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Douglas Wilson Obituary

October 4, 1952 ~
April 25, 2013
Douglas Edward Wilson, age 60, faithful and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on April 25, 2013 after a hard-fought battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) He was born on October 4, 1952 in American Fork, UT, the youngest of Edward Archie and Belle (Harris) Wilson. Doug felt that he had a magical childhood growing up in American Fork. He graduated from American Fork High School in 1971. He was a proud Caveman and remained friends for life with many of his classmates. He ran track, played football and found a love for comedy doing imitations of Bill Cosby and Mark Twain. He spent the summers before and during college working in the pineapple fields in Hawaii and after graduating from college secured a full time position recruiting for them. He moved on in his career after 6 years of working with the program, but always had a love of Hawaii and made it a priority to visit there several times during his life.
He faithfully served a two-year mission to New Zealand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a great love for both the people he served and those he served with. After his mission he attended and graduated from Brigham Young University. Doug married Diane Denise Akers on November 16, 1979 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had a marriage that most would envy and always put each other first. They brought three wonderful children into their family and taught them to love and serve others through their example. Family was always a priority to Doug. He loved taking family vacations, going to his children's events, or any other chance to just be together. Doug had a varied career but most recently ran his own successful business, Silverstone Systems. He continued working until a few days before his death and was known as a man of integrity and was well loved by those with whom he associated. Doug was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent countless hours serving others. He spent 5 years serving as a bishop, he loved his ward members and they loved him. Doug had a way of making everyone around him feel important and valued. He will be missed by so many people. Doug was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelly Marie, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Diane; his son Ryan (Kimberly) Wilson; his daughter Ashley (David) West; his brother Kay (Joyce) Wilson; and sisters Enid (Don) Bennett and Alice (Christian) Benson; his first grandchild, Reese Nicole Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Special thanks to Dr. Legant and Dr. Halwani, and the nurses and staff at The Huntsman Cancer Institute for their compassion, kindness and care. Funeral services will be held at the LDS Chapel located at 7350 S. 3200 W. in West Jordan, UT on Thurs., May 2, 2013 at 11:00am. Viewings will be held at the chapel on Wed. May 1, 2013 from 6-8pm and again Thurs. from 9:00-10:30am. Interment at the cemetery in American Fork City located at 26 W. 600 N.

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Published by Deseret News on Apr. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Wilson

Not sure what to say?





Elias Bonilla EDIBON

May 13, 2013

Dear Diane, please accept our heartfelt condolences from all EDIBON family! Doug was an excellent person! God bless you and all yours!

Larry & Shellie McHaley

May 5, 2013

Dear Diane, Ryan and Ashley,
We want to send our deepest sympathy to each of you during this time of sadness at the loss of your GREAT husband and father. Doug was a special friend to our family and we will be eternally grateful for his friendship. He and Ryan served our family as our Home Teachers and then, later, Doug was our amazing Bishop. He blessed our family in so many ways. His ability to be a friend, make you smile and lift your spirits was a gift he freely shared with so many! May his great life and the many memories you share bring you peace and comfort during this time. We love you!
Love, Larry & Shellie McHaley
and Family

Tamara Barbieri

May 2, 2013

Dear Wilson Family,
The Barbieri family would like to express our love and support to you during this time of sorrow and change. Diane, Lynn and I have always admired the close relationship you and Doug shared. It was obvious that you loved each other a great deal. Our prayers will be with as you move forward without Doug at your side. We would like to thank you for all of the selfless ways your family served others. Lindsey was sad when she heard the news of Bishop Wilson's passing. She spoke about how much she enjoyed the time she spent with both you and Ashley in Young Women. Amber and Cody were blessed when you both worked as leaders in the Young Single Adults program in our Stake. Greg remembers being guided by Brother Wilson when he was in Young Men's. Bishop Wilson was a kind and righteous man. He was a good listener and shared our burdens with us when we sought his counsel concerning a wayward child. He was a wise steward and good shepherd over his flock of both sheep and goats in the Heritage 5th Ward. As for myself, I was grateful for his prayers and Priesthood blessings when I was so sick. It meant a lot to me when he visited during my recovery. Doug has earned his place in Heaven and we look forward to the time when meet him again at Jesus' feet. Until then our family is here to serve you in anyway we can because that is what Douglas Wilson taught us to do.

May 2, 2013

Dear Wilson Family,
The thoughts and prayers of the whole Barbieri Family go out to you during this sad time of transition. Your friendship with us over the years has been a special joy and comfort for us all. Diane, you and Doug's work with our older adult children in the Singles Ward was greatly appreciated. Often Doug applied his Priesthood powers when he came to visit Tammy at the rehab center after she had been sick or had surgery. Doug was a Good Man and took special stewardship over our flock while serving as the Bishop of the Hertiage 5th Ward. May you all bare this separation until you are gathered together again at Jesus' feet. All our love... Lynn, Tammy, Amber, Ed, Greg, Robert, and Lindsey Barbieri

May 1, 2013

Brenda Miner

May 1, 2013

I am so saddened by this news. I didn't know he had been sick. We haven't got together with our old Mervyns group for a while. Doug is so genuine, kind, and funny! My life has been changed because of him. I will miss him so much, but heaven is blessed to have him! My love and prayers are with you Diane, and your family.

Dennis and Marsha M Beck

May 1, 2013

Diane, We are so sorry for your loss. We have known Doug all our lives. He was a wonderful, kind person. He will be greatly missed my many. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of sorrow.

Bill Bailey

May 1, 2013

Diane, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this difficult time. We at the Care Center Branch love you and miss you. Doug was an example to all of us. He always gave me a loving smile and brotherly handshake. Thank you Doug for your example.

Natalie [Hoyt] Tolley

April 30, 2013

Diane, Ryan, and Ashley,
I am thinking of you all and sending love from afar. You are an incredible family and I remember Doug as a very cheerful, uplifting influence. May you be blessed with peace and strength at this time and always. We love him and your family.

Bob Angell

April 30, 2013

David & Ashley,

Kendal just told me about your dad's passing. I am truly sorry for your loss; will keep you and your family in our prayers.

-Bob & Janet Angell-

April 30, 2013

Diane, i am so sorry. wish i could make the world right for you. Sheryl Western

Myriam Bonilla

April 30, 2013

I am extremely and deeply sorry!. I met Doug last year in a visit with Diane to Spain and I must say that he was the kind of human being you meet and you never forget, the best definition for a good person. I've learnt a lot from you, Doug. It was an honor to work with you. All my prayers for you. I am sure, you are in a much better place.

Deborah Mangum

April 30, 2013

Diane,

My heart goes out to you at this time. Doug was so compassionte and caring when Mike was sick, and I appreciated the love and support I felt from both of you. You are such a great family, and I know from experience that you will feel both the love of your husband and the love of your Heavenly Father in the days to come.

Ralph Zobell

April 30, 2013

I wasn't aware Doug had been ill as we had lost touch with him in recent years. We enjoyed many good times in college. I always enjoyed him teasing in the broadcast voice of Connie Alexander.

Vernice Vasquez

April 30, 2013

Doug was a great, humble man who loved life everyday. I know he's teeing off on heaven's golf course.

April 29, 2013

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Doug the summer of 1974 in Maui. We shared many laughs and he took me back stage at the PCC to see some of his Maori friends from his mission. You could feel the love they shared. He will be missed here but welcomed on the other side. My best to his family at this time. Dwayne D. Zobell, D.D.S.

Gaylene Call

April 29, 2013

What a big hole is in your heart right now with the passing of Bishop Wilson. I got to know him a little when I would come to the ward with Spencer Call for his sons ordinations. Time does heal but it is still hard. May you find peace and comfort at this time. The first year I found was the hardest but with great friends and family I made it through. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and Christopher Call mentioned in his mission email home he is sadden at this loss. May the memories you had together carry you through each day. Gaylene Sabin Call

Melinda Lockhart

April 29, 2013

Diane,
I was sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I feel blessed to have known him, and it was my pleasure to have provided care for him. You're in my thoughts.

Larry Farris

April 29, 2013

Diane, we lost a great friend in "Wils". He will always be remembered by hundreds of young men from the pineapple fields of Hawaii. Lord bless you, Larry & Jan Farris

Sharon Starkie (Dr. Legant's Nurse)

April 29, 2013

Diane I am so sorry for your loss. Doug showed great courage through his illness. I wlll miss him. My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.

Hollee & Fred Eckman

April 29, 2013

Bishop Wilson has touched many and his example and love will have an amazing ripple effect on so many people's lives for years to come. Our prayers are with you and your families in this time of great loss.

Bud & Judy Dudley

April 28, 2013

Diane and family: Shocked and saddened at the passing of Doug. Bud and I will cherish the hugs Doug gave us in January, when we saw him at the Family History Center. We will be eternally grateful for the love and lessons given to Bud before his baptism! We have always considered the two of you cherished friends and will remember the fun times we had as young couples. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love,

Duane & Edna Wilcox

April 28, 2013

He was a good friend and loving bishop for our friend, Aminta Maldonado, when she lost her husband. We remember him for that. Duane and Edna Wilcox.

Mission Reunion April 2012

Doug and Michelle Hansen

April 28, 2013

Diane...our love and thoughts go out to you at this trying time. I knew Doug from our time in the New Zealand South Mission and grew to love and respect him. In recent years we were able to re-connect and we both talked about how blessed we were to have married up...he talked endlessly of his love for you and his children. Our prayers and love go out to you and your family.

Ray Coddington

April 28, 2013

Diane:
We are so sorry for your loss. Doug will still remain a wonderful person as he continues to teach others and love them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ray & Paula Coddington

Lanea Sampson

April 28, 2013

To my dear friend Diane and your family, My heart is aching for you and my prayers are with you. Diane, the best advice I received is to just think about one day at a time. Now 6 months later I'm still doing that. You will do it too. It's hard, but you're strong and Doug fought a good fight. I'm here if you need to talk. I love you, Lanea

Jamie Harris

April 28, 2013

Just want to let you know that you are in my thoughts & prayers! He was a great cousin & will be missed greatly!
Love yea!

Jamie harris

April 28, 2013

Just want to let you know that you are in my thoughts & prayers! He was a great cousin & will be missed greatly! Love you lots!

Ora Kohe

April 28, 2013

What a great missionary he was. We served together for six months in Timaru, Neww Zealand. We will never forget the wonderful visits we had with you and Diane when we visited Salt Lake. E Me Ra my Ehoa. Arohanui from us in New Zealand.

Clark Harvey

April 28, 2013

Doug will be missed by many. I remember our very personal conversations together. Our first male bonding moment was rafting down the green river with the laurels. We had a great time together. After that we became good friends. I cherish the moments I had with Doug. I always looked up to him as a mentor. I am a better person today because of his influence. Rest in peace my friend.
Love your brother Clark Harvey

Andrew & Wendy Benson

Wendy Benson

April 28, 2013

We love you uncle Doug! We will miss him so much.
Love, Andrew, Wendy, Hannah and Austin Benson

Don Olsen

April 28, 2013

Till we meet again. Rest well, my friend.

Dennis & May Hoyt

April 28, 2013

Dear Diane, Ryan and Ashley;
May and I are so very sorry to hear of Doug's passing. He was (and actually still is)such a wonderful man, a fine husband, a great father, and faithful church member to the very end. What a great legacy he has left behind. Know that our hearts and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dennis & May Hoyt

Marilyn Baigue

April 28, 2013

No words; just lots of love!

Gregory Shoop

April 28, 2013

We were so fortunate to have gotten to know Doug and welcome him into our home for our "family" parties. Doug was a true part of our family and he will be missed.

Our hearts go out to your family.

April 28, 2013

One of the finest young men that ever played football for me. I consider it an honor beyond words to have worked with and known him.
Sincerely,
Coach Thom Crittenden

April 28, 2013

I am saddened by Dougs passing. We were companions on our mission in Timaru, New Zealand, from September 1973 to February 1974. He was a great missionary, let alone a more fantastic companion. W had the rare similarity that our Mothers were widows before we served, and this ma it more special as we were more like brothers. Dianne we love you, and pray the Spirit of Comfort will be with you at this time and following days to come. Until we meet again. Love Alma and Ora

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