John Gourlay Linton passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, February 26, 2023.
John is survived by his beloved wife Mila, his brother Richard Linton and his children John (Jennifer) Linton, Andrew (Kelly) Linton , Thomas (Joy) Linton, Sarah Sherwood, James Linton, ElmaLee (Jeff) Kirk, Charles (Marriah) Linton, and his twenty-one grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Sarah Linton; son Edward West Linton; grandson Eden Henri Linton.
John was born on March 19th, 1944 in the town of Niagara Falls, NY. From a young age, John had an innate desire to do good. His natural ability to love everybody was felt by his family, friends and community. After graduating high school, John and his dear friend Steve drove across the country to live in California. It was there that John joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and solidified his resolve to serve the Lord and his fellow man. John decided to serve as a missionary for the church and was called to the “Southwest Indian Mission.” Here is an excerpt from John’s journal:
“In May 1966, I was serving as a missionary in the Southwest Indian Mission. I was preparing to go home and was greatly troubled. As the only member of my family that belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, I didn’t know if my family would accept my religious faith or even me. The United States was at war in Vietnam and I knew there was a good chance I would be drafted into the army immediately after my missionary service was over. The uncertainty of my future frightened me.
Elder Spencer W. Kimball, who at the time was an apostle, was visiting the mission home in Holbrook, Arizona. One afternoon I found myself behind the mission home with Elder Kimball in the garden. We began to talk and I told him of my concerns. He listened intently when looking at me and replied, ‘You are one of the Lord’s boys, and the Lord takes care of his boys.’ Needless to say I was comforted and those words sunk deep into my heart.
During the course of my life, I have often reflected upon Elder Kimball’s promise. It gave me courage serving as a soldier thousands of miles away from home. Many times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by life’s problems, it was the assurance from a prophet of the Lord that I was one of the Lord’s boys that has enabled me to go forward.
Many years later I received a telephone call that Spencer W. Kimball, who at that time was the prophet and president of the church, was at the Mesa, Arizona temple. I left work and went immediately to the temple so I could see him. There on the steps of the temple, I told the Prophet that he probably didn’t remember me, reminded him of our first meeting & testified to him that his promise has sustained me through many hard times. I will never forget what President Kimball did next. He took both of my hands into his, looked deep into my eyes and said, ‘You look sweet and clean.’”
John Linton was uniquely good and kind. He had a genuine love for everybody he came into contact with. To be in his presence was a gift to all who knew him.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 3rd, 2023, with a private family viewing at 9:00 A.M. and funeral service at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, 933 E. Brown Road Mesa, AZ 85203.
Graveside service will be held at 12:00PM at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I remember all the God times John and I shared doing the rentals at Milanos and going out on the school runs. Jon was also a wonderful bishop was always there for our family and helped when we lost our Mom. God bless your family atthis time.
What a great write up. So sweet to read his journal excerpt; to get to know more about him. He was always a great example in the 22nd ward. I love the Linton family. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life.
Through the years I’ve had occasion to visit with John and have always found him to be a light. Kindness, a great sense of humor and the ability to make you feel like all of his attention was on the one person he was speaking with. Mila, I pray for your comfort💗
Sorry for his passing. I strongly believe he was needed on the other side. Love to all his family. You wii see him again soon.
Our heart goes out to the sweet Linton family whom we’ve known and loved for over two decades. John’s sweet and funny spirit will be remembered forever. He blessed so many lives as he loved EVERYONE! May we all remember his example….so much like the Savior!
We love Brother Linton and he was a shining example to me and my family!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful (Gorgeous) man. I am a witness to those great things spoken of John. He is a friend to all. I have been blessed to know him since my youth, and have never left his home, work or even being near him without feeling like a better person. There are a number of occasions when I was blessed to visit him in his later years, and part of reason for going to see him was to let him know he is loved, and to cheer him up… however as I left his home on these occasions, it was I that was blessed and cheered up and I felt so loved. He and Mila have this gift and freely give to all.
What an example for all of us of what a true follower of our Savior, Jesus Christ should be. The veil over this life is thin. I am confidant he will not be far from his friends, and especially his family whom he loves dearly. I am not sure thank you is enough to express to John, Mila and their sweet family for allowing me and my family to share some moments with John. I am surely a better person for knowing him. Much Love to Mila and to all their family.
Shawn and Amy Peterson and family
In 1972 I walked into Milanos, met John and said I’d like to teach piano here. He said we don’t need a teacher but we need a piano mover right now. That was the start of my 49 year relationship with John and keyboard instruments. Every conversation with John was a true joy!
What a wonderful father that can share tender loving memories during his life. It will a delightful reunion for him.
When I think of John and Mila I think of sunshine and laughter. These two always reaching out to the lost and lonely or anyone that crosses their path. I too have been blessed by them over the years. I can only hope to be more like them. Heaven just gained another angel❤
This is Arnold #3 / Andy. I met John for the first time a few years ago in the Music store and we all went to a movie and dinner. I just informed my dad whom you all know is Arnold. His comment was ” He was a nice man” I can’t agree more!! My father is having a hard time seeing his emails these days and if you have time to call him he would love to speak with you. Dads Home number is (303) 765-5775. May GOD BLESS!!!
I met John when I was a 19 year old missionary. He was one of my ward mission leaders in my first area and I will never forget his warmth and kindness toward me. He helped me find the self confidence I needed to participate in that great work. My condolences to Mila and the family, he truly was one of the best people I have ever met.