Bill was born March 9, 1946, in New York City to Catherine Eyring and William Foster Edwards as the youngest of six children. When he was young, his family moved to Salt Lake City where he grew up. From early on, his life was rooted in education, music, sports and the gospel of Jesus Christ. At East High School, he was an outstanding student, a talented trumpet player and named “Mr. Defense” on the football team. Following high school, he was called to the LDS Northern Far East Mission where he served the people of Japan. He graduated with a degree in math from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University. He also proudly served in the Utah National Guard.
During his final year at the U of U, he went on a blind date with Kathy Harrington. They quickly fell in love and knew they would spend the rest of their lives together. They soon married in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived a beautiful life together which included raising their four children. In 2010, Kathy sadly passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer.
The loss of his wife left a deep void in his life. He then had the blessing of meeting Sylvia Fenton. They fell in love and were married in 2012. They shared a strong love and were important pillars of strength, devotion and happiness for each other and their families from the time they met through the 10 years until the end of his life.
Bill had a successful career which began in audit and consulting at Arthur Andersen in San Francisco. He later joined Salt Lake-based Questar Corporation, eventually becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Bill loved reading, hiking, skiing, traveling, listening to jazz music, working in the yard, playing tennis, going on backpacking trips with the Scouts and attending the many events of his children and grandchildren. Although health limitations—including the effects of a severe car accident while in his 40s—limited his ability to participate in some of these hobbies later in life, he continued to have a love for them.
His impact on the people around him was far-reaching. He possessed the unique gift of leading by bold example, but doing so in a quiet, modest way. He made friends easily and radiated positivity.
Bill had a deep commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ that continued to the end. He served in many callings within the church, including as Bishop and High Councilor. He served a 2-year mission with Kathy where they were assigned to a local Spanish-language branch, and a 4-year mission with Sylvia assigned to a local inner-city ward. Some of his most dedicated church service was as a home teacher and minister, assignments he truly magnified.
He is survived by his wife Sylvia and his children Rebecca (Tom), David (Jill), Jennifer (Mike) and Billy (Abby); additionally, by the children he was so glad to gain through his second marriage, Jon (Marchelle), Tim (Korinne) and Will (Kelsey). He leaves behind 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Caroline Clive, Bob Edwards (Judy), Midge Evans (Kirk) and Catherine Poelman Weight (Harold). Bill is preceded in death by his wife Kathy, brother Weston and brothers-in-law Clifford Clive and Lloyd Poelman.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the Mt. Olympus North LDS Chapel, 4176 Adonis Drive (3930 East) in Salt Lake City; it will also be available on Zoom using the Meeting ID 848 8098 7133. Viewings will be held Friday 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the chapel and Saturday 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the chapel prior to the service. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
