Omni Larry Gillette, 88, passed away January 20, 2016 at home with his loving wife, Mary, by his side. His goal of celebrating 70 years of marriage was cut short by a valiant battle against Cancer. Larry was born on June 4, 1927 in Tooele Utah to Samuel L. and Zelpha J. Gillette. Larry married Mary Alice Flygare the day after Thanksgiving 1949 while on leave between duty stations with the U.S. Navy. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
Larry joined the Navy on Memorial Day 1945 at the age of 17. After attending the Navy ROTC program at the University of Utah, he graduated in June 1949 and received a commission as an Ensign in the U. S. Navy where he served for seven years, including action in the Korean War. While in the Navy,Dad traveled the world and gained a lifelong love for the ocean and sailing ships as attested by the many beautiful scale model replicas of famous sailing vessels which he spent countless hours recreating and displaying.
After his Naval service, Larry headed back to the University of Utah for a second degree, this time as a Mechanical Engineer. He used his engineering degree to enter the aerospace industry. During his long career as a test engineer he worked on many famous projects including the X-15 Rocket Plane, Surveyor that landed on the Moon and countless satellites that were launched from rockets or from the Space Shuttle.
Larry was a lifelong and devoted member of the LDS Church and loved serving as Bishop of the Palos Verdes California East Ward, in several other bishoprics, High Councils, and as Scout Master to many young men. He was awarded the Silver Beaver by the BSA. He was happy to serve wherever he was called. After retiring, Larry and Mary served a mission to the New York Rochester Mission where they made many friends and helped change lives.
Larry was a great Husband and Fatherand with Mary, spent a lifetime devoted to their large family. He was famous in the family for his never ending repertoire of amazing true stories from his boyhood and time in the Navy and he was a great story teller,with just a pinch ofembellishments for good measure.
Larry is survived by his wife Mary,three amazing siblings and their spouses; JoAnn (Mac), David (Doris) and Kathy (Mike),eight grateful children; John (Debbie), Richard (Cheri), Julie (Matt), Robert (Heather), Wendy (Grant), Jeff (Jill), Scott (Kristin) and Carolyn (Brian). Also Survived by 39 Grandchildren and 48 Great Grandchildren.
The family wishes to give special thanks to all of the staff at IHC Hospice Services and Beehive Senior Care who spent so many hours over the past year caring for our father through his long bout with Cancer. We would also like to show deep gratitude for his ward and stake leaders, ward Relief Society and home teachers, and the members of the Hidden Oaks Ward and neighbors who went far beyond the call of duty to support Larry and Mary over the past many months. Thank you all!
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hidden Oaks Ward Chapel, 11755 S. 2000 E. in Sandy. Visitations will be Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) in Sandy and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
