William F Horrocks

On July 1, 2023, William went home. He rejoins his Mom and Dad, oldest brother and youngest sister, who all preceded him on this return journey from mortality. At just shy of 69 years, those closest to him could speak volumes as to his impact upon their lives. He left an indelible mark and his absence will definitely be felt. William Franklin Horrocks Jr. was born July 8, 1954 to William Franklin Horrocks Sr. and June Shields Horrocks, in Tooele, UT. He spent his growing up years in various homes between the Salt Lake Valley and Pocatello, ID. He graduated Pocatello High in 1972 and met the love of his life at Idaho State University in the fall of 1972. He was supposed to be watching over his best friend’s girl while his best friend was away serving an LDS mission, but watched a little too closely and fell in love with Sylvia Lee Jenks of Delta Junction, AK, who was an elementary education undergrad at ISU. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple, December 13, 1974, and welcomed their first of two baby girls, Karen, in February 1976. Right on her heals thirteen months later was their second daughter, Jennifer, born in March 1977. With his tiny family complete, William settled his family in Midvale, Utah. He lived his life passionately adhering to his unique take on the world. His strong and unwavering stance about how life should be best lived could not be easily influenced by anyone. He was a man before his time, always interested in the latest technologies—from his early days in audio visuals, to the first home computers. He was always searching for opportunities to be involved in what was new and cutting edge. As passionate as he was about new technologies, he was even more passionate about his daughters’ education. It was his strongest desire that they both graduated college and he prioritized life to remove any perceived doubt or obstacle that they would achieve that goal. Both graduated from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business—Karen in 1998 in Accounting, and Jennifer in 1999 in Marketing. Karen also graduated with her Masters in Accounting in 1999. His daughters both married and he became a grandpa for the first time in November 1999. He was known as “Blue Papa” (“blue” from his favorite color of shirt to wear) to nine grandkids, who all lived out of state: Julia, PJ, Emory, Ella, and Ethan Peterson (Jennifer) and Elena, Sara, Isak, and Alek Sjoblom (Karen). Since visits with grandchildren weren’t frequent, he and Sylvia spent their empty-nest years enjoying their DVD collection of movies and favorite TV shows together.

William F Horrocks

July 8, 1954 - July 1, 2023