Paul Marcus Wilkinson

1948 - 2025

Paul Marcus Wilkinson

May 27, 1948 - December 27, 2025

Paul Marcus Wilkinson, 76, passed away on December 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family. He fought hard against colon cancer for the last eight months, but the disease ultimately won the battle.

Paul was born on May 27, 1949, in Rupert, Idaho, to Oran and Dolores Guard Wilkinson. From the time he was young, Paul loved to fix things or take them apart just to understand how things worked. For his 14th birthday, he asked for a shovel, and no one ever saw him without one again.

Paul graduated from Minico High School in 1967. On June 18, 1970, he married the love of his life and lifelong sweetheart, Louise Wilson. In the early years of their marriage, Paul and Louise lived in California. Before long, they returned home to Rupert, where they built the kind of life people dream of a loving home, a strong family, and deep roots in their community. The fun began in 1974 when their son, Brian, was born. In 1981, they welcomed their daughter, Crystal.

Paul spent his entire working life as a pump man, first learning the trade from Ed McKim and later building his own business, Paul's Pump Service. He had the rare gift of being able to fix anything. It was a skill known by many, and it allowed him to serve the people of the community in more ways than one.

In his later years, Paul poured that same passion and creativity into hobbies he loved, like pottery, woodworking, and jewelry making, to name a few. He was fascinated with science, space, and history, and always wanted to understand how things worked. He loved the ocean and looked forward to annual family trips, which became some of the most treasured memories for everyone. And in 2016, he rode his first roller coaster, proof that he was never "too old" to try something new.

Paul's life changed forever in 2011 when his two granddaughters, Steph and Kinley, joined the family. In 2015, the family was complete when his grandson, Sawyer, arrived. One of Paul's true superpowers was being an incredible grandpa. He loved his grandkids fiercely; in a way they will cherish forever. The kids have more memories with him than most are lucky enough to get: adventures, projects, laughs, and knowing that Grandpa would always be in their corner. There was often a pile of broken objects by the door, waiting, because "Grandpa can fix it."

Paul's optimism, his "it's all good" attitude, and "fantastic," even in the hardest of times, will never be forgotten. Paul gave the BEST hugs, and if you spent any time around him, you were certainly a recipient. Sawyer and Crystal affectionately refer to a good hug as a grandpa hug. Everyone who knew Paul loved him. Countless times, people told our family, "He was one of the good ones." And that is an understatement.

In 2018, Paul was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and severe spinal stenosis, and we truly thought we might lose him then. These last seven years were a bonus: more family time, more memories, and more reminders of the amazing man Paul was. Even when his time came, he showed nothing but gratitude, kindness, and positivity.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our community for the outpouring of love and support we've received. Intermountain Home Health & Hospice holds a special place in our hearts for the care they provided. We could not have had the peace and comfort of having him at home, where he most wanted to be, without them.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Oran and Dolores Wilkinson; his brothers, Vern Wilkinson and Willie Wilkinson. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Louise Wilkinson; his son, Brian Wilkinson; his daughter, Crystal May; and his three adored grandchildren, Steph (21), Kinley (14), and Sawyer (10).

A celebration of Paul's life will be announced by the family, likely in the spring, when we hope all will join us to honor "one of the good ones."

In lieu of flowers, give more hugs.