William F Horrocks' Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?