Oct. 1, 1940 - May 4, 2026
Date of Service: May 14, 2026
MALTA – LeGrand Marold Dilworth, passed away peacefully, May 4, 2026, in his son's home at the age of 85, in Leeds, Utah, from fast spreading cancer.
Legrand was born October 1, 1940, in Carey, Idaho, to Viola and Marold Dilworth, the second son of ten children. LeGrand spent his early years farming and always had a special love for his siblings who thought him the favorite son, a studious learner, talented athlete, a wonderful brother and friend.
He pursued his love for horses from an early age, which he trained and raised throughout his life. He was a true “cowboy” and talented horseman and ranch manager having a gift with animals; raising good dogs, horses and kids!
LeGrand was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served for two years in the Southern States Mission where he served with all his heart, might, mind and strength.
Upon his return home, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and received a bachelor's degree in Animal Science with high honors and awards; engaging in beef cattle studies, the meat lab, horse programs and was often found in a quiet corner of the BYU library studying (of all things) quarter horse pedigrees from AQHA stud books.
While in college, LeGrand met and married, Orem, Utah native, Lilian Detomasi, and avid horsewoman on May 26, 1966, Together they raised 5 children; (Leslie, Lane, Laurie, Lela, and Lena), sharing with each of them their love for horses and hard work. He taught them from an early age to keep their chin up, to look for the good in every situation, give others the benefit of any doubt and to love and serve selflessly as he did. He was a great dad, who loved his children whole heartedly and wrote many beautifully penned letters, over the years sharing his love, admiration and support to them and his grandchildren. He was honored and proud of each of his children and grands and greatgrands.
LeGrand was a builder of people but also of structure, he was an exceptional journeyman-contractor, having built their first family home in Pleasant Grove, Utah, with the help of his father and brothers. Later while running the Indian Creek Ranch at Bear Lake, he built the ranch owner's home and then later the Ranch Hand Restaurant/Truckstop. He had a brilliant mind for calculating figures, from square footages and concrete specs, to roof pitches.
In 2010, he married Cheryl Pearce from Grace, Idaho, together they raised a beautiful garden, orchard, chickens, sheep and horses in Malta, Idaho. In 2013, they served a mission together among the Sioux Indian Tribe in Fort Yates, North Dakota. LeGrand had a special place in his heart for the people and they gave him a Lakota name “man with a big heart”, for his kind and generous heart.
LeGrand will be remembered for being a great brother, dad, grandfather and friend to all! He was good natured, soft spoken; a kind, gentle giant of a man with strong helping hands and a tender heart. He loved good ol’ cowboy songs and dancing; teaching his kids to waltz early and love it. His sourdough breads were mouthwatering. He loved sports, good books, and growing a good garden. He was always eager to help a stranger, often a weary traveler on the side of the road. He had a gift of seeing things to be done, a soul to be saved or a lifelong friend to be made. He was a second father, mentor and friend to many young kids, to fix a bike, build a project or work a colt. He loved well and was loved deeply by all!
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe, Milan, Thomas (Eddie) and John Loren. He is survived by his five children: Leslie Urmston (Matthew) of Spanish Fork,UT, Lane Dilworth (Ronda) of Leeds, UT, Laurie Van Tassell (Jason) of North Powder, OR, Lela Poulsen (Craig) of Malta, ID, Lena Bradford (Boyd) of Preston, ID; wife, Cheryl; and siblings, Maria Higley, Orin Dilworth (Loretta), Reed Dilworth, Anette Christiansen, and Lorna Walker (Rodney); 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; his former wife, Lilian Walker (Boyd).
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Malta Ward, located at 280 W. 1st N., in Malta. Family and friends will be received at the Church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Valley Vu Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all those who have been so loving and attentive to our dad and Cheryl over the past few years. We know you spent many hours offering service and care, dropping by meals, visiting, and helping us keep an eye out. We love and appreciate all of you.
