Gail Doty Atkinson

Gail Doty Atkinson peacefully graduated this life on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at his home in La Verkin, Utah, with his beloved wife, Pat, and daughter, Denise, by his side. Gail was born on October 23, 1934, in Union, Utah (now Sandy), the youngest of eight children. He spent his early years working on the family farm, helping grow nursery stock for Sunset Nursery. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1952. Gail first saw the young woman he would one day marry while she was making ice cream at her work. He and Patricia Llewellyn were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on October 8, 1954. Together they remained side by side, building a life filled with love, faith, family, and friendship for the next 71 years. Before becoming full-time at the Guard, Gail worked for the National Biscuit Company and part-time for the Salt Lake City police reserves, doing security at Don Carlos BBQ on 9th South. In 1957, Gail joined the Air National Guard, where he served honorably until his retirement as a Master Sergeant (E7) in 1994. After retirement, he joined the Scholzen Products team for seven years. During those years, he formed many lifelong friendships that he treasured. Gail loved spending time outdoors. Whether fishing on his favorite lakes, camping with family and friends, or simply creating memories with those he cherished most, he found joy in sharing experiences with others. He was known for his kindness, generosity, wisdom, engaging stories, and unwavering love for family and friends. Gail is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Llewellyn Atkinson; daughters Sheri Copier, Kaye (Rand) Copier, Denise Cowley, Leslie (Alan) Comly, Marnie (Jeff) Kondo; son Damon (Amber) Atkinson; daughter Cindy (Tom) Montoya. He also leaves behind 59 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, with two more on the way. Gail was blessed with a large extended family, including many beloved nieces and nephews and members of the Ricks family. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert William Atkinson and Estella Doty Atkinson; his seven siblings; three infant grandsons; an infant great-granddaughter; and a son-in-law (John Copier). Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the La Verkin Stake Center located at 481 N Main Street. A viewing will be held prior to services from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Interment will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd in Bluffdale, Utah. Following the interment, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Stake Center located at 2700 West 14400 South in Bluffdale, Utah.