Vincent Marinus Tilby

On March 14, 2025, Vincent Marinus Tilby passed away at the age of 88, surrounded by many loved ones. He was born on April 7, 1936, in Eureka, Utah to Marinus Elroy Tilby and Katherine Ames Tilby. During his 9th birthday party, a telegram came with news that his big brother’s B-17 bomber plane went down over Germany. After the death of his brother Maurice, Vince became an only child. This influenced his desire to create a big family someday and to appreciate all the simple and good things in life.

During his senior year at Brigham Young University, Vince met Wilma (Winks) Bankhead and they were married and sealed on August 20, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they fulfilled their dream of a big family by having six children: Kathy (Don) Randall, Jeannie (Ed) Brewer, Marina (John) Rider, John (Jill) Tilby, Dave (Shannon) Tilby, and Danny (Robyn Johnson) Tilby. He was a devoted grandfather to 26 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

A son of a miner turned farmer, Vince was a first generation college graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from BYU and passed the CPA exam. He started in corporate accounting, then built a successful partnership with a good friend, and ended his career with his own accounting practice. His clients stayed with him for over 50 years because they loved and trusted him.

One of his passions was hunting in the Utah mountains. He started as a child with his Dad and brother and kept the tradition with his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons. Camping and fishing at Santaquin Canyon was a Tilby family favorite with his children and continued through his great-grandchildren.

Vince and his wife loved reading and were avid history fans. Going to the library was a regular and lifelong family activity. He enjoyed writing and published several short stories and articles in children’s magazines—one of his favorite accomplishments. His children might say his love of history was sometimes over-the-top as family road trip vacations included stopping at every single museum along the way. In his last years he learned how to reserve library books online. His most frequent call to his kids was reporting there were 20+ books to pick up.

Vince played basketball for Payson High School and loved sports in general. Many good times were had in their Cottonwood Heights backyard playing basketball on the dirt court with his kids, neighbor kids, and grandkids. He coached several of his boys basketball and baseball teams and though they didn’t always have winning seasons—everyone played. He supported every single thing his children and grandchildren did and was proud of every moment—big and small. He was always there, cheering in the audience.

There is no BYU fan more dedicated than Vince. It originated from hours of listening to BYU basketball games on the radio with his father as a teenager. He truly loved that school where he met his sweetheart, gained lifelong college friends, and sent each of his children to learn and be inspired. His “Stuff ‘em Cougs!” cheers and the color blue will be imprinted on his children’s and grandchildren’s hearts forever.

Vince was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a High Priest Group Leader, a Finance Clerk in every ward he lived in, and a dedicated home teacher. Everyone who knew Vince loved and respected him. His family came first—in every decision. He taught by pure example. Even in his final months, he showed us how to appreciate everything you have and everyone who helps you. We love you Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. We will miss you so much but we will love sharing your stories. And we are overjoyed that you are back with your loving sweetheart, Winks.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a prior viewing at 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Draper 8th Ward chapel 1272 E Walden Lane, Draper, Utah. Graveside service will take place at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.