Merlin Judkins

Merlin C. Judkins, 80 of Layton, Utah passed away March 15th, 2020 at home in the company of family after a long illness.  He and his twin sister, Myrna, were born on September 7th, 1939 to Clifford F. Judkins and Lila Call in Ogden, Utah.  Myrna passed away at six weeks of age and Merlin was raised as an only child.

Growing up Merlin attended Wilson Lane Elementary and Walquist Junior High in Weber County.  He was a proud graduate of the Weber High Class of 1957 and Weber High Seminary.  Merlin enjoyed his classmates and to this day maintained close relationships.  He met frequently with his high school friends for lunch and enjoyed all class reunions. During his time at Weber High he was involved in many activities like football and portrayed Mr. Mason in Jane Eyre but his main focus was track and field.  Throughout these years he won numerous medals for individual and relay track meets.  In 1957 he set a new record when he ran the mile in 4:37.6 which earned him a scholarship to Utah State University.

He faithfully served a mission to the people of Southern Australia which he enjoyed immensely.  He loved the people and culture and spoke fondly of them until his final days.  Throughout his life he served in various callings and most recently as a service missionary with his wife Karen.

Upon returning from his mission he attended Utah State University and was a proud member and president of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  He graduated in 1965 with a B.S. in Marketing.  Merlin enjoyed sales and spent his professional life in this area.

Merlin was a people person.  He enjoyed volunteering for the 2002 Winter Olympics.  He maintained lifelong friendships from his time at both Weber High and Utah State.  He played golf and enjoyed the chance it gave him to be with people.  Merlin seized the opportunity to golf whenever he could and wherever he was.  He continued to golf until just a few weeks ago.  He also had a love of Austin Healey Cars.

He enjoyed bachelor life until he met Karen Bickmore who was also a USU Aggie.  They married in 1966 and together they had three children Jennifer, Michael, and Tyler.  Jennifer married Alan Applonie and she is the mother of four sons, Mason (25), twins Wesley and Brady (21), and Alec (16).  Even though the boys have lived out of state they were an important part of Merlin’s life.  He enjoyed spending time with them as often as possible and they loved their Grandpa very much.  Michael married Shana Bowen, they reside in Syracuse.  They have three children Olivia (20), Ethan (18) and Gavin (12).  They fondly remember him patiently teaching them how to drive, attending their band concerts and enjoying times when they went skiing. Tyler married Sara Oviatt, they reside in Farmington.  They have four sons, Gabe (17), Jed (15), Drake (12), and Dax (5).  Merlin enjoyed cheering the boys on in their various sporting events and telling Dax that he drew a “nice picture.” Grandpa was able to forge fond memories with Tyler’s sons by teaching them how to ski, drive a stick shift, and would always inquire how their golf games were coming along.

Special thanks to the USU men’s basketball team for winning the Mountain West Tournament.  Merlin enjoyed this game!

Special thanks to Dr. Roark Neville and his nurse Linda Bryner.  They are the best!

Thanks to the U of U health care professionals where Merlin was on first name basis with most of them.

Merlin was preceded in death by his sister Myrna, his parents Clifford and Lila Judkins and granddaughter Abigail.

He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years Karen, his three children, their spouses, and eleven grandchildren.  He will be missed by many friends including the Weber High Class of 1957.

In 1993 when his son Mike returned from his mission in Maine we were introduced to Tracie Garritson and her daughter Sharon.  We became family and today Tracie, her husband Dave, their children Sharon, Rilee, Macie, Michael, Carlee, Thomas and Robert are part of the family.  They all adored Grandpa Merlin and have many fond memories of time spent with him.  Just a month ago Merlin became a Great-Grandpa when Sharon had baby Wilder.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  Viewing services will be Thursday, March 19th, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday, March 20th, 2020 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.  Due to current health concerns we suggest that you attend either the Thursday night viewing, Friday viewing or the funeral.  Thank You.

A private burial with family will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Paradise City Cemetery in Cache Valley.

In lieu of flowers Merlin would want you to call an old friend.

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