George Wilford Kirkland, 82 of Centerville, UT., passed away February 7, 2013 after an extended illness. He was born on November 16, 1930. The son of Wilford W. and Thelma Whitby Kirkland. George spent his happy childhood in Carey, Idaho. The family later moved to Logan, UT. He served an LDS mission in the Southern States Mission and earned a degree from Utah State University. George served in the U.S. Army in Salzberg, Austria from 1953 to 1955. He married Theda Crook Kirkland. They were married in the Logan LDS temple, Dec. 21, 1956. They raised four sons and one daughter in Centerville, Utah. George started his career in 1957 teaching drafting at Viewmont High School. He had a great passion for teaching youth. He served in many areas of the LDS church. His favorites being a devoted home teacher, ward clerk, temple worker in the Bountiful LDS temple and as a missionary in the membership records department. George had a very inquisitive mind and enjoyed various hobbies and talents. Many of his fondest memories were spent teaching his children to work and play on the family ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming. For the past several winters George and Theda have enjoyed their winters in St. George, Utah. George is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Linda Shipley and Pearl Carstensen, and his son Layne Kirkland. He is survived by his wife, Theda C. Kirkland and his children Gregory(Janet) Kirkland, Hillsboro, Or., Steven(Carol) Kirkland, of West Jordan, UT., Kristine Kirkland (Joseph Kelly) of Spanish Fork, UT., Dale (Anne) Kirkland of West Bountiful, UT. and daughter-in-law Kristine N. Kirkland of West Valley, UT. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. We are blessed to have had him in our lives and look forward to being reunited with him again someday.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at the LDS church, 610 No. Rowland Way, Centerville, UT. Friends and family may visit Monday between 6 and 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main Bountiful, UT. or Tuesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.