Erick Lynn Wadsworth, 73, passed away from a sudden illness on January 14, 2025, in his home in Nampa, Idaho, surrounded by loved ones. He was a beloved man who dedicated his life to his family, faith, and service. Erick was born to parents George Walton Wadsworth and Roba Jean Williams on December 2nd, 1951, in Dade City, Florida. He had an older brother, George, and a younger sister, Vivian. He said he learned honesty from his father and hard work from his mother. He spent his early years in Florida before moving to Idaho in 1957. Erick was an excellent runner, and in 1969, his senior year in high school, he set the state record for the 440-yard dash. He held the state record for 13 years and the Borah High School record for 50 years. After high school he attended Brigham Young University on a track scholarship from 1969-1971. He then served for two years in the Delaware, Maryland mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He met the love of his life, Marilyn Rae Jones, at church in 1974. His younger sister Vivian dared him to ask Marilyn on a date. After a short whirlwind courtship, they got engaged just 6 weeks after meeting and were married 6 weeks later. They married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on August 12th, 1974. They had eight children together, 5 daughters and 3 sons. At family dinners, Erick would often look at his wife with tears in his eyes and say, “Have I told you today how much I love you?”. They spent over 50 wonderful years together, and she was by his side until the end. Erick began his career as a partner with his father running Wadsworth Building Components. For a time, he ran his own company doing finish work before working for Hoff, Lloyd Lumber, and Woodgrain Millwork. He did a two-year stint in California running a door shop. Then he moved his family back to Nampa, Idaho, where he took a job working for Franklin Building Supply. He held various sales and management positions with Franklin for almost 30 years until he retired in 2016. He loved his time at Franklin, and the people there became like family. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities in the church, including as Bishop of the Nampa 15th Ward in the Nampa South Stake. After retiring, he was able to serve two missions with his wife, Marilyn: one in Boston, Massachusetts, from 2017-2018, and one at home doing genealogy work for Family Search North America Operations. They also served as temple workers in the Boise, Idaho temple. In total they spent ten years doing mission and temple service together. Erick was a man of faith who spent his whole life striving to be a good disciple of Jesus Christ. He always continued studying, learning, and growing. He embodied the Christlike attributes of charity, empathy, and compassion. Education was very important to Erick, and he regretted not finishing his degree when he was younger. In 2004 he went back to college, taking online classes while continuing to work full time. He finished his bachelor’s degree from BYU at the age of 59. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in History from the University of Nebraska Kearney in 2014 at the age of 65. Erick later expanded his master’s thesis into a book about Mormon pioneers, which he published in 2019. He was near completion of a second book when he passed. He had a passion for public speaking and teaching and was a guest lecturer at history and genealogy conferences. He was a lifelong learner who loved studying history, doing genealogy work, and going on research trips. In 2022, Erick and Marilyn fulfilled a dream of traveling to Europe to visit their ancestral homelands in Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Erick enjoyed traveling to visit his children and grandchildren in different states, golfing with his sons, watching Jeopardy and travel shows with Marilyn, taking walks with his brother George, having Taco Tuesdays, playing frisbee golf, having lunch with old friends, reading, learning new things, and studying self-improvement. He had a great love for his family. Despite the other demands on his time, he always prioritized attending sporting events, concerts, and other activities with his children and grandchildren. In July 2024, to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Erick and Marilyn held a Wadsworth family reunion that included over 50 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family will always cherish spending those few days with him talking, laughing, and playing together. Erick will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity, his humor, and his genuine love for people. He will be greatly missed. Erick Wadsworth is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his children: Jennifer (Rockne Piñón), Jeffrey (Melissa), Jonathan (Lisa), Julie (Nicholas Williams), Jeana (Robert Bird), Jaymee (Jason England), Janessa (Mason Hallinan), Joshua (Emilee), and 31 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; his brother, George; and his lifelong friends, Tom Ricks and Gary Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jean, and his little sister, Vivian. The funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 3904 E. Greenhurst Rd. in Nampa, Idaho. There will be viewings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17th, at the LDS Chapel on Greenhurst and from 8:00-8:45 a.m. on January 18th prior to the funeral service. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 18th at 895 E. Franklin Rd., Meridian, Idaho.
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