Gene Gaylord Wilson

Gene Gaylord Wilson was born March 9, 1939. He died on October 18, 2024.

A man of few words…

A man of many words…

Gene left those of us he loves on earth, to return to those he loves in heaven. The love he shared with us was reciprocated. We loved him and will miss his wit, demeanor and humor.

In his younger years, Gene grew up in Idaho; mostly in the Boise area. He was adventurous and loved the outdoors, fishing, hiking and backpacking. His passions continued into his aging years. He never missed an opportunity to go fishing. If you called, he was there. He also continued to hike. He always took the lead and would venture off leaving the rest of us wondering if he was still on the right trail.

Gene had many hobbies including, but not limited to, woodworking in his ultimate man-shed, model trains, coin collecting, family history, puzzles of all kinds, working in the yard, and reading (he enjoyed church history, church fiction mingled with actual events, and anything Louis L’Amour). His library included most, if not all of Louis’s books.

Once Gene became active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he dedicated his life to the Lord. He served in many callings, but his call to serve as the bishop in the Sandy Crescent 3rd Ward turned out to be the most rewarding and fulfilling blessing in his life. He once said, “Everybody should have the opportunity to be the bishop, it would serve them right!”

While Gene did not serve a mission in his early years, he served a full time mission to Washington DC with his beloved wife, Carolee Wilson. While we’re not certain about Carolee’s experience, Gene was in his happy place imaging historical names, stories and documents. We’re unsure if he was very efficient because he read all of the documents rather than focusing on speed of imaging.

They followed that mission sometime later serving in their stake as Member Leadership Services (MLS) service missionaries. During this time Carolee contracted a rare form of lung cancer but they continued to serve through to the end of their commitment. Carolee passed away not long after their mission.

Gene taught school most of his adult life in the Jordan School District. He loved teaching math and loved a student that enjoyed learning.

One of Gene’s favorite students (as far as she knew) was his future daughter, Careen. He was her fifth grade teacher, her mother was single, Gene was single, and Careen had just finished watching the movie, The Parent Trap. The rest is history.

While teaching was his primary occupation, to make ends meet Gene worked in construction, and as a mechanic at Buck’s Chevron gas station in Sandy. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He built an addition onto the family home that provided more bedrooms and living space for their combined and growing family. 

Regarding “A man of few words” - Gene was attentive and could remain silent if not invited to participate in the dialogue. He would however be sporting a sly smirk.

Regarding “A man of many words” - When included in the conversation he was knowledgeable, articulate and non-combative. Waxing philosophic (shooting the bull) was his specialty.

Gene will be the first to admit he had a temper. Throwing a tool or an expletive was not beyond him. But his softer, more compassionate, approachable, loving and caring side far outweighed his faults. He was a good man, willing to serve anyone at anytime when and where he could. He truly loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends

We will miss you. Til we meet again…

Our heartfelt thanks goes to Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital staff for the outpouring of compassion they showed to Gene and the family in his final hours. We would also like to thank Anderson & Goff Mortuary for their service.

A special shoutout to his buddies, Dave Little and Tom Brauer. They were true friends to the end.

Survived by: Careen (Craig) Densley, John (Pollyana) Candalot, Jason (Carrie) Wilson, Mary Lou Wilde (sister), LaRue Vawdrey (sister-in-law), Shadow (the dog)

Preceded in death: Carolee Allen Wilson (wife), Shari Hair (daughter), John Gaylord and Dorothy Wilson (parents)

Viewing: October 24, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Anderson & Goff Mortuary

11859 S 700 E Draper UT 84020

Funeral: October 25, 2024, 11:00 AM. Viewing one hour prior to the funeral.

Amaryllis Ward Chapel

949 E 10600 S Sandy UT 84094

The service will be livestreamed on the Anderson & Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Anderson-Goff-Mortuary-293949407707203/

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)