Bill Wright

Bill Norman Wright

May 12, 1944 – September 15, 2017

Bill found his vocation early in life, earning the title of “Fire Marshall in Charge of Getting Matches Found to an Adult” after setting fire to a vacant field near his home in Provo.  He later worked on fire crews as a summer job which led Bill to seek a degree in Forest Management at Utah State University.  Bill served 42 years for the Federal Government with the U.S. Forest Service in Asheville, North Carolina, Moab, Utah and Fillmore, Utah.

Bill has always enjoyed being active and in the outdoors.  He would always say, “Hiking is the best exercise.”   Bill was continually leading his family and friends on outdoor adventures: hiking, riding ATV’s, hunting, four wheeling, rafting.  If there was something to see, he was there.

Sports have been a lifelong love for Bill.  He was a talented athlete, playing baseball, football and basketball throughout his early school years.  He lettered in football, basketball and baseball while attending Pleasant Grove High School.  He went on to play football and baseball for Snow College.  While serving in the Navy he played Volleyball representing Guam.  In later years, he continued with church and recreation league sports.  He continued to play baseball well into his 50’s.  It was fun to watch him knock it out of the park . . . so he could make it around the bases.  His love for sports easily transitioned him into coach and super fan for his daughters, Jenifer, Alisa, Dana, Kristina and Joanna.  One of his greatest joys was watching and cheering on his grandkids as they competed in football, soccer, basketball, track . . . and even dance.  Bill was a lifelong BYU fan, starting in his elementary years when he would sneak into the games with his brother.  He was cheering on the Y for the “Holy War” game on Saturday.

Service is a common theme for Bill.  After obtaining his Associate degree at Snow College, he served a LDS mission in the New Zealand South Mission.  He honorably served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.  Bill met his future sweetheart, Marilyn, while attending USU.  They were married 10 months into his Navy service while he was stationed in Guam.  Bill and Marilyn were sealed in the Logan Temple.

Serving others was something Bill truly enjoyed.  He loved being a home teacher, and helping other families with anything that was needed: yard work, repairs, or finishing a basement.  Bill served in many Elders Quorum Presidencies and Young Men Presidencies.  He loved working with young men.  He was a master teacher.  He served many years as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher.  His love for the Gospel was best manifest through his service to others.  After battling bladder cancer for the past 10 years, his body reluctantly gave up the fight, allowing him to join his parents, William Andrew Wright and Mae Thacker.  Bill adored his family.  Billy, as he was known in his early years, kept close ties with his older brother Owen Wright, his younger brother Carl Wright and little sister, Mollie Wright Blackwell.

His dry sense of humor was notorious, as well as his work ethic, personal integrity and driving.  “Big Guy” is well loved by his family and friends.  His generous, easygoing, fun loving nature is keenly missed.  Please join us in celebrating his life.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  Family and friends may also join together on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.