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WILBUR BRAITHWAITE Obituary

Wilbur T Braithwaite Manti, Utah Wilbur T Braithwaite, 83, of Manti, passed away peacefully at his home in Manti, UT on Monday, April 12, 2010. He was born May 24, 1926, in Manti, to Charles G and Eva Tuttle Braithwaite. He married Jane Anderson, in the Manti LDS Temple on July 18, 1952. He had an enduring love for each member of his family and will be deeply missed by them. A veteran of World War II, he served in Company A of the 253rd Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations. He received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in a minefield near the border of France and Southern Germany. After completing formal education at Snow College, Weber State College, Utah State University and the University of Michigan he returned home to Manti, married the lovely and talented former Jane Anderson, and began a long and successful career teaching and coaching tennis and basketball at Manti High School. He was widely recognized for his coaching expertise and in 2006 was honored by the National Federation of State High School Associations with the Award of Merit. For many years he was the owner and proprietor of the Manti Grocery and was a proud member of Associated Grocers. He was an accomplished writer, musician and composer. In 2002 he proudly carried the Olympic Torch through Manti on its route from Greece to Salt Lake City. In his spare time he loved to fish and hunt and had a deep appreciation for this good earth. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he served in numerous callings and had an abiding testimony of the Savior. Most of all, he loved people and was always willing to serve them in any way possible. He is survived by his wife, Jane, Manti; children, JoAnn Stebbing, Ephraim; Paul (Marian) Braithwaite, Brigham City; Susan Braithwaite, Manti; Carolyn (Lance) Nelson, CO; and Stephen (Kako) Braithwaite, MD; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Alice Braithwaite, Cedar City. He was preceded in death by two children, Burke and Janet Braithwaite; parents; siblings, Royden Braithwaite, Reed (Faye) Braithwaite, Burke Braithwaite, and Maureen Braithwaite. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti LDS Tabernacle, 96 South Main, Manti. Friends may call at the Wilbur Braithwaite Gymnasium (Manti High School) on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the Manti Tabernacle on Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Manti City Cemetery with Military Rites by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wilbur T Braithwaite Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to Manti High School, 100 W. 500 N., Manti, UT 84642, or South Sanpete School District, 39 S. Main, Manti, UT 84642.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Apr. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for WILBUR BRAITHWAITE

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Dick Rosetta

April 8, 2023

For Wilbur: You are always in my memory and always in my heart and a hero to anyone who knew you. Yes, a Templar Man forever.

Clark Johnson

April 19, 2010

Dear Jane and family
I can't tell you how sad it makes me to know that there is one less of a limited few great men in this world. Coach was a true friend to all and one of the finest mentors to influence so many generations. His impact will be felt for many generations to come. He has been such a wonderful part of my life growing up in Manti. I thank you all for sharing him freely with so many of us. He is: a patriot, hero, a picture of charity, patient, very patient, talented, artistic and the true essence of a gentleman. I will miss Coach and will always be greatful for his influence and for the hours of his life given to me.

Sincerely

Darrel Tuttle

April 18, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

April 16, 2010

Jane:

It is with heavy heart that I have wandered through the week since the passing of your beloved husband and my dear, lifelong friend Wilbur Braithwaite. We are left with so many reasons to smile because this man, the very essence of a gentleman, was the perfect example for all mankind. My career essentially began and ended with Coach Braithwaite. I met him in his championship basketball season of 1965-66 when the Manti Templars were crowned Class B state titlists and I have a priceless letter from him upon my retirement 39 years later (doesn't everyone in the state have priceless letters from him?). It's amazing how Wilbur never changed. He was the consummate teacher, coach, counselor and confidant. At the start of his 1965-66 season, I stopped to take pictures of his team for The Salt Lake Tribune. He said he wasn't one to compare teams, but felt this particular team had a great chance to win a state title. So, naturally, Manti became the No. 1 team with a big target on the Templars' back. And with Wilbur's patient -- man, was he ever patient! -- leadership, Manti did indeed win the title at the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse on BYU's campus. Ever the gentleman, Wilbur told me, "you had us ranked No. 1. We couldn't let you down." Wilbur never let any of us down. The state -- and the nation -- should know that the National Federation of High Schools bestowed the Award of Merit on Wilbur -- the highest honor given by that group and the only Utahn ever to be so honored. It was a fitting final honor for one of this nation's exemplary leaders and patriots. He was a man for all seasons. And we shall never forget who he was or what he stood for. Jane, may you always find solace in the fact that your husband was revered the state and nation over. And I loved him.
Sincerely,
Dick Rosetta, Sports Writer, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1963-2002

Jon Howell

April 16, 2010

Coach had a way of making everyone feel valuable. He addressed us intently in the locker room prior to a game, "This junior class is as good academically as any class to ever come through this high school. You excel! I want you to remember that as the starters tonight are all sophomores and seniors.”

Delbert Vern Chadwick

April 16, 2010

Jane and family: It has been a special blessing in all of my family's lives to know Wilbur and you folks.

My family has greatly benefited from the "principles of life" coached by Wilbur, both on and off the courts of basketball and tennis!

My family talks, often, about the experiences they had, with Coach Wilbur, in their sports activities and travels.

Thanks to all of you for your valued friendship!

May the Lord's blessings be upon each of you at this very sacred time in your life.

Steven Mickelson

April 15, 2010

I just can't believe that Coach Braithwaite is gone. He was a true leader of men. He just happened to coach boys. Respect does not adequately describe what I feel for him. Rest in peace, Coach.

Norm Christiansen

April 15, 2010

Jane,
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Wilbur. He was and is a giant among man. How blessed we have been over the many years to have been able to associate with you and your wonderful husband. Our prayers are with you and your family and hope that you will find that abiding peace that you seek.

Ruthann (Bulkley) Bowen

April 14, 2010

Paul,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I pray you and your family will feel peace and love in the memories of your father at this time.

Lee Olsen

April 14, 2010

I remember Coach with me at the 88 Olympic games in
Seoul, Korea. My deep felt sympathy to his family. I am a better man because of Coach Braithwaite.
Lee Olsen
Blossom, TX
Class of "57"

Kay Christensen

April 14, 2010

Nearly every day another member of "the greatest generation" leaves us. I did not know Mr. Braithwaite personally, but I was touched when I read that he risked his life for the freedom of me and my family and I want to pay tribute to him for that and for a life clearly very well lived. My sympathy to all who love him.

Sandy Ockey Christensen

April 14, 2010

Coach Braithwaite bought me my first tennis racket on a trip up north while Carolyn and I drove him crazy! He just put up with us though. He was such a kind, patient man and a good friend to my dad. He also coached my brothers to several state tennis championships. Thanks for the fond memories. Carolyn, I would love to hear what you are doing!

April 14, 2010

Jane
I greatly admired Wilbur. He will be missed by all of us. I wish I could be at the funeral. I will be with Snow's DEX Team at National competition. I will come by when I am back. My thoughts and love are with you at this difficult time.
Ivo

Kathie Johnson

April 14, 2010

Dear Jane and family,
I would like to extend my most sincere heart felt sorrow and sympathy to you at this time. I am VERY PROUD to have known Coach Braithwaite and to have had you all as neighbors growing up. I have very fond memories of those days in Manti. I enjoy our occasional visits when I can bring Mom out for a stroll. Coach made everyone he came in contact with feel special I know that he will be missed by all. JoAnn I treasure our adventures we had growing up. I will see you all soon. With love, Kathie Johnson

Ethan Everett

April 14, 2010

He made me want to be a better man. He demonstrated love for others and service to others in a way that is an example to us all.

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