Many members of the Church carried the Olympic torch. Some are listed here; others have been featured in earlier editions. More will be featured in coming issues of the Church News.
Anita Rawlinson, Hilltop Ward, Billings Montana East Stake, is a runner, voice teacher and operatic performer despite asthma and allergies.
Larry W. Evans, Hobble Creek 12th Ward, Springville Utah Hobble Creek Stake, is a Boy Scout merit badge counselor who teaches at a corrections academy.
Kent Cravens, Oakridge 6th Ward, Farmington Utah Oakridge Stake, is a criminal investigator who tries to educate school, church and community groups about gang problems.
Lavell Pack, Sage Lakes Ward, Idaho Falls Idaho North Stake, lost a leg in a farming accident when he was 12. Nominated by more than 80 people, he helps coach wrestling at an elementary level.
H. Peter Larsen, Wolf Hollow 1st Ward, Spanish Fork Utah South Stake, is majoring in aviation at Utah Valley State College.
Jan G. Bunker, Jordan Oaks 4th Ward, West Jordan Utah Oaks Stake, enjoys working with the youth and the Boy Scouts.
Rodney Johnson, Huntington 4th Ward, Huntington Utah Stake, was nominated for his endurance. After a fall from a horse, he was in a coma for three weeks. He relearned to walk and talk.
David Olsen, Moab 3rd Ward, Moab Utah Stake, was chosen by the mayor of Moab to run the torch. He is active in improving the community and works with youth.
Mike Vanover, Park Avenue Ward, Logan Utah Stake, (left) was nominated by his wife, Mary Ann. He had two knee replacements 11 years ago. His son, Andrew Vanover (center), and daughter, Becky Landa (right), Hyrum 2nd Ward, Hyrum Utah Stake, also carried the torch the same day.
Braden Howe, Roy 10th Ward, Roy Utah South Stake, was paralyzed in a bicycle accident when he was 13. He earned his Eagle Scout award, graduated from high school with honors, participated in many service projects, gives speeches about bicycle safety and attends Weber State University.
Evan Allred, Canyon View Ward, Centerville Utah Canyon View Stake, has been a dedicated music teacher for more 30 years.
R. Christine Ollerton, Spring Creek 1st Ward, Springville Utah Spring Creek South Stake, (left) was nominated by her daughter, Jennifer Roper (right), who was also chosen to participate in the torch relay. Sister Ollerton has spent 40 years teaching dance. Sister Roper, Sunset 13th Ward, Provo Utah Sunset Stake, was involved in dance and taught geography.
Angela M. Ingo, Red Pines Ward, Spanish Fork Utah Canyon View Stake, was nominated by her husband, Timothy, because of her optimism, devotion to her family and genuine love of life.
Jill Weight, Murray 3rd Ward, Murray Utah Stake, was nominated by a friend and a neighbor because of her love and appreciation for her children. She serves in stake Primary and teaches second grade.
Sheri Wright, Grand Junction 8th Ward, Grand Junction Colorado West Stake, has continued to inspire and care for her family and those around her throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Meredith G. Majakey, BYU 96th Ward, BYU 11th Stake, was chosen because she motivates others by her happiness and example. Her fiance Steven L. Sleight, BYU 180th Ward, BYU 1st Stake, was selected to carry to torch because of the letter of nomination he wrote about her.
Anthony H. and Joyce McCullough Ivins, Green Valley 1st Ward, St. George Utah Green Valley Stake, are retired and have worked with youth in many parts of the world.
Kimberly Leinbach, BYU 177th Ward, BYU 1st Stake, fought Epstein-Barr disease and depression to join the BYU Folk Dance Ensemble.
Jerry S. Stott passed the torch to Kim Gardner. She nominated Bishop Stott, of the Cottonwood 16th Ward, Salt Lake Big Cottonwood Stake, because of his dedication and perseverance. He coached many young athletes. SLOC asked Sister Gardner if she would carry the torch, as well.
Alan C. Ashton, Sharon 5th Ward, Orem Utah Sharon Stake, was nominated for his good business sense and his contributions to society.
Bret Jenkins, South Jordan 16th Ward, South Jordan Utah River Stake, donated a kidney to his younger brother; 11 months later he ran his fifth marathon.
Mark Holyoak, Spokane 4th Ward, Spokane Washington East Stake, was contacted to run as a last-minute replacement. He is a television sports anchor.
Robert F. Jensen, Prunedale Ward, president of the Monterey California Stake, was nominated by his daughter, Melissa, for his support and encouragement throughout her life. He designed the official neckties of the Olympics.
Ryan Stucki, Moab 2nd Ward, Moab Utah Stake, was nominated by his dad and friend Emma because he has overcome many challenges. He is a long-distance runner and also excels in scholastics. When he graduates from high school, he will also receive an associate degree from a college extension.
Brandy Cook, Jordan River 13th Ward, South Jordan Utah River Stake, was nominated for her ability to brighten other people.
Robin Russell Saeva, Orchard 9th Ward, North Salt Lake Stake, was nominated for her enthusiasm for the Olympics and for her determination to accomplish things that others think cannot be done.
Church News readers are encouraged to submit information and photos of members participating as torch bearers. Must include ward and stake information. Please submit photos by e-mail attachment in JPEG format.
E-mail: shaun@desnews.com
