Dee’s Legacy
Allen “Dee” Pace was born June 5, 1951 and grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah, the son of Allen D. Pace and Arleane Porter and the eldest of six children. A graduate of Southern Utah State College, he went on to teach drama in Richfield, Utah from 1975-1976. In 1978, he and his wife, Nedra, relocated to Tremonton, Utah where he taught drama for 15 years. At that time, Pace became a school administrator—serving as Principal of Honeyville and Bear River Elementary Schools and Vice Principal of Bear River and Box Elder High Schools. He retired in 2008 after 30 years of service in public education only to return to the classroom as drama teacher at Box Elder Junior High School and Student Teacher advisor at Weber State University. As an educator, Pace had a profound impact on his students, many of whom were in touch with him at the end of his life.
Pace met his wife, Nedra, while performing at the Promised Valley Playhouse. He enjoyed performing with his wife and children and was deeply involved with local theaters throughout Northern Utah performing in and directing countless productions. He quickly became a favorite at the Heritage Theater in Perry, Utah where he served on the Board of Directors for several years. He delighted audience members and developed a large following of friends and fans.
In addition to his service as an educator and community member, Pace was admired for his ability to reach out and make others feel important and loved—particularly those most in need of friendship. His family remember him as a friend to everyone and recall having frequent visits from former students and guests at most family nights and holiday celebrations. Pace’s wife, children, and students created the Dee Pace Memorial Foundation to honor his legacy of service.
Nedra Pace
Much like her late husband Dee, Nedra has spent the majority of her life in the performing arts. From an early age, Nedra was recognized as a talented vocalist and musician, attending Rick’s College as a vocal performance major, later working as a backup singer for various artists including Lee Greenwood, Crystal Gayle, and Donny and Marie Osmond. It was in the Promised Valley Playhouse’s production of The Pirates of Penzance where Nedra met Dee and the unstoppable musical theater duo was formed!
Throughout the years Nedra played many roles in local to semi-professional musical theater productions, not only performing herself, but also directing, costuming, choreographing, teaching vocal lessons and everything in between. While Dee has been widely recognized for his service both as a community member and educator, Nedra was the quiet force at Dee’s side, ensuring all the missing pieces were pulled together to ensure a successful production. Nedra also dedicated several years to her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Heritage Community Theater for over 8 years as the Artistic Director.
After receiving an outpouring of love and support following Dee’s passing, Nedra quickly realized she wanted to do something positive in Dee’s memory, to perpetuate his life’s work in arts education and humanitarian services. With the help of beloved family friend Boyd Rogers, the Dee Pace Memorial Foundation was formed.
The Pace Family
In their nearly 42 years of marriage, Dee and Nedra raised 6 talented daughters, many of whom still
perform in or support community theater today.
“Growing up there was rarely a time when I don’t remember vocal students singing in the background, sewing costumes on the weekend, rushing off to an evening rehearsal or having a bunch of high school kids on our couch who just stopped by to visit mom and dad. Our parents were hardcore - always involved in something! It was through these experiences that my parents instilled in us the value of hard work, the importance of education and serving your community.” -Hayley Pace
Jessica, Katie, Hayley, Mickey, Meira and Kenzie, along with their families, wish to thank the DPMF Board of Directors, all of the generous donors and the Box Elder County community for the love and support they have received following their father’s passing.