Lloyd “Digger” Wilson, 1936-2015
Retired Mono County Sheriff and longtime Mammotb resident Lloyd F. “Digger” Wilson passed away Aug. 1 after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Redlands on Sept. 7, 1936, Lloyd lived in Redlands, Victorville and San Fernando before moving to Mammoth in 1957.
At the time, Lloyd founded Mono County’s first ambulance service. He was also co-owner of “Wilson’s This ‘n That” souvenir store.
He was one of the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department’s original fire commissioners and served as a volunteer fireman and then Fire Chief in 1966.
He was active in the Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake and Mono County Chambers of Commerce in the ‘60s and ‘70s, serving at one time or another as President of all of them.
In 1962, Lloyd joined the Mono County Sheriff’s Dept. as a Deputy sheriff (badge #5). He was elected Sheriff/Coroner in 1982 and retired in 1987.
While in office, he served as Director of Emergency Services and was instrumental in the introduction of the Incident Command System to California Law Enforcement Agencies.
Lloyd also served on the State Committee on Domestic Violence and helped facilitate changes in law enforcement practice and policy regarding domestic violence.
Lloyd was a lifetime member of the California State Sheriff’s Assn., the Eastern Sierra peace Officers Assn., a member of Elks lodge #1603 and belonged to the Bodie Chapter of e Clampus Vitus.
Lloyd’s happiest times were spent with family and friends deep sea fishing and traveling.
Lloyd is survived by his wofe of 54 years, Lynda; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Amy Wilson of Bishop; daughter and son-in-law Shelly and Bob Bowman of Independence; grandchildren Lindsay Timpano, Jamie Lambert and David Lambert; and great-grandchiuldren Rylan and Gianna Threlkeld; brother Earl and sister-in-law Lois of Big Pine; sister “Easy” McGinnis of Victorville and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister Grace Durling.
Per Lloyd’s request, there will be no services. In his honor, a donation can be made to the charity of your choice or donate blood to continue the gift of life.
