Lawrence Wayne Wilcox

Lawrence Wayne Wilcox, age 63, passed away in Centerville, Utah on November 11, 2015 due to complications of multiple sclerosis and spinal cancer. Larry was born in Phoenix, Arizona on February 1, 1952 to Lewis Wayne Wilcox and Shirley Ann Fields. Growing up in Phoenix, he was surrounded by a tight-knit family, which included both sets of grandparents, his sister, LeAnn, and his Moretti cousins. His family enjoyed camping and fishing in the mountains of Arizona, hunting in the desert, trips to the beaches at Rocky Point, Mexico, and weeks in the summer in the area around Warner Springs, California. In his teenage years, his love of music led him to play the guitar and bass guitar, and form the first of several bands he put together with friends through the years. He eventually amassed a large collection of vinyl records of music from the era, and he used this library to teach himself how to improvise and to play the blues with significant skill.

At age 17, he and his family converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which changed the course of their lives. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1970, and then enrolled at Brigham Young University that fall. It was an academically unsuccessful semester. However, it wasn’t a complete failure, because he met his eventual sweetheart, Connie Soderberg. He served a mission for the LDS church from 1971-73 in the Ontario Canada Mission. He resumed his studies in Business Management at BYU in the fall of 1973, and renewed his friendship with Connie. Larry and Connie eventually fell in love and were married on April 23, 1974, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised 3 children.

Following his graduation from BYU, Larry went to work for the family business, Schade Refrigerated Lines. During that time, he began to apply his growing interest in computers and programming to the family business (an interest he gained while at BYU), eventually developing several new pieces of technology to help manage the business. Most of these skills were gained by teaching himself; something he did with great facility throughout his working-life as he later struck out on his own as a computer programmer in the mid 1980’s. He started several programming businesses in his career, including LWW Software and VantagePoint Software. ScreenGen, one of his early products, is still in use by several businesses today. His talent and expertise in the programming field also allowed him to work as a successful consultant for a wide range of companies and took him to many diverse places, including: Boca Raton, FL; New Haven, CT; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He later formed a partnership with a few colleagues to form another company, Sirius Technology Group. Once he became ill, one of the hardest things he had to give up was computer programming. He was blessed with a keen and creative intellect, which was well-suited to the demands of the fast-paced technology field.

He loved serving the members of the church wherever he was asked to serve. At age 27, Larry accepted the calling as Bishop of his ward in Phoenix. His church service included Elders Quorum President, Stake High Council, and Stake Young Men President. His favorite callings were working with the scouts and teaching Gospel Doctrine. Larry was a natural teacher. His own intense study of the gospel and easy manner made him a good source when one had questions and made him an engaging speaker with a presence that made people want to listen.

His family has especially fond memories of his fun-loving nature, his sharp wit and off-kilter sense of humor, and the many adventures they shared with him — from fly fishing, to camping, to rafting the Colorado River, among others. Larry was artistically inclined and loved reading and films, particularly science fiction. His interest in science fiction was a reflection of a great love of physics, cosmology, and theology. How happy he is now to know more about how the Universe works from his vantage point beyond the veil! We look forward to learning more from him when we reunite on the other side.

Larry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Connie, his children Christine (Westy) Pickup, Steven (Sasha), and Michael (Heidi); Eight grandchildren: Bryant, Addie, Spencer, Norah, Ellie, Alyse, Axel, and Wren; his parents Lewis and Shirley Wilcox; and his sister LeAnn (Tom) Oster.

The family would like to thank the many nurses – Dawn Marie, Caitlin, and Jeff – CNAs – Laura and Ryan, doctors and staff at LDS Hospital, IHC Hospice and Home Care, and Right at Home for their many acts of kindness and caring for Larry. We also extend our unending gratitude to the many members of our extended family who repeatedly and selflessly gave of their time and resources to help Larry and us over the many years of his illness. We have also been blessed by exceptional home teachers, neighbors, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday November 16, 2015 at 11 am at the Pineae Gardens Chapel located at 690 North 400 West, Centerville, UT. He will be laid to rest at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 6 – 8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, UT and Monday from 9:45 – 10:45 am at the church prior to services. Donations can be made in Larry’s name to LDS Missionary fund. (https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary.html)