Russell Wilkinson

Russell G. Wilkinson aka “Donald Duck”, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away while surrounded by his family on November 3, 2011 from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 74.

Russell was born May 4, 1937 in Vineyard, UT to Jay C. and Emma Florence (Gadd) Wilkinson. He married Barbara Worth on August 26, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple. On November 5, 1999 Barbara rejoined our Heavenly Father after a long fight with cancer. Russell was then blessed to meet Sandra Lee Adamson, who he married on May 16, 2001. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple and they shared 10 wonderful years together.

Russell served as a cook in the U.S. Army in France for 2 years. Throughout his life, Russell was dedicated to serving the Lord in many capacities. He served as a missionary in the Northern States and as a Bishop at age 29. He served in 4 Bishoprics, led the High Priest group for many years, and was a dedicated Scoutmaster. He spent many years of his life working for the LDS Church Distribution Center and then ATK, where he retired in 1999. Russell loved the outdoors and spent many of his days camping, bird-watching, taking pictures, gardening and especially fishing and hunting. He was also an avid collector of almost anything. He enjoyed looking through a stack of coins or stamps and also liked old hand tools or implements, rocks and bottles. Russell was a loving and dedicated soul who was known for his compassion and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Russell is survived by his wife, Sandra Lee Wilkinson; children, Russell Wilkinson Jr., Rebecca (David) Spjut, Darryl Wilkinson, and Tracy Lambert; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his sister, Beth (Reid) Garlick; and brothers, Clyde (Irene) Wilkinson, Keith (Thelma) Wilkinson, Garth (Rhea) Wilkinson, Jay C. Jr. (Fern) Wilkinson, Glade (Jacqueline) Wilkinson, and Eugene “Lavar” (Shanna) Wilkinson.

Russell was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara; brothers, Wayne (Virginia) Wilkinson & Rulon (Bertha) Wilkinson; and his parents.

Those who would like to pay their respects may do so at a viewing held on Sunday, November 6th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 W. 4100 S. W.V.C., or before funeral services on Monday, November 7th from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Peachwood Chapel, 3963 S. Peachwood Dr. (3480 W.). Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to the family @ www.valleyviewfuneral.com