Jeffrey West Wilkinson

1956 - 2015

1956 ~ 2015
Jeffrey West Wilkinson peacefully passed away April 20, 2015 after a 17-month battle with brain cancer. He was at home, surrounded by his loving wife, three sons, daughter-in-law, and his beloved dogs: Roubini and Jasmine-just as he wanted.
He was born January 23, 1956, in Holladay, Utah to Willard Bringhurst Wilkinson and Marian West Wilkinson.
Growing up, he had a wonderful childhood. He could always be seen wearing his cowboy boots, cowboy hat, holster, and a smile. When he would leave the house to play with his friends, he would be asked where he was going--to which he would reply, "around the neighborhood." He was happy, loveable, sensitive, and kind. He grew up loving animals, especially horses and dogs. He loved to help his dad work with the horses.
He was a tremendous athlete, exceling at every sport. Most famously, he was a spectacular basketball player whose career was only cut short by his knees. Even in his middle age, Jeff impressed college athletes and fitness gurus with his athleticism, finesse, and sheer strength-not many can still dunk a basketball after the age of 50.
He proudly graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Behavioral Science. He then graduated from University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, and did post-doctoral work in tax law at New York University.
He built a thriving estate planning practice where he was successful on both a professional and personal level. As he did in every aspect of his life, he went above and beyond to help his clients through difficult trials. He would regularly sacrifice personal gains to help a family get back on their feet, an organization stay in business, or an individual find meaning to their life.
His loving, caring, objective, and intelligent advice was constantly sought out by old friends as well as strangers. His honesty immediately endeared him to others, and his valuable insight and genuine concern kept them coming back.
He married the love of his life, Sue Ann Nelson Wilkinson, on June 30, 1984. Together they had three sons whom he loved more than words can describe: Benjamin Jeffrey Wilkinson, Joseph Nelson Wilkinson (Priscilla Leong), and Samuel West Wilkinson. As he said many times to his wife, "do we have the best boys, or what!" Without a doubt, his family was his top priority. He continually sacrificed to provide his sons with every opportunity to excel in life.
The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, technicians, volunteers, hospice caregivers, and researchers who helped Jeff fight cancer and who continue to help others. Their dedication to Jeff and his family made a significant difference in his longevity and well-being.
Staying true with his selfless nature and his drive to improve the well being of others, his body has been donated to the University of Utah School of Medicine.
In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his siblings: Lynne McDonough (Steve), Craig W. Wilkinson (Devona), Susan Lundmark (Ken), and Jayne Stubbendorff (Lars)-as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, April 24, at 1:00 p.m. in the Lone Hollow Ward Chapel at 2195 East Pepperwood Drive, Sandy, UT 84092. If sending flowers, please send them C/O Lone Hollow Ward, 4 Windsong, Sandy, UT 84092.