(2/19/99)

Music, tributes, tears and laughter today celebrated the life of Eugene Jelesnik, who died this week at 84.

If you've spent any time in this state which he called home for 60 years, then you've heard his story or you at least knew him as Utah's Mr. Entertainment. Here's how close friends remembered Eugene Jelesnik today at his funeral.

Jelesnik, who wanted a song in everybody's heart, received musical tributes from performers who frequently shared his stage, as he spent his life to bring music to the masses.

When Jelesnik needed something to wear besides his trademark sequined conductor's jackets, he bought his suits from Mr. Mac. Mac Christensen recalled, "No one smiles the way Eugene smiled, no one planned, worked, thought cared.."

Jelesnik cared enough about popular entertainment, that among the many acts he booked as firsts in Salt Lake was "The Greatest Show on Earth," and for years assembled and directed the musicans who accompanied the circus. Bill Powell, of Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus, said, "In the circus, we never say goodbye. We just say 'We'll see you down the road.' Maestro, God I love you. We'll see you down the road."

President Thomas S. Monson, of the LDS Church First Presidency said, "I don't know when I've seen a cartoon do a better job of portraying anybody, than the cartoon in the paper this morning... showing heaven, a pedestal, Eugene standing on it, baton in hand. And there's a host of angelic beings, with clouds surrounding them."

We at KSL join with the many others in fond memories of Eugene.