I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the whole family of Paul Wilbur. He was a remarkable man and teacher.

Brother & Professor Wilbur was a very great mentor to me when I was an adolescent living in Fort Collins, Co in the mid-seventies. We attended the same Church Ward and, when he heard of my interest in science & mathematics, encouraged me in my studies. He took me into his home to discuss math & physics problems, and even let me visit his office & lab at CSU. I remember the two of us using his noisy office comptometer, and playing with liquid nitrogen. I was amazed at the childlike joy he exuded at such things. I also got to see his ion engine in operation! In reflection I can see how generous he was with his time in doing such kind things for myself and others. 

I would have liked to let him know how important his encouragement was and is to me, and that his labors with me were not in vain: I did continue my studies resulting in a Ph.D. in mathematics in 1994. But now I find that, sadly, I am too late to share this with him. Nevertheless, I do believe that he has gone to a better place and knows what he to meant to me and countless other people. 

I think Paul was one of the most Christ-like people I have ever met.

Dear Twyla and family,
I remember when Paul and you were dating.  Paul and my brother, Bob, were the best of friends for many years.  Our families used to go on vacations together and our Dad's worked together.  I remember having golf lessons with Paul and Bob.  Bob spoke of Paul of and on through the years.  Bob's  favorite scriptures were:  2Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith", and 1 Nephi 10:19 "...wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."  It seems the both of them shared so much in their lives such as occupations, church callings, and golf.  I am sure they are glad to see each other again and possibly playing golf with their Dad's.  We miss them so much, yet the joy they must feel leaving their pain  behind, and being with those they loved who have gone on before is the most comforting thing for me.  I hope I can add a picture.  Paul is the second boy from the right with the sailor cap and Bob is being taught golf by Ernie Schneider. I am the one on the left of Ernie in the dark midriff.  Our families will forever be friends.  

First of all, my condolences to you and your family. It is a difficult time in our lives when we lose those whom we love so dearly.
 I did not know Dr. Paul Wilbur, but I wished that I had so he could have known how I feel about his father, Earl Wilbur. However, I'm certain there will be some in the family that may appreciate my memories of Mr. Earl Wilbur.  (I hope I have the right Earl Wilbur).

As a young 16 year old boy I was hired at American Food Store in Riverdale, Utah by Mr. Wilbur. He always made me feel a little uneasy around him, until I got to know him. He was an excellent manager and ran a very organized store with high expectations. Which benefited me in the fact that I learned to work to meet those expectations. I worked for him for 3 years before leaving on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was gone for two years. Upon my return he hired me back, except he was now managing the K-Mart Food store in Riverdale. I worked here for a year before moving to Logan to go to school at Utah State University. On weekends I would come home to my parents place and while in Ogden, I would work for Mr. Wilbur on Friday nights and all day Saturday. Mr. Wilbur was very good to me and I learned a lot from him in meeting expectations; "a job well done"; building trust and receiving rewards for being honest; and many other attributes that I treasure from this time in my life. 
I went from being a little afraid of Mr. Wilbur, to loving him and having fond memories of working with him. I owe a lot to Mr. Earl Wilbur!
P. S. - I still live in Ogden at the age of 73. Everytime I go to Riverdale to shop at the Costco, (where the K-Mart used to be), I have fond memories recurring continually.  

Dear Twyla and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  
I was one of Dr. Wilbur’s graduate students in the 90s.  He made a huge impact on my development as an engineer, but in other areas as well.  To this day, I have many good habits that I consciously, and sometimes unconsciously, acquired learning from him.  
Dave Burtner

Remembering Paul Wilbur,

My wife and I were very sorry to hear of the loss of Paul.

I knew and worked with Paul from the time he arrived at the CSU Mechanical Engineering Department.  I served as Department Head for some of that time and I always found him to be among the very best teachers in our department if not the best.  His students, whether undergraduate or graduate students, liked him and respected him, and they learned well under his guidance.  

I think Paul truly enjoyed and respected all his students, but he had a special place in his heart for his graduate students.  His research was in electric propulsion for space applications as well as ion sources for many applications.  Because of their research and study with Paul, his graduate students have become the next generation of leaders and researchers in government, industry and education.  Of this he was very proud and with good reason. 

Paul will be missed by many including those of us who served with him in the CSU Mechanical Engineering Faculty.

My wife and I offer our condolences to Twyla and their family.

Sincerely,
Fred & Shirley Smith
*******************************
PS: I have included an old photo of Paul at his ERC Electric Propulsion Test Stand that I thought you might appreciate.


Dear Twyla, 

I'm so sorry to hear about Paul. You and Paul were very sweet and kind to Greg and I and our little family when we first moved to Ft. Collins. My prayers and love are with you and your family.

Kristie

Dr. Wilbur was my adviser in Grad School for alternative energies in ME from 1977 to 1979.  So I only had the opportunity to visit his ion propulsion lab once.  But he had a large impact on my life.  He showed me his passion for teaching.  I have been an engineering professor for the past 40 years.  In fact, last week I mentioned his name in class as I reviewed test scores with my students.  He always said students scores will group themselves.  An instructor just has to look for the gaps between the groups to make the grade cuts.  He was a wonderful instructor and role model for life.  As busy as he was, he always had time for that last crazy question.  One day  after class (where we were talking about the equation E=mc^2), I made the conjecture that a given quantity of steam molecules had more mass than the same number of molecules as water or ice.  He smiled that wonderful smile of his and responded, "Yes, and I want you to prove it."

I didn't have to prove it.  Him saying it was true as enough proof for me.  I'm sad that another generation of CSU engineering students will not have the opportunity to experience this natural educator.  But some will benefit by receiving a scholarship from the Paul J. Wilbur Scholarship Fund.  As always, he is still paying it forward.  Thank you, Paul.  

I left a career with the U.S. Army in 1975 to pursue the dream of a PhD. When I found Prof. Wilbur was leading research in Electrostatic Propulsion, I was thrilled and made my way to CSU where he was kind enough to take me under his wing and teach me many things, both in the classroom and outside. I felt terrible when a thoughtless wiring mistake resulted in exposure of the large vacuum tank in the test cell to air while under high vacuum. Through the weeks of careful cleaning and reconditioning, he was always patient and persistent. His grasp of the intricacies of Energy Conversion in all its forms was wonderful. He guided me through my first professional conference technical presentation, for which I will ever be grateful. He arranged my first experience in professional consulting, another choice learning experience. It seemed he was always calm and organized and seeking a full education for his students. It was a great pleasure to be one of them.
I was saddened to learn of Paul's ill health several years ago. I am pleased that he is now free to pursue higher interests without the burden of a malfunctioning body. 
I felt fortunate to meet Twila and their daughters during my tenure at Ft. Collins. My condolences and heartfelt appreciation for their willingness to support this great man are sincerely extended. They have great reason to be at peace for a good life well lived.

I graduated from CSU Mechanical Engineering in 1973. I had Dr. Wilbur in several classes and found that learning in his classes was much easier than most of the others. He was a great professor. Dr.  Wilbur also advised me on my senior project; an "Energy absorbing Car Bumper". There, he encouraged me to explore many alternatives and gave me great insight into engineering design, experimenting, analysis of results and design presentation. He also encouraged me to get my Professional Engineers License, which served me very well throughout my engineering career.  Thank you, Dr. Wilber, and my condolences to the family.

I was a student at CSU in the fall 1967. Paul was my advisor as a Mechanical Engineer. I also worked for him in his "Crack Lab" in 1970. Paul was a great asset to all of us who were in his classes by being positive and encouraging toward his students.

I remember the first class I took with Dr. Wilbur, in 1987.  It was in "Broad Beam Ion Sources" and all of what he covered was new to me.  I asked a question one day in class at the beginning of the term, and Dr. Wilbur walked right over to my desk and talking directly to me took some time to understand my question (he knew what I was trying to ask better than I did!), then thoughtfully and respectfully answered in a way I could understand.  I though to myself "wow, are we lucky to have Dr. Wilbur as our professor here at CSU."  His competence, kindness and respect were great examples for all of us students.

I knew him as Bishop Wilbur, and he was simply one of the warmest, kindest individuals I have ever had the good fortune to cross paths with. He was good to everyone in his church stewardship, and I can personally attest that his simple goodness wasn't limited to that. He was kind to absolutely everyone he knew, for the rest of their lives,  no matter where their journeys took them. His willingness to listen, comfort and serve his fellow beings was unparalleled. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to Twyla and the rest of the family.

Dr. Wilbur was a memorable professor. I remember he was patient and took the time to be with me as I discovered the lessons behind the lessons. His greatest gift to me wasn’t mechanical design, but that creativity must be exercised in balance with … the end of a semester. Thank you, Dr. Wilbur. Rest in peace.

Twyla and family - I am saddened by your loss of Paul. It is my loss, too. I was one of his many graduate students (master's in fall 1985) and will always remember those Saturdays working out at the ERC (Engineering Research Center, CSU in Ft. Collins) in the ion stand with him. Ordering and running diborane through the 60 keV ion source was one memorable time. He knew how to best direct his graduate students and expected a lot out of us. His red pen bled on the many drafts of my thesis, because he was so picky about all of the details. Lunch times were fun as we would all eat outside and talk about things going on in our lives. For some reason, Paul drinking pop from a 2-liter bottle sticks in my mind. I had a lot of respect for Paul and will never forget that great mind of his and how he helped me and many other engineering students attain their goals. Take care.

Larry Daniels

Paul and Twyla were the first ones to greet me when I moved into the Parkwood Ward (not knowing anyone).  i looked forward ever week to seeing them.  They helped me get used to coming to a new place (june 2016).  I loved getting to know them both.  Paul was so kind, caring and loving to me.  I loved to see him at church and in the temple.  My heart reaches out to Twyla in deepest  sympathy.

Dr. Wilbur was my favorite professor at Colorado State University.  His enthusiasm for the course work and engaging personality made each course a pleasure.  He was also my advisor and took an interest in me and my success as a person and not just a student.   He was open and caring to all, which was obvious the minute you met him.  I wish there were more people like Professor Wilbur in this world.  God bless him and his family, and all the people he touched in his amazing life.

Paul Wilbur was my favorite Engineering professor at CSU.  His excitement for the subjects he taught was contagious, and his exaggerated hand gestures to explain a molecular movement were awesome.  He could wake up an 8 a.m. class full of sleepy students with his amazing energy.  His ion propulsion lab was, and still is incredible.  Professor Wilbur was the best.

I must have been one of Dr. Wilbur's first students when I joined CSU in the fall of 1968.  He was my student advisor throughout my 4 years there.  I remember him as a caring, gentle, patient, and very knowledgeable mentor who seemed to be tickled by some of my youthful shenanigans but truly invested in them as well.  We did stay in touch over the years as a result of his outreach.  I am grateful for that.

Bishop Wilbur was my first Fort Collins Bishop in the YSA Horsetooth Ward.  He helped me sort some things out in my life and he was such a great example of the pure love of Christ. I will always remember the loving way he helped me grow and come closer to my Savior,  Jesus Christ. 

Bishop Wilbur officiated at our wedding ceremony nearly twenty five years ago. He counseled us before we were married and gave us excellent advice and showed us his compassion and caring nature.   He was truly a godly Man and refected the Savior's love for all of us. Heaven has welcomed home one of its finest. 

We love Bishop Wilbur dearly.  It was impossible not to.  He had a genuine and sincere interest in his fellow beings and we were on the receiving end of his compassion and caring.  When I saw the news, I instantly remembered him in the choir trying diligently to follow my less than expert conducting, and trying to pass off my inadequacies as his.  We love you, Twyla, and pray for your comfort and sweet assurance of the eternity that awaits.  I wish we could be there to send our love personally.  Thank you for all of the memories you helped to create in our long ago home of Fort Collins. We wish you all the best in a very tender loss.

I have very fond memories of Bishop Wilbur.  I was music chairman of the ward and Bishop Wilbur took the time every Sunday to call and thank me for conducting the music, or whatever I had done  for sacrament meeting that Sunday. He was always sincere, humble, and made you feel loved, just being around him. Twyla and family, I am so sorry for your loss!

I remember going to visit his ward in Ft. Collins when he was the Bishop.  He would be sitting up on the stand during the meeting.  His eyes would fill with tears.  He was a very emotional man that was easily touched by the Spirit.  He was a gentle man and very loving.  I am sure Heavenly Father has a special place in Heaven for him.  I am proud to say I am related to a man that was such a wonderful example and touched so many lives.  

Paula Millsapps 

Paul, or Bishop Wilbur to me,  was the right man at the right time in my life to help me see my worth and pull me back. His warmth and kindness were appealing and rare amongst the men I was around at that age. He helped inspire me to get to know my Heavenly Father better, and better appreciate Jesus Christ. I have no doubt he was received well on the other side and people for years will be returning to him and embracing him. 

Twyla our heart goes out to  you with love and appreciation for the great example of love you showed us all as you cared for Paul in his last years. He was ou favorite Bishop and helped us raise our children, leaving a lasting legacy to our family. We love you! 


We have so many memories of Bishop Wilbur!  Our whole family adored him. He is the sweetest and most loving Bishop we have ever had!  Our prayers are with you Twyla, and all your family. ❤️

I have had the pleasure of workIng with Paul and Twyla for many years.   I am lucky to also consider them as dear friends.   My thoughts are with you Twyla.

Twyla, we are so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was the most humble and caring Bishop we've ever had, and we were blessed to call him our friend. Love and prayers to you and your family.

He had the most gentle, kind smile and always made me feel like he was genuinely happy to see me.  I am sorry for your loss!!

Bishop Wilbur had a huge impact on me when my then girlfriend Michelle brought me to church as an investigator. I remember meeting him and being taken aback by the childlike light that shown in his eyes. Over the next couple years he had a great influence on me as I went from a young man searching, to being baptized. He was an inspiration to Michelle and I as we dated and then married, and I will forever be grateful for his council. Sadly Michelle passed through the veil this past September, but I have no doubt that she will happily embrace this fine man who changed our lives for the better and in ways we never imagined.

Twyla, Wendy and Dagny, I am SO sorry to hear the passing of such a great man, family friend, seminary teacher, neighbor and so much more.
May you know I am sending my love and support to you all. Love you.

Please accept my deepest condolence. Rest assure that God understand your grief, and he helps us carry our burdens now, and he offers us the hope of living forever in perfect conditions on the earth in the future, were he will do away with death forever.

OBITUARY

Paul James Wilbur

November 8, 1937 – February 17, 2019

Allnutt Funeral Service – Drake Road Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Reception Following the Service