Fred Ray Wrigley

Fred Ray Wrigley (78) died peacefully at his home in West Valley City on May 29, 2019 after suffering a series of debilitating health complications. True to his character, Fred bore these final challenges with quiet strength and dignity.

Fred was born on October 8, 1940 in Santa Monica, California to LaVerl and Thelma Wrigley. At a young age, his family relocated to Rupert, Idaho. Fred grew up in Declo and Paul and attended Minico High School. From 1958 to 1962 Fred served his country in the United States Marine Corps and spent time in San Diego, Okinawa, and the Philippines. Upon honorable discharge in San Diego, Fred decided to settle in sunny southern California. Fred worked for a time as a lineman for General Telephone Company before starting a long and rewarding career working as a firefighter for the City of San Bernardino. While at the phone company, his supervisor set him up on a blind date with his daughter’s friend Judy Wilke. Fred and Judy were soon engaged and married five months later in Las Vegas, Nevada. The marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles temple. Fred and Judy were blessed with two sons, Brian and Jeff. During their years living in San Bernardino, they were lucky enough to establish special friendships that endure to this day. After retiring as a Captain from the fire department, Fred and Judy relocated to West Valley City, Utah to be near their son Jeff.

Fred served faithfully and willingly in various positions in the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Fred was always willing to help out and was an extremely hard worker. Fred and Judy spent six summers living in their RV at the Church’s historic Martin’s Cove Handcart site in Wyoming volunteering as missionaries and tour guides. These times were extremely rewarding and enjoyable for Fred.

Fred’s favorite activity was traveling and camping in his RVs. The family was able to take many extended vacations where they traveled the country visiting family, friends, and historic sites. Fred also loved working around the house and yard doing projects and tinkering. He could fix just about anything and was very resourceful. Fred also spent countless hours helping his son Jeff with remodeling projects and counted those times as some of the best of his life.

Fred is survived by his wife Judy Wrigley, son and daughter in law Jeff and Julie Wrigley, and grand-daughter Anna Wrigley. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank (Sandy) and Keith (Nina) Wrigley. He was preceded in death by his son Brian, mother Thelma, father LaVerl, sister Leah and sister-in-law Billie.

Fred was a quiet, simple man with a giant heart. His love for his wife and family was evidenced by his constant care and service to them. He will be deeply missed by all. As a friend once observed, “Fred is one of the good guys.”

Funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC, UT) on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Viewings will be held at the same location on Sunday June 2, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Monday June 3 at 10 a.m.

Due to family members’ sensitivities to fragrances, we ask that guests kindly refrain from wearing perfume, after-shave, and scented lotions if possible.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Muscular Dystrophy association are welcome. www.mda.org