MURRAY, UTAH – October 28, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – Students and staff at Murray High are mourning the loss of a beloved teacher who passed away Tuesday.
Rob Wilson started his career as Murray High School’s instrumental band teacher in 1995 and has taught thousands of students in his 21 years. But the last six years have proved to be exceptionally challenging as Wilson was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2009.
Having undergone two bone marrow transplants and frequent chemotherapy treatments, Wilson continued to teach throughout his battle. His worst relapse was in February of 2014, however, Judy Anderson, Murray High’s main office secretary said Wilson had recovered enough to start teaching again this year, but fell ill and passed away on Tuesday. He died just 12 days after his father passed away.
A statement issued on the Murray High School Percussion Ensemble Facebook page said: “This man made a huge impact in every single one of our lives. His goal this last year was to make it through the summer, and he did it. Today Rob Wilson passed away and the influence he had on me, will follow me the rest of my days. You will never be forgotten Rob.”
Many friends, students and parents also offered messages of encouragement and fond memories. Cassie Valencia said “He was my guitar teacher! And he believed in me so much more than I believed in myself… Won’t ever forget him and his amazing long hair! He was the coolest!”
ReNae Booth, whose son played for Wilson, said: “He had a great gift in working with young people. A man never dies, his influence exists forever in those he loved, mentored and in all whose lives he touched. He/she leaves their mark never to be removed, replaced or forgotten.”
Wilson has been the recipient of the Murray Education Foundation’s Pinnacle Award and was named Murray School District Teacher of the Year for 2014-15.
Memorial services have yet to be announced.
