Wayne Francis Mulcock passed away Sunday, August 26, 2018. Wayne was born August 2, 1924, on the kitchen table of his Sugarhouse home in Salt Lake City. He was the oldest of 6 children born to Francis William (Frank) and Alta Maude Derrick Mulcock. Wayne was hardworking, honest, and loved to travel and golf.
In January 1943 Wayne had earned enough credits to graduate early from South High School. Wayne chose to graduate early so he could enlist in the Army Air Corp rather than waiting to be drafted into World War II. He was admitted to flight school and served as a B25 bomber pilot. Wayne was stationed mainly in Italy. In 1945 he flew seven dangerous missions as the lead plane over the Brenner Pass which helped end the War in Europe.
In August 1945, Wayne was able to come home on leave for a few weeks to marry his sweetheart, Ila Rogers. They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on August 9, 1945. The temple had been opened for one day for a special service man’s session. More than 100 couples were married that day and Wayne and Ila were the last couple to be married right before the temple closed at midnight. For a wedding gift, friends pooled their gas ration stamps so that Wayne and Ila could take a honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park. While they were on their honeymoon, peace was declared, and Wayne never had to return overseas. He was able to report back to Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City.
Wayne graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Soon after graduation he went to work for Utah Power and Light Co. He stayed with the company for over 40 years and was the Southern Region Manager when he retired.
Early in his career, Wayne was a TV star, doing educational spots for a local TV channel. He was a “Salt Shaker”, a select group of men who worked closely with the Governor to promote business growth in Utah. He logged many hours flying around the country bringing in new industry and bolstering Utah’s economy. He was very active in business and civic groups, holding positions in the JC’s, Kiwanis, Rotary and other organizations. He served as the chairman for the Utah Valley United Way and the Utah Valley Industrial Development Association.
Wayne and Ila made and kept many friends throughout their life. Many of those friends were made in elementary school and junior high, others were made at work and church, those friendships continue today.
Wayne loved to travel and explore. When the family was young they would usually travel to places where there were outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Later, he and Ila would visit Egypt, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and most of the 50 states.
He was a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind four children, 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. As a family we enjoyed summer vacations, playing games, holidays at the cabin, and homemade Burnt Almond Fudge ice cream. In their later years, he lovingly attended to Ila. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, that continued to grow throughout his life.
Wayne is survived by his children; Larry (Rita) Mulcock, David (Pam) Mulcock, Eileen (Larry) Rogers, Maureen (Barry) Holman; and brothers Earl (Paula) Mulcock, Kenneth (Trudy) Mulcock. Preceded in death by his sister, Donna (Bob) Brewster, brother-in-law Bob Brewster, sister-in-law Carol Ence Mulcock and infant twin sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit family Tuesday, September 4 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary and Wednesday from 1:00-1:45 pm prior to services. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
We would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at both Sunrise of Sandy and Highland Glen, and to his hospice nurse, Anikka, for their kind care.