Glade E Giles

Glade E Giles of Orem, Utah, passed away on February 25, 2023, at the age of 87. After a long struggle with dementia, Glade died peacefully in his sleep with his beloved wife by his side after a day surrounded by family.

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Glade was born on April 29, 1935, to Elvin Christensen and Susie Loretta Halladay Giles in Heber City, Utah. Glade loved to have fun and joined activities whenever possible. He was active in high school clubs, band, choir, and sports. Glade played baseball, lettered in football and basketball, and wrestled as a senior at Wasatch High School. After graduating from high school in 1953, Glade attended Brigham Young University for a year before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Western States Mission. After his mission, Glade returned to BYU to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Instruction (Education and English). During summer breaks, Glade returned home to work as a lifeguard at the Homestead Resort. In the summer of 1958, he met his future wife and eternal companion Marilyn Grace Johnstone.

Glade and Marilyn were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 24, 1959. After Glade graduated from BYU in 1960, the couple moved to Mesa, Arizona to begin a new life filled with service to others as teachers. Glade went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University and later returned to BYU earning a Master’s Degree in Public School Administration with an Education Specialist Degree. Throughout his long career as an educator, Glade taught at multiple levels ranging from 5th grade through junior college.

Glade enjoyed a secondary career as an early employee of WordPerfect, where he worked in customer support and as a trainer. He loved using his personal computer and teaching others how to use computers. Glade was instrumental in the creation of the computer lab at Manila Elementary School where he taught 5th and 6th grades.

Glade loved "There is no greater gift you can give someone than to recognize him/her for honest effort." sports, both as participant and spectator. He coached his sons’ youth teams and refereed/umpired youth and adult leagues. He was always a diehard BYU fan and loved attending the home football games. Glade enjoyed travel, theatre, dancing, and just having fun. He loved meeting people and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was always ready for a board or card game with friends and family, but especially with his grandchildren.

Active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Glade served in many callings including Bishop, Bishopric Counselor, Stake High Counselor, Sunday school teacher, temple worker at the Timpanogos and Provo temples, and even dance director. He and Marilyn served in the Canada-Halifax and Oregon-Eugene Missions.

Glade was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Gary Noah Giles. He is survived by his devoted wife Marilyn and four sons Dirk (Leslie) Giles, Randy (Lindy) Giles, David (Cheryl) Giles, and Jim (Christy) Giles. Glade is survived by eleven grandsons, three granddaughters, and eight great-grandchildren.