William Boyd Thomas' Obituary
William Boyd Thomas
“That cocky sonufa----”
William Thomas, 84, known as “Bill” to his friends and “Boyd” to his family, passed away August 8, 2018 surrounded by his family and friends. Born March 21, 1934 in Manti, Utah, he was one of five children. He met the love of his life, Valerie Merrill, while attending school in Carbon County. On May 27th, 1954, they were married and remained together for 57 wonderful years until her death in 2011. Bill worked in the fiberglass industry as a master mold and model maker until his retirement. Bill had many interests in his life, including cars, boating, trips to Wendover, and traveling to and hiking Red Rock Country. He also loved jazz and hosted a radio show in Moab, “spinning tracks and hot wax for the hep cats.” He and Valerie spent much of their time exploring Native American ruins throughout Moab, Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and Boulder Mountain. (In fact, his computer password was “Chaco.”) Bill was an avid painter and used his love of Utah and the Anasazi Nation to do his own rock paintings. Bill’s greatest joy was his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He never stopped bragging about them to all who would listen. Bill had an amazing sense of humor and always made those around him laugh. While he resided at Golden Living Retirement Center and later, Beehive Homes, everyone on the staff adored him and so enjoyed his wit. The only person in his life he ever disliked was the actor Robert Stack (see quote, above), but no one ever knew the reason why.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche, his sister Betty and brothers Mike and Sherman, and his beloved wife, Valerie. He is survived by his brother, Don, his children, Del John and Denise, as well as his well-loved grandchildren, Trisha, Jared, Erik, Ryan, Jake, and Heather, and cherished great grandchildren, Maya, Amber, Ava, Aaralyn, Brandt, Brooks, and Asher.
Special thanks to the staff at Golden Living in Taylorsville and the personnel at Beehive Homes in West Jordan. Every person at both places was always so caring and kind and Bill and his family truly appreciate all of you. Thanks also to Dr. Claudia Goulston and Dr. Kristen M. Ries at the University of Utah. The care and respect given to Bill by both of you is much appreciated. Bill requested that no services be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Utah Aids Foundation.
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