D Gill Warner

Our dear husband, father, grandpa, and friend, was called home September 12. He spent his last moments next to the love of his life, Nedra Mortensen Warner. Dad was born December 1st, 1928 In Salt Lake City, the youngest of four children born to Homer C, “Pug” Warner and Grace Richards Warner. After growing up in Highland Park Ward, where he later served as bishop, he attended East High School where he met Nedra. With her support he served a mission in the Northwestern States and after their marriage served in the army during the Korean conflict. He then finished his degree in Marketing from the U of U. He and Nedra were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 9, 1950. Together they have had seven children, five still living, 23 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He covered a wall in his office with “Four Squares,” each illustrated: Work, Family, Church/Community, Leisure. He incorporated each of these throughout his whole life.

Dad began and ended his career with Associated Foods. Working there for 44 years, he started as mailroom clerk. He was President and CEO for 22 years. His big heart helped small grocers survive difficult times. He also loved being on Zions First National Bank Board from 1976 to 2006. He enjoyed his callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as Bishop (twice), counselor in the Temple Square Mission, Mission President in the Family History Mission, serving in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and Conference Center, all with his beloved wife, Nedra. Together they coordinated the Temple View Room while he was a sealer in the Salt Lake Temple. He had the privilege of marrying many of his grandchildren as well as sealing his adopted grandchildren to their parents. He treasured this experience above all else.

As a boy Dad loved playing in the mountains of the family cabin in Mt. Air Canyon with his two older brothers, Homer and Rick and sister Emma Lou. Later he would carry on his father’s tradition of having lunch every week with his siblings. Like them, he loved tennis and supported us his children in matches and also taught us how to face difficulties through playing the game with integrity and class. As a genuine athlete, he honored his opponent more than a win.

Dad connected people he just met or had loved for years with his special motto: “You Gotta Believe!” He had stacks of stickers in his coat pocket to pass out. It was even engraved on the Highland High State Football ring in 1986 as it helped his son and team onto a giant victory.

If you knew our father you knew he believed in God. He lived what he believed and loved unconditionally, no matter a person’s title or race. Everyone who crossed his path became his friend. Dad loved people more than any material object. A man of integrity, he was a true missionary of Christ in action and word.

He was proceeded in death by both parents, two older brothers, Homer and Rick Warner and his beloved son David Gill Warner, baby daughter Heidi and granddaughter Heidi K. Warner. He is survived by Nedra, his sister Emma Lou Thayne (Mel), Wendy (Bob) Whitman, Pam (Todd) Warner/Childs, Nancy (Glen) Alleman, Gill (Val) Warner, Ned(Anjannette) Warner, Peggy (Steve) Ayers.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Asena Itaaehau, our earthly angel who assisted in the last month of Dad’s life. She was there by his bedside 24/7 till his last breath. We could not have faced this giant hole in our hearts without her constantly by our side. Also thanks to “Inspiration Hospice” for their loving care and Julie Holt for many, many dinners to feed our weary bodies. Also East high and Sigma Chi study groups and good neighbors and friends for their constant prayers and support. We did not walk this path alone.

A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive for 5-7 pm Sunday, September 15th. Funeral services will be held Monday 16th at 11 a.m. with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to services at Parley’s First Ward, 2350 S. 2100 E. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the The Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.