German Honorary Consul in Utah retires

Charles W. Dahlquist, II, Honorary Consul for the Federal Republic of Germany since 1999, was honored at a retirement ceremony January 29, 2015. He also received the German Order of Merit, First Class, the highest tribute the German government pays to individuals for service to Germany. The Order of Merit is awarded for achievements in the political, economic, social, or intellectual realm.

James T. Burton was installed during the ceremony as the new Honorary Consul for the Federal Republic of Germany for Utah. Dahlquist and Burton are Shareholders with Kirton McConkie, a Salt Lake City-based law firm. Burton served as Vice Honorary Consul since 2012.

The Honorary Consul is the official representative of Germany in Utah with responsibility for facilitating strategic economic and social relationships, including meetings with local community and business leaders to facilitate trade and other exchanges. The Honorary Consul also provides services to German citizens living in or visiting the state, which includes passport and document verification services.

Dr. Bernd Fischer, German Consul General from Los Angeles, presided over the ceremony and recognized Dahlquist’s contributions in achieving German Immersion in Utah elementary schools, serving as the official host of the German athletes during the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic games, and hosting numerous German delegations over the past 16 years. 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the featured speaker.