Gail Donald Egbert's Obituary
Gail Donald Egbert
June 17, 1936 – June 18, 2021
Gail Donald Egbert was reunited with his eternal love and soulmate, LaWen Myrtle Allsop Egbert on June 18, 2021. Their love was so strong and unwavering that he followed her, just a little over a month later, onto the next phase of their eternal journey. Gail was born near Grace, Idaho on June 17, 1936, to Francis Marian Egbert and Leona Marie Mace Egbert.
Gail and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he would spend the rest of his childhood and adult years, when he was five years old. He had many happy memories with several childhood friends, Alvin Hedden (Idaho), David Rushton (cousin) and Leon Allsop (later became his brother-in-law). Gail has always spoken fondly of his childhood memories in Idaho and Utah with his parents and two sisters (Beth and Pearl, both deceased); however, his favorite childhood stories are of when he met his sweetheart in grade school.
Gail and LaWen had 5 children (Deborah, Christine, Donald, Lynette, Michelle), 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Together, they raised three generations of children. Their home in Sandy, Utah has been a place of love and refuge for us all. Their unwavering and unconditional love along with their spirit of service have been an example to everyone that has ever had the privilege of knowing them. Gail is truly the most admired father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Gail was a hard-working and dedicated provider for his family, sometimes working 3 or more jobs. He always seemed to be on the go, even after retiring from Kennecott Copper Mine after 50 years of service. Gail started working for Kennecott at 15 years old and enjoyed every minute of his career. He loved telling stories of his time with all of his Kennecott Crew, but his very favorite was all of his years working on the trains and operating the locomotive. He loved everything about trains and being a train conductor.
Gail enjoyed many activities in the great outdoors, camping, hunting, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling. Gail and LaWen created many cherished memories throughout countless family camping trips with extended family. He spent many years proudly serving as a Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America with his dear friend Leroy Nielsen. He also had many great adventures with his lifetime friend, Denton Haueter (Gail and Denton also shared many memories working together at Kennecott). Gail made it known how much he loved, respected, and learned from all his cherished friends and brothers: Leroy Nielsen, Alvin Hedden, David Rushton, Denton Haueter, Leon Allsop, David Isbell, Arvon Perry and Dennis Ipson.
Gail had a true knack for fixing things; anything and everything. He was notorious for having just the right tool and the “know how” for any job. He was the one everybody called on when there was a project, whether it be at home, on the car, or in the yard. He just seemed to always have an answer for everything. He truly loved being of service. He could always be found mowing lawns in the summer and plowing sidewalks in the winter for nearly everybody that he knew. It is because of this gift and passion that he loved his calling as Private Facilities Representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He proudly and devotedly served this calling for over 30 years.
While the loss of our beloved father and grandfather will leave a tremendous void in all our hearts, we find peace and happiness in knowing that he is with his “Little Dove” and daughters, Lynette and Michelle, again. There is truly no other love like Gail and LaWen’s and neither of their stories are complete without the other in it. She adored him as much as he did her and you would not see one without the other. We knew that they could not be apart for long. Their Christ-like example of love and service has left a legacy of love that will be forever cherished.
The family would like to give special thanks to the Rosa Circle neighbors for returning the service that our precious father and grandfather gave to so many for so many years. Your caring and kindness for Gail and LaWen, especially in their last months, is deeply appreciated.
Viewing will be held Wednesday June 23, 2021, 9:00 am – 10:00 am at Premier Funeral Services 67 East 8000 South, Midvale, UT 84047. Graveside services will be held directly following at 11:00 am at Mountain View Cemetery 3115 East 7800 South. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.premierfuneral.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Gail?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gail?
Share a story where Gail's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gail you’ll never forget.
How did Gail make you smile?
