Sidney Blaine Willes

Sidney Blaine Willes passed away peacefully at his home after a heroic battle with many health challenges including cancer and diabetes.

He was born in McGill, Nevada to Sidney Bruce and Elma Hansen Willes, on August 13, 1934. His family moved to Palmyra, and Benjamin, Utah when he was 4 yrs. old. He worked hard as a young person and developed skills that would serve him well throughout his life. He was selected to be the Seminary President in his senior year of high school. He loved the outdoors and became an avid bird hunter with his brother Eldon.

After returning from his mission to Los Angeles, California, he asked Marlene to marry him. He tells everyone that it was the best decision of his life! Their love for each other was evident through his tender loving care and respect he gave her throughout their lives together.

While serving 6 years in the Army reserves, where he received the Sharp Shooter and Soldier of the year award in his division.

He graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s of Science in 1959 and his Master of Science in 1961.

After graduating he worked at Hercules and Kennecott Copper Mine. While Marlene worked for Deseret Federal Savings and Loan. The management witnessed Blaine’s strong work ethic and his brilliance in finances and they asked him to work for them as an appraiser, Culminating his career there as the acting President of the company.

Among his numerous opportunities to serve, he was a Counselor, Bishop, and Stake President while living in Orem, Utah.

Orem is where he continued his life of service. A number of his peers encouraged him to run for office as a City Council member. He served 2 terms in that position and then served Orem City as Mayor for another 9 ½ years.

Governor Bangertor asked Blaine to serve on the State Tax Commission and eventually he became the Director of Property Tax division.

In Scouting he was awarded the Silver Beaver.

He served as a Branch President at MTC and a service mission with Marlene as a Seminary Liaison in Spanish Fork. His greatest service came when he took care of his beloved Marlene as her health deteriorated. She passed away in October 2004. He has missed her daily for 19 years.

He served on the board of trustees at the non-profit Deseret Village which helped train and house adult individuals with special needs. He had a special love for those innocent individuals. Blaine was also called to teach Sunday School and mentor at the Utah County Jail and he felt like it was special to serve where the Savior would minister.

After his beloved Marlene passed away, he was called to serve as an ordinance worker at the Provo temple, and later becoming a Sealer at the Provo and Payson, Utah Temple. He loved being a sealer.

Many people, including friends, family, and neighbors, have told stories where Blaine has saved them in times of distress. He was looked to as a man of integrity. His many skills helped him bring groups together in mutual respect for each other.

Blaine was a loving father, teacher, and example, to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He talked about his family with deep love and respect. We will miss his guiding influence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Eldon Willes. He is survived by his sister Jeanette Miller, his children Wendy (Jim) Farley, Laurel (Ron) Curtis, Greg Willes, Kendall Willes, Spencer (Julia) Willes. He has 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Family and friends may pay their respects at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, Sunday night, Sept. 17, 2023, from 6-8pm and also at the Benjamin Ward building, 3238 W. 7300 S. Benjamin, Monday Sept. 18, 2023 from 9:30-10:45am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at the Benjamin, Utah Cemetery.