Jerald Wight

Jerald Ross Wight, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, scoutmaster, outdoorsman, technologist, scientist, mentor, and friend, passed away on Friday, September 7, 2012. After a morning of catching up on scout activities, he passed away suddenly of natural causes. Ross was born on October 5, 1931 in Harper Ward, Utah, to Emery and Lucille Lillywhite Wight. He was the only living son in the family, brother to a house full of seven sisters, which may explain his early longing and love of the outdoors. He was raised on the family farm in Harper attending Brigham City schools, where he met the love of his life Mary Jo Chadwick. They were married in the Logan Temple on August 4, 1954. Ross and Mary Jo raised seven children while living in five states and two countries, making lifelong friends wherever they went. One of the highlights of their later years together was the 21 months spent in Estonia on a mission for the LDS church. As accomplished as he was in his professional and scouting career, his faith and family were the most important aspects of his life, and Ross will be sorely missed by family, friends, and countless individuals whose lives he touched through compassionate service, laughter, and love. Ross leaves behind his sweetheart, Mary Jo, sons Mike (Sharon) and Mark (Joann); and daughters Lora (Mike Weibel), Teri Olsen (Jay), Tami Pyfer (Aaron), Janna Slye (Jeff), and Jeri Nyborg (Andrew). He is also survived by sisters Muriel (Grant) Nicholas, Beth Crook, Katherine Allsop, and Shirley (Grant) Graham; 25 bright and loving grandchildren, and eight and a half great-grandchildren. He was welcomed in heaven by his mother and father, his infant brother Leland, sisters Lola Richards, Marie Matthews, and Janice Nicholas, and son-in-law Richard Knoll. A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening, September 11, from 6:00-8:00 at the Rudd funeral home, 1234 South Main, Garland, Utah. Services will be held on Wednesday, September 12, at 11:00 am in the Honeyville, Utah, chapel with another viewing prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30. Dad's earthly remains will be laid to rest in the foothills of his childhood home at Calls Fort cemetery, Harper Ward, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local Scout Troop, The Parkinson Foundation, or a charity of your choice.