Wilford Brimley

side, on August 1, 2020. He was born September 27, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lola

(Nelson) and Wilford Brimley and was raised in both Salt Lake City, UT and Santa Monica, CA. In

1955 he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Aleutian Islands. Upon his

honorable discharge, he first worked as a ranch hand, wrangler, and blacksmith. In the 1960s

Wilford’s horseshoeing skills for films and television parlayed into an acting career as a riding

extra and stuntman. Wilford’s friend Robert Duvall encouraged him to continue his film career,

which ultimately spanned more than 50 years.

Wilford starred in films including The China Syndrome, Cocoon, The Thing, Absence of Malice,

Tender Mercies, The Natural, The Firm, and many more. His television productions

included Seinfeld’s The Postmaster General episode, The Waltons, and the 1980s TV drama Our

House. Wilford served as a longtime spokesman for Quaker Oats oatmeal, Liberty Medical

Supply, and Binson’s Medical Equipment and Supplies. His live stage work included A Christmas

Carol and many performances of the two-person play Love Letters, most recently with his friend

Katharine Ross. In addition to his film and stage work, he recorded six musical CDs and

extensive voice work. Wilford had the privilege of narrating many performances of Quiet

Heroes, the symphonic salute to the flag raisers at Iwo Jima composed by Chris Brubeck. In

2016, he and Chris received special recognition for this beautiful tribute by the Marine Corps

Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Diagnosed with diabetes in 1979, Wilford worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the disease

by serving as a representative with the American Diabetes Association. The ADA honored him in

2008, recognizing his lifetime of service to this venerable cause. As a proud Marine, Wilford

enjoyed offering his time to visiting U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) hospitals and

communities, advising patients on managing their disease. In 2009 he and his wife Beverly

founded Hands Across the Saddle (HATS) to provides a “hand up, instead of a handout” to

individuals and families in the Big Horn Basin area of Wyoming. This special nonprofit continues

to offer support for people facing financial difficulties or unforeseen problems, thanks to

dedicated volunteers and donations.

Wilford’s passion for ranching led him across the Rocky Mountain West by way of Arizona,

Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. As an avid horseman, he found great joy in raising

horses and cattle. A bona fide outdoorsman, Wilford’s interpretation of God was consistently

expressed through his appreciation and gratitude of nature’s beauty. His love for cowboy

culture was evident and impressively showcased through his gift of reciting poetry. Wilford had

an amazing memory and especially enjoyed quoting his favorite poem, Stephen Vincent

Benet’s The Ballad of William Sycamore. His fondness for music, particularly jazz and Western

music, offered much enjoyment. He could often be heard singing treasured tunes such as The

Folks Who Live on the Hill and Home on the Range. His innate gift of storytelling, both witty and

significant, provided a great deal of entertainment for all those around. Wilford used his many

gifts to show patriotism and pride for those who serve our country in the armed forces.

Wilford is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, of Santa Clara, Utah; sons Jim Brimley, John

Brimley (Annette), Bill Brimley (Beckie), and daughter Lindsey Browning (Clifton); nine

grandchildren (Austin, Jake, Mike, Samantha, Danielle, Daniel, Jessica, Jake, and Jacy); five

great-grandchildren; brother Sterling Brimley (Joyce); sisters Janine Stevens, Carol Schiess, and

Lucile Eastman (Eric); and his special friends Santiago and Imelda Cisneros and their children

(Karina, Santiago Jr., and Adan). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lynne, and infant

son Lawrence.

Forever in our hearts, a celebration of Wilford’s life will be held at a future date. If you would

like to honor his memory, we kindly ask that contributions be made to Hands Across the Saddle

(HATS). The nonprofit charity he founded helps those who have fallen on tough times and need

a ‘hand up.’ All funds raised by the organization go to aid those in the Big Horn Basin. Memorial

contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 129 Greybull, WY 82426 or donated via

handsacrossthesadd.wixsite.com/website.