Herschel Calvin Wilde, 69, passed away on February 18, 2002, in Salt Lake City, Utah after a long, courageous battle against the effects of diabetes.
Cal was born October 3, 1932, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the oldest of six children born to Herschel A. and Verna Garn Wilde. His family later moved to Salt Lake City, where he graduated from West High School at the age of 16. He attended Annapolis for a short time and always cheered for the Navy, even after serving two years in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the University of Utah, receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics. Education and a good work ethic were always important to him. Cal worked as a programmer and engineer for Sperry Univac for 42 years. He always put in an honest days' effort.
On July 20, 1953, Cal married his sweetheart, Mary Wilma Sorensen. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of five children. Cal was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a financial clerk for many years and was very diligent in this and other callings. He was a faithful home teacher.
Cal lived a full life. He enjoyed vacations to Yellowstone, Disneyland, the Northwest, and to see the leaves change color in New England. While living in Rome and working at the University of Rome, he and Wilma developed a deep love for Italy. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports, music, dance, and anything else they were involved in. He loved a good parade and had deep appreciation for his country and the sacrifices of veterans. He loved to travel, read, and go to the movies. He had a tender spot for children and animals, especially his dogs. He always enjoyed a good joke.
Cal is survived by his loving wife, Wilma; four children, Boyd H. Wilde, Wayne C. (Jill) Wilde, Marianne (Jerry) Allred, and Angie Wilde; ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Coy Love, Jean (Lee) Lance, Bernell (Claudia) Wilde, Christine (Rick) Egbert, and David (Linda) Wilde. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Winston, and a grandchild, Cameron Bourdon. We will miss his great sense of humor, his vast knowledge, and his incredible optimism. He was a man of integrity.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Homestead Ward Chapel, 5735 S. Fashion Blvd. Friends may call Friday 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.