Lyall Steven Wilson

Lyall Steven Wilson, passed away peacefully in his home in St. George, Utah, on October 21, 2026. He was encircled by his family, as they had the privilege of walking him home. 

Steve’s story began on a rainy Tuesday night in April 1951. He was born at San Gabriel Valley Medical Center in California to George Lyall and Marlene Wilson. His mother taught that he could be anything, and to dream big ; and his father taught him how to build his dreams into reality. 

At a young age and on the Sandlot in Diamond Bar, California, his Uncle Brent introduced him to the game of baseball. This created a lifelong deep passion and love of the game, which was passed on to Bryan and Grandson Andrew. In 1969, a few hours before men walked on the moon, he was honored for his talent and awarded All-Southern California High School Baseball at Angel’s stadium. His talent caught the eye of the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago Cubs, but he chose to attend Brigham Young University on a full ride scholarship. There, he played shortstop and was known as “Big Stick Steve.” 

But some of the most important lessons of Steve’s life would be learned far beyond the baseball diamond. 

In a decision that would ultimately impact his entire future, Steve chose to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest Indian Mission. He served among the Navajo Nation. It was there that his love for people and his relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ grew into a lifelong commitment to service. 

Steve met Catherine Ann Coles at a dance called Mister Sun in Newport Beach. Both were pursuing their education at Brigham Young University and were home for the summer. Steve and Cathy married for time and all eternity on August 14, 1976 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Shortly after their sealing in the temple, as a wedding gift by the Navajo people, Steve and Cathy were honored to be married by a medicine man in a Navajo Hogan. 

Steve and Cathy were blessed with six wonderful children who they made top priority in their lives. Their family has grown to include 20 grandchildren and 2 greats. For all of his professional accomplishments and public service, his greatest pride has always been his family. 

Steve believed deeply that a life well-lived was a life spent making things better for others. That belief guided his many years of service in civic, community, and church organizations. 

His professional life was defined by that same vision. As CEOof Dixie Regional Medical Center, Steve dedicated himself to improving healthcare and expanding access to lifesaving medical services for the growing Southern Utah community. Under his leadership, that vision helped bring a second hospital to St. George, expanding the region’s capacity to care for its people. 

In a remarkable turn of life’s circumstances, some of the very medical services Steve had worked to bring to his community became essential to his own care. In 2017, Steve was diagnosed with leukemia. Facing the greatest challenge of his life, he approached it with the same courage, determination, and optimism that had always defined him. A bone marrow transplant, made possible by his sister Debi, gave him the extraordinary gift of nine additional years. 

And what a gift those years became. 

Nine more years of family gatherings, new grandchildren, travel, celebrations and friendships. Years that Steve and his family never took for granted. 

Throughout his life, Steve carried a simple but powerful belief: “Live a life of purpose, on purpose.” 

He did not merely speak those words, he lived them — In the way he led, the way he served, the way he loved his family, and the way he faced life’s greatest challenges. Steve demonstrated that purpose is not simply what we accomplish, but what we give to others along the way. 

On October 21, 2026, Steve’s remarkable journey came to a close at home in St. George. As he departed this world, the rain returned, accompanied by a strike of lightning and a roar of thunder. Seventy-five years after arriving on a rainy California night, he left this life much as he had entered it, with the heavens marking the moment. 

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Ann Wilson; their six children, Jaime (Bryan) Mitchell, Brooke (Andrew) Oldroyd, Bryan (Rachel) Wilson, Joshua Wilson, Mi’kel (Tanner) Price, and McKenna (Brandt) Larsen; and 20 cherished grandchildren plus his bonus greats, Scottie and Parker. 

He also leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, faith, and love. 

Steve’s life was measured not only in years, but in the people he loved, the opportunities he created, the lives he helped save, and the family he treasured above all else. 

He dreamed big, worked hard, loved deeply, and gave generously. 

He lived a life of purpose. On purpose.