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Kent Ralph Gwilliam

Oct. 11, 1952 - Nov. 13, 2020

Date of Service: Nov. 20, 2020

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BURLEY – Kent Ralph Gwilliam, a 68-year-old resident of Burley, was called home to our Heavenly Father suddenly on Friday Nov. 13, 2020, as a result of a truck accident caused by icy roads.

Kent was a loving husband, father, step-father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. His sly smile, dry wit and kind easy-going nature made him a friend to anyone he met.

Kent was born in Baker City, Ore., Oct. 11, 1952. He was the second child of Glen Burt Gwilliam, and Julia Marie Brown. When he was 9 years old, the family moved to Canada where he spent his childhood on his dad’s farm with his eight brothers and sisters. During that time he developed a love for sheep and won quite a few awards showing sheep in his late teens. After he graduated high school he went to Brigham Young University to study Animal Science. At 19 he was called to serve in the France-Belgium Mission, where he not only shared his love of the gospel, but he became a master crêpe maker.

After his mission, he returned to BYU to complete his education and met Carol Chipman. They were married April, 23, 1976, in the Logan Utah Temple. Later, he moved his small family to Lansing, Mich., to attend Michigan State where he received his Master’s degree in 1988 and his PhD in Ag Economics in 1993. After graduating Michigan State, he relocated with his wife and nine children to Logan, Utah.

Kent and Carol divorced in February of 1998 and in May of 1998 Kent married Julie (Jensen) Dilworth, blending his nine and her five children. In 2003, Kent and Julie were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple.

Kent will be remembered for his big, kind, giving heart. He was always willing to help out whether it was moving his step-children into new homes, handing out vegetables from his massive garden or even just a dry joke to make you laugh. He enjoyed cooking for his family and loved having his children, step-children, and grandchildren all together. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his favorite church calling was being a Sunday School teacher; he genuinely enjoyed preparing his lessons for the week.

At the time of his death, Kent was a truck driver for Handy Truck line, out of Paul, Idaho. Kent and his wife Julie have a home in Burley, Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Julie (Jensen) Gwilliam; four sisters; three brothers; nine children, Julie (Fidias) Peñate, Glen Burt (Rachel) Gwilliam, Marilyn Wilcken, David (Tarissa) Gwilliam, Richard (Jill) Gwilliam, Maria (Chris) Crookston, Catie (James) Gardner, Benjamin (Jasmine) Gwilliam, and Carol (Sam) Ley; his former spouse, Carol Gwilliam; his five step-children, Mark (Kristi) Dilworth, Jeanine Dilworth, Lisa (Timothy) Mann, Amanda Dilworth, and Randall Dilworth; and by his 35 grandchildren with one on the way.

Kent is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter; and one sister.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Ave., in Burley, with Bishop Jeremy B. Haymore officiating. Burial will be in Paul Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5until 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

For those attending the visitation or funeral service in person, a face mask must be worn at all times and social distancing practiced.

For those unable to attend, a live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/vK3jPfYvp_Y.

Condolences for Kent Ralph Gwilliam

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Teresa Edmondson Lewis:

Dear Julie and family,So sorry for your loss,what a hard trial.It was always good to see you Julie at school.I haven't subbed for 6 years.And of course back in Paul,ID.Prayers for strength for you.

From Pat Bonadiman-Bollar:

Julie, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

From David Galloway:

So sorry for the families loss. May the peace of the Lord be with you.

From Brian and Debra Barlow:

What a difficult tragic time this is for you. Kent was one of the kindest man anyone could know. He will be missed. Our hearts, prayers, and love are with you.

From Natalie :

Shortly after I met Kent last year, I was having a bad morning and he somehow knew it. So, he told me a dry joke just so I could laugh. Well, I did and I felt a lot better. It was a pleasure getting to know you. God Speed Kent!!

From Steve and Adalinda Maisey:

We are so sorry for your husband passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

From Patty and Steve Winks :

We are so sorry.

From Sheralee Merrill :

Julie I was sorry to see that your husband passed through the veil. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From Debbie Hamilton:

I knew Kent when he and his family lived in Vanderhoof BC Canada. He was about 11 or 12 when we met. He was always kind and friendly to everyone.
I was Debbie Gorrill then.
Sorry for your loss and my prayers are with the family and friends.

From Susan Galloway Daines:

We were saddened to hear of Kent's passing and send our love to your family.

From Sufi Salma:

Thank you Grandpa Kent for letting me know how it feels to be a grandchild, to have such an amazing and sweet grandpa..

I'm so thankful for every moments I shared with you, I enjoyed every second of it.. Even though we only spent only a little bit of time together..

I know you're such a genuine and kind man..

Having you as my host grandpa is one of the best things that filled my life..

Love you, Grandpa Kent. I miss you always.. Fly High

From Cheri Kennington Jensen:

So sorry to learn of Kent's passing. The Gwilliam family was such a big part of the Kennington family's great experiences in Vanderhoof. I have a lot of fond memories of church and school activities that included Kent and Becky.

From Janet (Einarson Kenner) Bailleul:

I was so saddened to hear of Kent’s accident and passing. Our heartfelt condolences, much love and prayers to all of you who are attached to this great man! He will be closer than you may think, watching and cheering you all on! I have known Kent, his siblings and parents since they moved to Vanderhoof, BC, Canada and I’ve been reflecting on some of the memories from those days with fondness and gratitude and even a little chuckle now and then.. May our Heavenly Father comfort and blessings you now and in the days ahead.

From Jennifer Firat:

I am so sorry to hear of what happened to Sir Kent. I may have not meet him in person but he was my first employer when I started working as Virtual Assistant way back 2010. He was a great employer and my mentor. He were the first who helped me developed my skills in terms of social media marketing, web design and other stuff that can be done online. He thought me a lot, his patience and eagerness to help was remarkable. I felt bad that I wasn't able to finish his project this past month. But he was the most understanding of all my employer.

Mr. Kent was like a father, friend and a mentor to me. You will always be remembered Mr. Kent. Wherever you are, I just wanted to let you know that I am really really grateful to have you as my employer since 2010.

Rest in Peace Sir Kent.

From Laura Hernández :

Tuve la oportunidad de compartir por muchos años con él , un hombre amable, cariñoso y con un gran corazón. Lo siento mucho familia Gwilliam, es un dolor tan grande saber que ya no estás con nosotros. Te voy a extrañar

From Douglas Hedges:

Friday, November 13 in the area where I had my accident. A friend, and a fellow driver was killed.

His name was Kent Gwilliams. I spoke to him earlier that same day. He had his accident on the way back from Idaho Falls. I’m guessing his trailer was empty, as was mine.

He was a soft-spoken man, and seem to be very gentle. He will be missed by me, and all others who work at Handy Truck Line.

God bless you Kent. I know I will see you in the next life. My condolences and prayers are with his wife and family.

From PCA IF warehouse :

We are truly sorry for your loss. Kent was always a pleasant person to visit with. He’ll be missed.

From Susan Jones:

So sorry for your loss

From Rey Helaman Penate:

My condolences to the family. I knew him years ago and he was always very kind to me. Rest In Peace brother Gwilliam.

From Leon and Dori Clegg:

So sorry to hear of Kent. Prayers to you, Julie. All our love!

From Lyle and Jennifer Sager24:

We are so saddened by your loss. We send our love to all family members.

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