Our hearts our broken, but there is peace in the knowledge that families are forever. Daniel Alva Gillespie passed away suddenly June 8, 2021, from complications of heart disease. Dan was born Aug. 2, 1942, in Tooele, Utah, to Daniel Hillman Gillespie and Louise Chipman Gillespie. He graduated from Tooele High School where he enjoyed participating in sports, music and student government.
He honorably served and completed a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States mission. Upon his return he attended Brigham Young University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in political science and then went on to earn a Master of Business Administration. While attending BYU, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Jane Searle Gillespie on July 28, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple.
His career path began with the Bell Telephone Company. He became a licensed real estate agent and enjoyed some time in that profession. For the majority of his career he worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He began in the Finance Department and then finished his career in the Confidential Records Department.
Dan had many hobbies, which included golf, Zumba, and basketball, where he was fondly remembered by many as “Mr. Banks.” He enjoyed the arts and traveling. He was a movie critic and avid reader. He loved to ballroom dance with his bride and they would go on to teach their children and grandchildren at family events. He was a learned student of the scriptures and loved serving others.
He was blessed with many gifts, one of them being music. He had an incredible voice that gave him many opportunities to participate in choirs and performances. Another gift he had was the gift of friendship. He had the ability to make a stranger a friend and he would light up the room with his personality, quick wit and charm. He loved unconditionally and was an interested and intent listener, always making time for others.
He led by example and was a true disciple of Christ. He had many opportunities in his lifetime for church service and loved his callings as bishop and member of the stake presidency. Together he and Patty would serve as missionaries in the Family History Center downtown. They also served in the Salt Lake Temple baptistry. They cherished the opportunity to serve together.
His greatest blessing in life was his family. Dan and Patty created a strong and immovable foundation for their family based upon the principles of the gospel. Their family was their priority and they were always present to love, support and cheer for whatever their children and grandchildren participated in.
Dan is survived by his wife Patty; his children Scott Gillespie (Becky), Heidi Reid (Jeff), Tyler Gillespie (Anna), Sara Rose (Matt), and Kim Garrett (Morgan). He leaves behind 21 grandchildren, five more bonus by marriage, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way.
He is also survived by his sister Pat Colledge. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Hillman Gillespie and Louise Chipman Gillespie Fitzwater, his stepfather Alonzo Fitzwater, and his sister Nedra Colwell.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 1 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1160 E. Vine St., Murray, Utah. Prior to the service there will be a viewing from 12 to 12:45 p.m. There will be a viewing at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday, June 11, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will take place in the Murray City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Missionary Fund.