Kathryn Wanlass

Logan, Utah
Early on the morning of the thirtieth of September Kathryn Caine Wanlass died peacefully in her sleep. Born ninety-five years ago in Logan, Kathryn was heir to the rich pioneer heritage of the Caine and Eccles families. From the Caines she learned the value of an education, a love of animals and one's obligation to serve the community. From the Eccles she absorbed a belief in the power of philanthropy to improve the lives of all. Both families inculcated the enduring importance of the arts and culture and the beauty of the natural world.

Kathryn attended Utah State and graduated in English from Stanford University. A life-long love affair with Ralph Wanlass began during her college years after a chance meeting at her beloved Hebgen Lake. Like most women of her generation her married life was consumed with the raising of three children in Washington D.C. and Cincinnati,Ohio. It was not until her return to Utah after her husband's untimely death that her philanthropic work began. Few cultural institutions in Utah were left untouched by her generosity over the next forty years. Many students at Utah State University were recipients of her scholarships or benefitted from the programs her largesse supported. In Logan City Kathryn made important contributions to the refurbishment of the Ellen Eccles Theater, the Caine Lyric Theater and to Sunshine Terrace. At Utah State Kathryn helped to build a world-class performance hall, donated a major art and design library, and made important gifts of art and sculpture to the Harrison Museum of Art. She will be remembered for all her gifts but principally for her dedication to serving her community and for the warmth and sincerity she brought to every social relationship.

A reception will be held on Saturday the fifth of November from three to six PM in the Kathryn Caine Wanlass/Manon Caine Russell Performance Hall on the campus of Utah State University to remember and celebrate the life and accomplishments of Kathryn Caine Wanlass.