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BORN
1927
DIED
2016
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Merrill Wilson Obituary
1927 - 2016
"It's fun to work. Work is fun. Work work work. Fun fun fun!"
Merrill Larsen Wilson, MD, age 88, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Salt Lake City on Mar. 3, 2016 after a long battle with amyloidosis of the heart.
Born Apr. 11, 1927 to loving parents Thomas Ross and Alice Cloe Larsen Wilson, Merrill was the sixth of seven children raised on the family's Alta, Wyoming farm. Merrill learned to love the land and developed a great work ethic. He transformed the rock, sand and clay of his SLC home's backyard into a lush garden and orchard. He was very generous and took great joy in sharing his bounty with others.
Christ was always in his heart. His faith influenced all aspects of his life, including devotion to family, profession, church, and personal life. He served a 2.5-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in post-WWII East Berlin. He returned home just in time for his father's funeral, where he met his sweetheart, LaRae Egbert, playing the organ for the service. They married in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1955 and had nine children. He was a great patriarch to his family. He served diligently in the Church, including as president of an elders quorum, ward choir director for several decades, leader of a high priests group, Sunday school teacher, counselor in a bishopric, and worker in the Salt Lake Temple for several years after his retirement.
Education was a priority to Merrill. He studied at the U of WY and U of UT for his bachelor's degree, U of CO for medical school. He did his internship and residency at LDS Hospital in general surgery and specialty cancer surgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He practiced for many years in Salt Lake City until he retired at age 71. He strove to improve his skill with each procedure, asking himself, "How can I do this better than I did the last time?" He believed in eternal progression professionally and in other aspects of his life.
Music stirred Merrill's soul. He played the piano, oboe, and saxophone; and he had a magnificent bass voice. He performed roles for the Utah Opera. Often he would sing while his beloved wife would accompany him on the piano for different occasions. They sang together in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 22 years, and later for the Utah Symphony Chorus until LaRae's death in 1997. After his retirement from medicine, Merrill took up piano lessons again and loved giving concerts for large gatherings in his home followed by feasts he would prepare himself, largely from the bounty of his garden.
Merrill was equally comfortable working in the dirt as in the kitchen, as capable at removing cancers as raising spirits to heaven with music. His deep booming voice and outspoken tone belied a gentle nature and contagious, dry humor. He was a mystery to many, a great treasure to those who knew him, a modern Renaissance man. He will be greatly missed.
Merrill is survived by his siblings (Janet), (Janice), Wayne, Grant (Sharol), (Merlene Egbert Park); step-brother Charlie; nine children David R. (Jennifer) Wilson, Marta W. (Scott) Murray, Lisa W. Siniscalchi, Julie W. (Brent) Schindler, Anne W. (Keith) Elkins, Elaine Wilson, Lowell
A. Wilson, Kirsten W. (Dean) Anderson, and Phillip E. (Alecia) Wilson; 37 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sweetheart of 42 years, LaRae Egbert; his parents Alice Cloe Larsen and Thomas Ross Wilson; step-mother Elsie Price Rigby Wilson; siblings Ralf, John Mark, Clyde, (Nikki), Suzanne (Tom McKay); Rigby step-siblings Grant, Macell, Ross, Noel, Clark, Price, Elsie and Rex.
The family would like to thank all who cared for or visited him in his last days.
A viewing will be held on Thu 3/10 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary at 260 E So Temple in SLC. Another viewing will be held on Fri 3/11 at the Ensign 1st Ward Chapel on 2nd Ave & A St from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Cache-Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia, ID Sat 3/12 12:00.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the arts (Utah Symphony/ Opera) or LDS Church funds (Humanitarian or Perpetual Education) in memory of Merrill Larsen Wilson.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merrill Wilson
Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City.
Carl Holley
February 29, 2024
A great Missionary Leader!! I was a missionary in Berlin Germany when Elder Wilson was a secretary to Walter Stover, Mission President. In his position he was sent to our branch to quell a branch division between the Primary Pres. and Relief Society Pres. In a diplomatic manner he was going to merge our branch with a neighboring branch unless the two sisters could put away their differences. Between tears, the sisters hugged and promised no further infighting so the branch could continue. The then Branch President, Willi Knoll was released and my Companion, Robert Kilpack was sustained and set apart as branch President. The branch prospered with no further animosity.
Carl Holley
February 29, 2020
We were missionaries together in Berlin, Germany. He was at that time District Leader, In today's missions he would be asst to the president. One huge memory was a Gemeinde Versamulang (Branch meeting) . All adults were assembled due to a Power Contension between to sisters, One was primary president, the other Young women's President. Ward members were taking sides and the Spirit of the Gospel was being lost. Elder Wilson conducted the meeting, released the Branch Presidency and installed my companion, Robert Killpack as Branch President who was my companion. He did a yeoman's job bringing the branch back into harmony. Elder Wilson's talent was exhibited many times in his various rolls in the mission. Great teacher and spiritual giant who was inspired in so many ways.
Robert Crandall
March 23, 2016
Dear Wilson Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Wilson's passing. He was such a fine doctor for our family. Myself, my wife, two daughters and a son-in-law were the benefactors of his tender and thorough care. We feel he may have saved our lives.
He was so attentive to detail, especially in detecting and treating cancer. His counsel to us was very comforting and helpful in our recoveries. He was "one in a million"!
With our love,
Robert and LaRae Crandall
Springville, Utah
March 18, 2016
Dear Wilson Family,
Our love and prayers are with you and your family. My parents, Dale & Virginia Price spoke frequently of your parents as we were growing up. We always looked for them in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Merrill was my dad's doctor when he had cancer. When my wife and I were first married and attending BYU, my wife discovered a lump. We were both very concerned and called Merrill at his home. It was his day off but he insisted we come to S.L.C. immediately. He had called one of his assistants to come to his office also. He had a tray set up and was prepared to do an immediate biopsy if needed. After examining my wife, he determined that it was a benign fibroma and nothing to be concerned about. He was correct. We shall always be thankful of his willingness come to his office on his day off to allay the apprehensions of a newlywed couple.
Love,
Dale K. Jr. & Anna Marie Price
Julie Webb
March 17, 2016
Dear Wilson Family,
I am so sorry I missed seeing this before. I loved your Dad and Mom. What a joy for them to be together again. Although it has been many years since I have seen any of you, I still count you as close friends and treasure the memories that we share.
Love,
Julie Hartvigsen Webb
Don Marsh
March 14, 2016
If rest it is he's doing, it's rest he's redefining.
March 12, 2016
Dr. Wilson will always be remembered with love by our family. He was such a good friend and always looked out for our parents especially when they were nearing the end of their lives. He was a great example, bigger than life. There was nobody like Dr. Wilson.
May your family be blessed at this time.
Most Sincerely,
Jayne Dunn Cooper
March 12, 2016
Dad went to school with him and was hoping to at least make it for the graveside but he is working in the temple at that time. We send our condolences to you and your family. Dale and Thomas Marcum
Swen and Gretel Swensen
March 11, 2016
Gretel and I send our love,sympathy, and appreciation to your wonderful family at this tender time. The first day of my internship in 1969, I was nervous and uncertain about what I was supposed to do. When I was introduced to Merrill, I said "I'm glad to meet you Dr. Wilson and looking forward to work under you". He looked at me and with his deep voice said, "Call me Merrill" and that started many years of being trained in surgery by a master surgeon and continued as a colleague. We loved living next door to your family. We loved the dinners and association with your Mom and Dad. What a great team they were.
Know of your love and that you are in our prayers at this time.
Swen and Gretel
Marta, love you and wish I could be there for the viewing and funeral to give you a hug. We are not able to attend. Know that I love you and have such fond memories of you. Gretel
Kenton and Marilyn Price Anderson
March 11, 2016
Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Your father and mothers names were spoken often in our home when I was growing up in Teton Valley. My parents, Dale and Virginia Price, were good friends of theirs and thought the world of them. Merrill was my dad's doctor when he had cancer, and he helped with some of mom's health issues too. I remember being in their home in Salt Lake and feeling a special spirit of peace and happiness. My family was blessed to know them. Love, Kenton and Marilyn Price Anderson
s epperson
March 11, 2016
Our thanks to an inspirational man ! He was my parents' Dr. for many years. I have fond memories of taking them to check up's in his office. He was truly talented and cared about his patients. He took care of all of us at one time or another.
He instilled in all of us the value of good eating habits. He spoke of "how many vegetables" he would eat each meal and would encourage us to do the same.
He had a ton of energy. I remember him singing "Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" for the Manti Pageant.
His smile and kind manner will always be remembered.
Sincerely,
Blaine & Susy Epperson Family
&
Ray & Wilva Anderson
Marene Foulger
March 10, 2016
Julie and Phillip, my deepest sympathy at the passing of your father. It's been a long time for him to be away from his sweetheart and now they're singing together in heaven. I knew them before I knew the two of you and am thankful you have been part of my life. Our parents were both associated with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Julie and I were Kappa Nu sisters. How thankful we are for the plan of salvation.
Joseph and Suzanne Rust
March 9, 2016
We first met Merrill more than 40 years ago and were privileged to be in his home and enjoy his cooking, gardening, and musical skills on many occasions. Merrill had abundant energy and loved life. He loved everything he did. Just to be around him was to feel renewed vigor. We will miss our good friend, Merrill, but know that he is now with his beloved wife and our friend, LaRae.
Linda Price Bingham
March 9, 2016
I wish to add my sympathy to the Wilson Family. Merrill was a good friend of my parents. He helped them during several illnesses during their lives also. He was a very good doctor and cared deeply for everyone.
Jack Murphy
March 9, 2016
Blessings to the Wilson family in remembrance of Dr Wilson. I relish the memories of working in the Wilson home as their resident house painter in a prior career in the late 70's through the 80's. Dr Wilson was a dedicated and talented life saving physician who loved nothing more than having his hands in the soil of his urban farm terraced into the cliffs (by his hand, mind you) of lower City Creek Canyon. He is largely responsible for my love of eggplant, instilled by his sharing. Upon hearing of a helper's birthday, he immediately took it upon himself to bake a cake in celebration! A great and humble man is laid to rest, may the Peace of the Lord be with the Wilsons.
Diana Ulmer
March 8, 2016
I was able to be a Scrub Technician for him many times in the LDSH OR and he was always very kind to me. He cared deeply for his patients and always did his very best for them. In talking with him and my Mom it turns out that while serving his LDS mission in East Berlin, that he was the missionary that interviewed my Mom for her baptism. He remembered her by her last name that at that time was Bentke. So glad for his help in bringing our family into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sorry to his entire family at his loss. May you find the Saviors peace and love at this tender time.
Gaynel Magera Cromwell
March 8, 2016
My Condolences to the Wilson family. He was a great and loving man. He saved my life a couple of times when he was my doctor. He will be deeply missed by my family and I. I wish there were more doctors like him around.
Jerry and JoAnn Ottley
March 7, 2016
Dear Wilson family,
Merrill and LaRae played multiple roles in our lives. The Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Opera were most prominent, but there were a variety of other activities including JoAnn's sharing the shoveling duties to unload a truck full of garden fertilizer that Merrill voluntarily brought to our home. This was so typical of Merrill's generous nature. We were ennobled by having known and worked with him for so many years.
My (Jerry's) participation in a musical benefit for a private school makes it impossible for us to participate in the celebration of his life with you. Please accept our condolences as you share joy in a life that touched so many others for good. God bless you all.
Ostergaard Barbara
March 7, 2016
David and Wilson and Julie Schindler, your Midland family/friends remember this great man from visits here, and love and support you at this time. What a heritage you have!
Carl Holley
March 6, 2016
Elder Wilson was my district leader in 1949 when assigned to the Berlin District. Three relatively new missionaries were put up in he Mission Home before being assigned to one of the branches. He took us up to the Mission Presidents bedroom bathroom and gave us each a glass of water and asked us to gargle. He explained the the German language should be spoken with pride and as precisely as possible. He then proceeded to have us practice by first gargeling and then pronouncing German words requiring a guttaral "R" as in Hoeren, Sprechen, Brechen, etc. Also important was memorizing the der, die, and das of nouns. A real challenge. I think at least for we three, this was the beginning of Language training. He was always ready to correct diplomatically and of course keep us up on doctrine that we were to teach. Many are the fond memories of Berlin and Elder Wilsons "aus Buzzard Paradeise, Idaho" (our way of introdcing him) (translation, "buzzard paradise, idaho." He, along with Herrold Gregory kept things exciting in our part of the mission. One other tender experience was passing out Relief Society Quilts to some of the orphanages in Berlin. The winters in Berlin were very cold as high humidity created a penetrating chill to the body. These little ones were pink from the cold and as they wrapped their little bodies with the warm flannel quilts, it was evident this was a gift from heaven.
March 6, 2016
Dear Wilson Family,
I send my love and comfort to you as I have read of your father's passing. I had many connections with him through the years--not only because of the Carden School, but with music as well. He was a great man in many ways and I was blessed knowing him. I wish I could be there for his service, but I am in California right now. I have remarried since my husband, Grant, died, and we spend time in Utah and California to be with both of our families. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Lois Morrell Zufall
Apple Valley, California
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