Donald Wilson Close, educator, gardener, master craftsman, and home- builder extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2019 of causes incident to age with his sweetheart, Eivor Close, by his side. He was 90 years old.
Don was born in San Diego, California on January 27, 1929, one of three children to Dermot and Helen Close.
Don served a 3 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Stockholm, Sweden where he first met Eivor Johansson. Later he met Eivor by chance in Salt Lake City, Utah after she immigrated to Utah where she worked at ZCMI in downtown Salt Lake City. They dated every night for a week before he joined the Navy where he was stationed at Point Mugu, California. After being honorably discharged, Don returned to Salt Lake City, married Eivor in the Salt Lake temple, and started their family.
Don was a creative and an artistic elementary school teacher, and then finished his career as a principal. He was a talented artist, landscaper, and craftsman. He built or remodeled 6 homes with Eivor, all of which had beautiful and unique touches.
Don and Eivor served two temple missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints -- one at the Stockholm, Sweden temple and the Sydney, Australia temple where Don served as a temple sealer.
Don is survived by his wife Eivor Close, Pamala Chapman (Dave), Dermot Close (Brenda), and Calvin Close (Dolly), 15 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his siblings Sheryl Angle and Gary Close, and his daughter Renette Barnett.
Funeral services on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Eastdell Ward, 9855 South 2300 East Sandy, Utah 84092. Viewings will be held at the Eastdell Ward on Friday, March 29, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 9:45-10:45 am prior to the funeral services.
