

nan, nan

Irene's Family, Irene was my attorney, but she was much more than that to me. She was so caring, and helped me through multiple estates, in whatever ways she could. She kept her fees at a very low rate, knowing our financial situation. Half the time she didn't even charge me for her time. Most of all, she encouraged me, and made me feel up to the tasks before me. She called me to tell me she was sick and to tell me she loved me. We cried together. I have learned a great deal from her and will miss her. God bless you.

Geri Turley

Bountiful, Ut

Your Mother (grandmother), was very helpful when my father passed away. They had known each other for decades. My father was a real estate broker. Then later she also helped me set up a trust for my family, and gave me some good advice. I was saddened hearing of her passing. I also was astounded at how old she was. I assumed maybe she was in her eighties. She was a beautiful lady. I am glad I had the privilege to have known that wonderful woman.

Leslie Smith

Salt Lake City, UT

Our family would like to thank all of you for your very kind words. Dan, Sarah, Ben and Pat.

Dan Busey

Corrales, NM

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