William Van Dyke

William Derrah Van Dyke

3/31/1926 ~ 3/9/2014

William Derrah Van Dyke passed away on March 9, 2014 at the age of 87 from incidents of age.  He was born in Ogden, Utah on March 31, 1926 to Leslie Harold and Edith Read Van Dyke.  He married the beautiful girl who lived around the corner, Myrene Greenwell.  They were married in 1948 by LDS Church President George Albert Smith in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  Myrene, whom he affectionately called Nellie, was the love of his life and they were married 65 years.  They were always together.

Bill enjoyed a wonderful childhood with many friends, his pony, dogs, and 1932 Chevy convertible.  He was known for his bright smile and sense of humor.

Bill attended Ogden City Schools, graduating from Ogden High in 1944.  He attended Weber State College and received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in 1948.  He attended Utah State University for post-graduate studies.  His employment included Sears, J. G. Read Bros., Idaho State University, Weber State College, and Bangerter Trucking Company.  His accomplishments as a financial director at Weber State earned him merit awards from the U.S. Dept. of Education and Weber State College.

Among Bill’s many talents was his ability to work with his hands.  A business executive by profession, he was still able to repair, modify and build just about anything.  He could sometimes be found under the hood of his car making repairs while still wearing his white shirt and tie.

Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he faithfully served in many positions. His treasures were his wife and family whom he loved dearly.  He especially enjoyed Sunday evening family gatherings with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pop”.

Bill and Myrene enjoyed extensive travels with dear friends, many of whom he had known since his school days.  He enjoyed fishing, tying his own flies, and spending his childhood summers at the family cabin in Ogden canyon.  He was an avid reader with a keen intellect and was especially interested in history, archeology, paleontology, LDS Church history, and American history.

His family admired his courage, humility, and sense of humor.  His strength of character will continue to inspire them.

Bill is survived by his wife, Myrene Van Dyke; three children, William G. (Mary) Van Dyke, Robert M. (Kathy) Van Dyke, and Bonnie Jo (Michael) King; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Dorothy and Helen, and his brother Harold.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.