Laurence Gilson

                                                                           Laurence Gilson

PRICE-Laurence Demar Gilson, age 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep, January 16, 2024, in Price, Utah. 

He was born April 25, 1934, to Florence Laird, in Little Standard, Utah.  His mother later married Robert Gilson.

Laurence spent his early childhood in Payson, Utah, Provo, Utah and Carbon County, Utah as the family moved to work in the mines.

Laurence enlisted into the Navy when he was almost old enough, as so many young men did in that era. He spent most of his time on a ship in Japan.

After his return to the US, he met and married Kathryn (Kate) Allen, on April 22, 1956.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa, Arizona Temple.

Laurence entered the coal mining industry in Carbon County until forced to leave for Grants, New Mexico and the Uranium mines. While living in Grants he and Kathryn were reactivated back into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Laurence spent many hours helping to build the current church building in Grants.  Also he and Kathryn and their family served a stake mission on the Laguna & The Acoma Reservations, where they made lifelong relationships with the Native American people in the area.

In the late 1960's Laurence brought his family back to Utah and worked in an underground mine in Lark, Utah, which has since been consumed by the Kennecott Mine. He left mining soon after that but struggled to make enough income to care for his family. So the family returned to Carbon County in 1973 so Laurence could again work in the Coal Industry, he spent the rest of his working years in Carbon County, Utah and Colorado. While working in his later years he was injured in a thick smoke incident that forced him to retire at 62.

Laurence loved hunting and spent many a hunting season on the Mountain with family and friends. His other passion was fishing, he loved Scofield Reservoir where he spent many summer days trolling in his boat. He loved it most when he had grandchildren in the boat with him.

He is survived by his daughter Kay Haymore, Spanish Fork; sons, Robert Gilson, Price, James (Tammi) Castle Dale, Ronald (Kellie) Springville; 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Laurence was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kathryn; daughter Christine; and son-in-law, Brad Haymore. 

The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out and provided service and shown much love at this difficult time.

Funeral service, Saturday, January 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m., Fausett Mortuary (680 East 100 South) in Price where the family will receive friends one hour prior. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery in Price. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fausett Mortuaries where friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.fausettmortuary.com