Fredrick William (Bill) Cobabe's Obituary
In loving memory of Fredrick William (Bill) Cobabe Jr., a husband, father, and grandpa. Bill passed away comfortably and peacefully in the morning hours of April 13th at University Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded in love by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, and beloved daughter Amie.
Bill was born in Inglewood, CA on March 5, 1950 to Fredrick William Cobabe Sr. and Mary Lee Norris. He was the oldest of 9 siblings. He played football and wrestled at Mira Costa High School. He attended UVCC and obtained his Associate’s degree. He went on to attend Brigham Young University where he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Later on, he attended the University of Utah in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
While a young man at Ricks College, he fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Valerie Jean Sellers, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity on September 8th, 1972. They had 7 children—Amie (Gordon), Bill III (Diana), Andy (Spring), Michelle (Aaron), Josh (Maurine), Lindsey (Mike), and Alex (Jon). Their family has now grown to 35 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Bill followed in the footsteps of his father, and for a while he worked as a plumber just like his father. He also worked many different jobs that ranged from paperboy to milkman. One of his favorite jobs he ever worked was as Neighborhood Development Coordinator for the City of Yakima, WA.
Bill is best known for his love of reading, scouting, photographing, and spending time hiking and biking in the outdoors. He is known for his bologna sandwiches with thick cheese slices, his endless stream of drugstore paperbacks, and his sage advice and stories. He was an avid learner and teacher, and he loved to help wherever and whenever he could with church callings or the Boy Scouts program. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him and loved him.
In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that you consider donating to support Children’s Cancer Research in memory of Bill’s daughter Amie via the following link: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
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