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Thomas Pilkington Obituary

Thomas Lee Pilkington ("Pop") Our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Tom Pilkington, passed away August 24, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada as a result of heart failure. He was born April 14, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA to Gladys Blanche Gibson and Ernest Leander Pilkington. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Patricia Ann Haynes, Aug. 3, 1963 in Ontario, CA. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Oakland Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the US Air Force from 1961-1965, and was stationed in Taiwan and Texas. It was in San Angelo, Texas where he was introduced to the gospel. He spent over 30 years in the fast-food industry, including having been the Owner-Operator of McDonald's in Bountiful, Salt Lake City, and Tucson, AZ. He is survived by his wife, Patty; son Tom (Jill) of American Fork, UT; son Dave of Eagle Mountain, UT; grandchildren Suzann and Thomas; sisters-in-law Jody (Ed) Mierau and Jana (Udo) Winkler; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his mother; brothers, Bob, Dick, and Jim; and, sister, Pat Cheek. "Pop" will be remembered for his sense of humor, his strong love of family, and his genuine ability to make friends. Funeral services will be held Fri. August 31, at 11 a.m. in the American Fork Hillcrest 6th Ward Chapel, 1120 N. 150 W. American Fork. Interment will be in the American Fork Cemetery under the direction of Anderson & Sons Mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to andersonmortuary.com

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Aug. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Pilkington

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John Huber

September 9, 2007

To the Pilkington family,

I was sorry to hear about Tom. I was one of what I'm sure were many who worked for Tom and was much the better person because of it. I'll always remember his enthusiasm and good humor whenever I was around him. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

John Huber

Holly Reed

September 9, 2007

Dear Patty, Tom, Dave and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. As many of the 41st ward teenagers of the 80s, I was saddened to learn of Tom Sr's passing. I have such great memories of his humor and sparkle. I can only ever remember him with a huge smile, a twinkle and a funny story or joke. Among my fondest memories are the times when Dave, Lisa (Laub), myself and other kids were playing somewhere in the neighborhood and Tom would 'herd' us all in the car for a sundae run to McDonald's. I pray for you all to be comforted at this difficult time by the knowledge of his great spirit, the love of so many friends and neighbors and your eventual eternal reunion.
Much love,
Holly (Johnson) Reed

Lisa Wade

September 1, 2007

Dear Pilkington Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I only worked with him for a short time but he was such a great man - so positive and full of energy. It has been almost 20 years since our association and I still remember him fondly. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Toni Napier Nelson

August 31, 2007

Dear Patty,
My deepest condolences for you and your family and I pray that you and your family will be blessed by our
Heavenly Father's tender mercies.
You may not remember me but you and
Tom were great examples to me at a
time when I needed your example of
living the gospel. Thank you for that as it made a huge difference
at the time. I was in San Angelo at
the chapel at the same time you were there and eventually married there to a soldier from Park City, Ut. and then a week later we were sealed in SL Temple.....that was 38 years and 5 kids later.
I wish I had known sooner that you were in Utah......last I knew was
California. Would love to talk some
time.
Yours truly,
Toni Napier Nelson
6168 Don Juan Dr
Taylorsville, Ut 84118

Janet Galyean

August 31, 2007

Dear Patty, Tom and David:
I am so sorry to hear about Tom passing away. Tom was a great influence for myself, my sister Jill, and many others who worked for and with him. I had a great experience going to Tucson, Arizona with your family to open the restaurant there. I've wondered about Tom and the rest of your family, how everyone has been doing. Please accept my condolences and best wishes to all of you.
Sincerely, Janet Beck Galyean

Georgette (Tatton) Haacke

August 31, 2007

Patty, Tom and Dave
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. What a wonderful man he is. He taught so many the value of being a good employee, friend and person. He had such a great impact on the person I have become. I wil always be grateful to him for believing in me. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God bless you.
Love,

Jenni (Finch) Caldwell

August 30, 2007

Patty, Tom, and Dave- I am sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was such a positive influence in my young teenage life. He didn't just teach teens how to prepare and serve McFood, he taught us how to be our best selves. Excellence was the standard. I will be forever indebted to him for the life long lessons he taught.

Kathi (Finch) Buttars

August 30, 2007

Patti, Tom & Dave - I am so sorry to hear that Tom has passed. He had such a profound influence on the youth of the Bountiful 41st ward. "Service with a smile" was not only something Tom emphasized at work (McDonalds), but also in service to others. He provided opportunities for all his employees to work hard, and gave us opportunities to grow in responsibility too. Many of the things I learned working for him, I still apply in my life today. May the Lord bless you in this most difficult time. He will be missed by many.
Warm regards,

Scott Hanni

August 30, 2007

Patty, Tom & Dave,
I am so sorry to hear about Tom's death. I think about Tom & your family often and alway appreciate the kindness and friendship you shared. Tom was wonderful boss, and I think about our McDonald's days so many years ago - has it really been 25 years? My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Cliff Finch

August 30, 2007

Dear Pilkington family,
My heart is sad today. I've been told that a good friend of mine has graduated from this life. I hope I can say something that will convey to you how indebted I am to your husband and father. Tom was a great man who had a major positive influence on the lives of my daughters, Kathi, Kristi and Jenni, who were privileged to work for him, and on me. His passion for his family, his business and life itself has helped me to be a better man. I love the memories of double dates always stopping by to see how the business was doing. I enjoyed sharing our military experiences with each other. I remember his unique smile and chuckle and the consistent twinkle in his eyes. I am grateful for his love for me and my family. As a businessman myself I was influnced by the way he cared for all of his employees and friends. He showed his love for God through conscientious service and he very clearly loved his sweetheart all the time. I regret that I didn't do a better job of keeping in touch when we moved away from each other. I am proud to be his friend. I know this, Tom Pilkington will hold a place in my heart where no one else can go. God bless you and your extended family. May He comfort you in your time of loss.

Jan (Finch) Danylchuk

August 30, 2007

Patti,
I am saddened to hear of Tom's death--a delightful person and a great boss! I still remember the great times we spent with you and your family in Bountiful. I still hope we have a home reserved next door to you in the next life.

Marc Archibald

August 30, 2007

Patti, Tom, Dave......Your father meant the world to me. I don't know where to start to explain the influence your husband and father has had on my life. My entire life has been changed in no small part to working for Tom and Patti. I am deeply saddened to know Tom has died and I offer my warmest regards to you all.

Jolene Gates

August 30, 2007

Dear Pilkington Family,
I was very saddened to read about the loss of Tom. He was a great boss with alot of energy and integrity. We had alot of fun times @ McDonalds in Bountiful and I enjoyed working there. My love and prayers go to your family at this time.

Greg and Misty Ward

August 30, 2007

Pilkington Family,
Our condolences go out to all of you. We know that Tom will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person. We loved working for him a with him in our teenage years. In fact it was at his McDonald's in Bountiful that we met and eventually married. (almost 24 years ago) Tom and Patty were alway supportive and kind. The family was a great example to all of us that worked there and got to be great friends to. Again we are sorry for you loss. Always be thankful for the blessings you have received because of having Tom a part of you life. We are!
Greg and Misty(McInelly) Ward

Greg Ward

August 30, 2007

Dear Pilkington family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss, it is a loss, I think, everyone shares that knew Tom. I first met Tom at an early age when he purchased the Bountiful McDonalds where I worked for Tom many years. Many of my high school memories include Tom and the McDonald team in Bountiful. I can still see Tom @ the fry station and encouraging everyone in drive through to keep it moving :) My thoughts and prayers go out to you @ this time. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this time.
Warmest Regards,
Greg Ward -
McDonalds employee 79-85

Dave & Molly Mortensen

August 29, 2007

Tom, Dave, Jill and kids,

I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I have many good memories of him while your family lived in the 41st ward in Bountiful. I remember that he had a great sense of humor and brought many smiles and laughs to the members of our ward. He was a great and honorable man.

My deepest sympathy goes to each of you and Patty at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

David & Annette Carter

August 29, 2007

Patti, Tom & Jill, and Dave. The passing of your husband & father is a great loss to all. He was a very good man, mentor, boss, & friend. We have tried to live up to his example and what he taught to everyone. No one ever shared so much of himself to others than did Tom! Our prayers are with you at this time and always.

Mindy Dummer

August 29, 2007

Dear Pilkington Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will remember and appreciate the kindness, hospitality and generosity shown to me by Tom & Patty on my visit to Louisville many years ago. Tom had a great sense of humor and was a master at transforming strangers into friends in no time. He took pride in his family and shared both in their successes and challenges; he hoped for their happiness always. My thoughts are with Patty especially at this difficult time.

Lisa Christensen

August 29, 2007

To the Pilkington family,
I was saddened to see the passing of Tom. What a great man he was, who taught me to work hard at a young age. He was very proud of the McDonalds in Bountiful and I was glad to work for him there as a teenager. I appreciated his positive attitude about life, and for the chance to know your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa "Hatch" Christensen

Steve Boss

August 29, 2007

Tom, Jill & kids,
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I only met him once or twice but with everything you have told me about him I know he was a great man and will be sadly missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May the lord bless and comfort all of you.
Steve & Hollie Boss & Family.

Lance Rich

August 29, 2007

Tom and Jill,

We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Tom's father. The resemblance of Tom and Tom Sr. is striking. I have no doubt that the sense of humor that you indicate that "Pop" had has no doubt carried over to Tom as we enjoy his quick wit. We hope that the knowledge of meeting up again after this mortal life will provide some comfort. We love both of you very much and hold your frienship sacred.

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