Gary England

Gary England, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in Tooele, Utah on May 18, 2024 at the age of 88.

Gary was born on February 18, 1936 in Tooele, Utah to Elmo and Norma England. He was raised in Tooele, along with his sister, Judy Millburn. Gary attended Tooele High School where he was active in band, and became proficient on the trumpet. This was the beginning of his life-long love of big band music. After high school, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States mission, where he served primarily in Kentucky.  He later graduated from Brigham Young University, and remained a loyal Cougar fan throughout his life. It was there that he met his eternal companion, Colleen Burdick. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 19, 1958 by LeGrande Richards, and have been married for 65 years.

After earning his business degree from BYU, Gary started to work in the family business, first for his grandmother who owned a retail business, and then with his father at England Construction.  He worked with his father, and later with his sons, in the construction business for over 40 years.  Under his management, the small family business grew into a successful commercial construction and excavation company. His grandsons later followed in his footsteps by continuing the England Construction legacy into the fourth generation. Gary also invested in real estate, owning and managing multiple apartment complexes in Tooele. He took pride in providing fair and honest housing, and was known to be a very generous landlord.

Gary was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings, including bishoprics, high councils, stake auxiliary leadership, and served for three years with Colleen at the LDS Conference Center. A hallmark of his discipleship was his quiet, faithful service as a home teacher. He was loved by those whom he diligently home taught.

Family was Gary’s highest priority, and he was proud of his Swedish heritage.  Over the years he traveled the world with Colleen and the family. He especially treasured vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, and annual fishing vacations to Jackson Hole. Gary loved spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jackson Hole and Jackson Lake will always hold a special place in the heart of all of his posterity.

Gary will be remembered for many qualities. One of those was his attention-to-detail and planning. The family will forever fondly remember the itineraries he created on his old typewriter, because he proudly never touched a computer in his life.  He will especially be remembered for his strong work ethic, integrity, kindness, and generosity.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Colleen; children Brad (Kathy) England of St. George, UT; Michelle (Larry) Hawker of Summerlin, NV; Jeff (Linda) England of Tooele, UT; and Tyler (Nicole) England of Highland Utah. He and Colleen have 16 grandchildren (plus 10 grandchildren-in-law), and 27 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 6-8 pm at the Tooele Stake Center in Tooele (253 South 200 East, Tooele, UT 84074). The funeral will be held on Thursday at 11 am, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am, also at the Tooele Stake Center, with interment to follow at the Tooele City Cemetery.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at DaltonHoopes.com  435-884-3031