Gary Austin Willden

Gary Austin Willden was born September 24th 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Austin and Fern Willden. He was a loving husband, father, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor. On January 29th 2025, we lost an amazing man, and his dear wife Julie Willden, lost the love of her life.

 Gary is preceded in death by his father Austin, mother Fern, and sister Sandee. He is survived by his adored wife, Julie, daughter Jennifer Lynne, whom he cherished and was immensely proud of, and his many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

 Gary graduated from South High in 1966 and later attended the University of Utah. He was a boy scout who tied the best knots, a medic in the US Army, serving in Germany, an auditor at 7-11, worked at Kennecott Copper Mine and worked in retail at Sears where he met the love of his life, Julie (his Poopsie)

 Gary loved golf, camping, football, movie nights, and entertaining friends and family. He loved to cook and always had the best recipes to share. Even when he was not healthy enough to golf and entertain like he used to, he was always in the kitchen cooking something with love. 

 He was a lover of animals. He loved his Buffy, LeRoy and Cricket, Murphy, Korky, Chewy and even Rose. Try as he did to keep the many furry visitors from the neighborhood in line with rules and regulations, he ultimately let his tender heart take over and all were welcome. 

 Gary loved a lively conversation. He was a straight talker and asked tough questions all out of love and concern for others. Gary supported Julie in every endeavor, with every idea, and vision she had for her family, holidays, health and happiness without ever taking any credit. He was indeed the wind beneath her wings and her strong and humble support.

 His wisdom, tough love, and fair and honest guidance will be missed but the legacy of these virtues will live on in those who were lucky enough to share in these conversations and memories. And Gary, we know you always "had a guy", but we also know you were "the guy". We love you!

 Celebration of Life will be held at the Sandwedge Cafe, Mountain Dell Golf Course, February 22nd from 1pm-3pm. Parleys Canyon Exit #134 East