Margaret Larson Wilde

1945 - 2014

Sept. 3, 1945 - July 27, 2014
Margaret (Maggie) Larson Wilde died peacefully in her home in South Jordan on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
Maggie was defiant to the end, surviving cancer long beyond expectations and embracing life through these last eight tumultuous yet precious years.
Maggie led an extraordinary life filled with great achievements and stories. She graduated from Highland High School and attended the University of Utah, graduating with a degree in journalism. By sophomore year, she was editor of the Daily Utah Chronicle. She was elected student body vice president, a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority the Beehive Honor Society and even a beauty queen and fraternity sweetheart. She was flattered by all these honors but she preferred to recall the fun she had and the causes that mattered to her. With a sly grin, she could be persuaded to recount standing on a table in the student union building and rallying fellow students to an anti-war march on the Park Building. It was the largest protest in the school's history and probably still is, she would boast.
Maggie began her professional career as a reporter and copy editor for the Salt Lake Tribune from 1967 through 1970. She was an activist at heart and preferred to be a part of events to reporting them. After leaving the Tribune she was a founder and program coordinator of the Women's Resource Center at the University of Utah, earning a creative programming award from the National University Extension for a 1975 conference Recognition in public relations soon propelled her to state government. She became the public information officer for UDOT and soon the acting community relations director. In January 1978, Maggie made history by becoming the first woman appointed press secretary to a Utah governor. During those years, she aided Governor Matheson and the State of Utah in preventing the development of the MX Missile Racetrack base, the storage of leaking Weteye nerve gas bombs, and bringing the issue of downwinders to the light of day. She remained in state government until 1985, serving as the public affairs director for the Utah Department of Natural Resources. After leaving government she worked in environmental management until her retirement.
Maggie was committed to serving the community throughout her life. She viewed public service as a calling and a sacred commitment to the public trust. She was a respected member of the Utah Democratic Party, a master campaign strategist and shrewd political operative who never compromised her integrity. She was a contributor to countless campaigns. She was a co-author and primary contributor for Project BOLD, exchanging state and federal land parcels for consolidation that has now become a model for public land policy. She was appointed by the US Secretary of Energy to the Dose Assessment Advisory Group, whose studies and recommendations were the basis of Congressional legislation compensating victims of aboveground atomic testing. Maggie was a member of the Utah Women's Forum, and served on the board of directors of KRCL public radio, Girl Scouts of Utah, Utah AIDS Foundation, and the YWCA Nominating Committee. Additionally, she was a stockholder and board member of Network Magazine. Though she had not written as a journalist for twenty years, she nervously interviewed Gloria Steinem. The article turned out pretty good--even by her standards. Honors included the Susa Young Gates Award for humanitarian service. Girl Scouts of Utah's Distinguished Alumni Award, and YWCA's Outstanding Achievement Award in Government and Public Service.
Maggie's childhood summers at her grandparents' ranch inspired a lifelong passion for horses. In the early 1990s, she began breeding and racing quarter horses. She even moved from Salt Lake City and built a home in South Jordan to be closer to them. They were great years that Maggie enjoyed, having success and making friendships and memories. Her home is filled with the trophies and memorabilia of five Grade 1 Stakes Qualifiers, and one Grade 1 Stakes Champion.
Maggie is survived by her daughter and daughter-in-law Amy Manzanares-Wilde and Elizebeth Manzanares-Wilde of West Jordan, Utah; son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Krista Wilde of Riverton, Utah; granddaughters; Shae, Kamry, and Sara; grandsons Matthew, Christopher, Judson and Cooper; and sister and brother-in-law Jennifer and Anthony Lund of Murray, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents John (Jack) and Lola Larson.
Maggie cherished her friendships as much as her family. She was a magnet for amazing people who not only enriched her life, but the lives of her family as well. Maggie's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many people that Maggie loved and made the quality of her life so rich.
A celebration of Maggie's life will be held at her home; 11005 South Shelwood Circle, South Jordan on Saturday, August 16 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Maggie asked that all her friends and family gather and share their funniest stories and happiest memories.
It was Maggie's request that in lieu of flowers well-wishers donate to a charity of their own choosing and "don't forget to always have fun."