Gaylord Waisath

Gaylord Waisath was born on October 16, 1940 to Hazel and Herman Waisath in Chinook, Montana. By middle childhood the family moved to a small ranch on the north side of town, where Gaylord and his 7 siblings worked with their parents to farm sugar beets, wheat, sheep, and cattle. Gaylord loved farm life and his dog Butch. The experiences of growing up on the farm were deeply imprinted on his character and memory and bound his heart to his family and Montana.

After graduating from Chinook High School, he followed his brother’s example and joined the Navy, serving for three years in the Pacific. When his service ended, he made his way to Kemmerer, Wyoming to work construction on the Fontenelle Dam with his brother Buzz. His work on the dam was cut short after 2 years, when a D9 CAT end-dump rolled over him. He spent 6 months in the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he decided college life would be a better route for him than construction.

He enrolled in Ricks College in January 1964, unprepared for his ambitious goal to be an electrical engineer. With determination, he started basic math courses to overcome the deficits on his high school transcript. By the time he graduated with his Masters in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 1971, he had earned 120 credits just in math.

Gaylord’s honesty, work ethic, shyness, and quiet nature contributed to his success as a student but made meeting girls difficult. However, one Sunday, a playful young lady’s wink compelled him to make an introduction. Jeanine Cornelius understood and shared Gaylord’s love of Montana, family, and the Lord. They quickly fell in love and were soon inseparable. They were sealed December 19, 1970 in the Manti, Utah temple.

After leaving BYU, Gaylord took a job with Hughes Aircraft Company. The couple moved to Inglewood, California, and Gaylord launched a career of designing flight simulators for navy fighter jets, radar systems, and satellites. He found challenge and satisfaction in his work. His integrity and skill qualified him for high security clearances and top-secret knowledge that he carefully guarded till his passing. 

Gaylord’s work assignments alternated between the east and west coasts for the next ten years. With each of the first six moves, Gaylord and Jeanine added another child to the family: Jon Michelle, Traci, Theron, Ranae, Kate, and Falon. After Falon, there were two more moves, but no more children. He had high expectations and deep love for his children, which they felt as he worked, sang, played, walked, talked, and served with them. Many family memories were created through Christmas traditions, summer vacations to Montana, Saturday pancake breakfasts, work days, and Family Home Evenings.

Gaylord maintained a rigorous work schedule while being a committed husband and father and giving generous hours of service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in bishoprics, quorum presidencies, young men organizations, and family history assignments, all while supporting his wife and children in their callings and activities. Gaylord marveled at the wonders of nature and loved the scriptures. He read the scriptures multiple times in their entirety and especially loved the stories of the Old Testament.

Jeanine’s untimely death left a hole in Gaylord’s heart and life. For the next several years, he leaned on his faith and family and grew in humility and compassion. 

Gaylord was surprised with an opportunity to fall in love again when he met Beki Titus. They were sealed in the Seattle temple on May 12, 2007. Beki brought joy, companionship, kindness, and purpose to his life. She also introduced pink to his home décor and three new children to his family: Jana, Danielle, and Derek. Together they guided Derek through his high school, mission, and college years. They enjoyed building relationships with their new blended family and 32 grandchildren. 

Throughout his life, Gaylord loved all things cowboy: John Wayne, Marty Robbins, Louis L’Amour, boots, and bolo ties. He enjoyed gardening, canning, jamming, baking, walking, woodworking, rock tumbling, reading, watching Star Trek, and eating ice cream. He was always eager to learn, figure out problems, spend time with his family, and tell a story. He was actively engaged in family history and spent countless hours collecting and recording family stories and organizing family information and photos to make them accessible to future generations. Some of his prized works were the books he created to share his family’s stories.

Gaylord fought Parkinson’s diligently and heroically for over 20 years. The disease dampened his abilities, but never his effort or will to do and be joyfully productive. He continued in daily walks, independent living, projects in the garage, and wielding power tools probably longer than was safe. He inspired friends, family, and strangers with his cheery determination.

Gaylord built his life on faith in Jesus Christ. He trusted in it, lived it, taught it, and consecrated his life to it. He leaves a legacy of faith and integrity for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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