Ira Fulton, a generous friend and supporter of BYU College of Nursing, passed away on August 21 at the age of 94. Known for his compassion and desire to help others, Ira served as a constant example of Christlike love and service. The College of Nursing mourns his passing and commemorates his great life.
Ira contributed liberally to the College of Nursing. Continuing his lifelong legacy of "helping others help themselves," he established the Myrtie Fulton Chair in Nursing in honor of his mother.
Ira often spoke of what he learned from his mother. During the Great Depression, she ran a café and would feed those who were hungry, even when they could not afford to pay. As a boy, Ira wondered how she could give food away when their own family had so little. Her example taught him about caring for others. That stayed with him throughout his life and helped shape his extraordinary generosity.
There is something especially fitting about Ira choosing to honor his mother through nursing. The compassion she modeled, seeing someone in need and choosing to care for them, is at the heart of what nurses are called to do every day. Through the Myrtie Fulton Chair in Nursing, that legacy of compassion continues to influence nursing education and the patients, families, and communities our graduates serve.
For many students, Ira's generosity helps them participate in Global and Population Health Nursing Clinical Practicums. This gives them the opportunity to grow as nurses and extends their impact to communities across the world.
One student, blessed by Ira’s generosity, said of their practicum: "I know Heavenly Father loves each and every person in the world and I felt His love as we taught the sweet students [in Paraguay] . . . Many thanks to the donors who made this experience possible."
These experiences allow students to grow closer to their Heavenly Father and His children. They learn more of divine love, setting them up to continue Ira's legacy of compassion.
As an expression of gratitude for his contributions to BYU College of Nursing, Ira was made an honorary nurse by former Dean Elaine S. Marshall at the 2006 Convocation. Now, twenty years later, the College of Nursing recognizes him as an incredible friend and exemplar.
Ira Fulton's dedication to the Savior and his Christlike love will long be remembered by the College of Nursing and all those whose lives he has blessed.
