William LaVon Price Jr.
July 4, 1951 - May 7, 2018
On Monday, May 7, 2018, we lost a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, uncle, in-law, friend, and a really great guy. Although Bill left us far too soon, his almost 67 trips around the sun were filled with adventure and challenge, hard work and accomplishment, unending love, laughter, and good music. Always willing to give of himself whether at home, on the job, as a coach, to help family, friends or a charitable cause, Bill found joy in paying it forward. He described himself as a gentleman and a scholar, and frequently commented that chivalry was not dead.
Bill loved to tease and use his quick wit to take others off guard but was most serious when it came to protecting and loving his family. As a father, he led more by example than words, and as a grandpa, he could never say no. He and his wife, Joann, shared a 45-year relationship that never got old. He was her Fred Astaire and Tony Soprano and she was his Julia Child and Stevie Nicks.
Bill was a mover both on the dance floor and the grid iron. As a distinguished athlete at Judge Memorial High School, he was an All-State running back and lettered in three sports. His football career transitioned to the University of Utah but was cut short due to the Vietnam draft and his enlistment in the U. S. Navy. Upon his return, Bill's love of sports continued through many years of coaching, swinging a golf club, and worshipping the Steelers, Yanks, and Utes.
As a construction superintendent, Bill was most proud of the many commercial buildings throughout the Salt Lake Valley and the Western United States that he successfully executed from plan to completion. He immersed himself in every project and was well-respected and much loved by the people who he worked with and for.
Bill was predeceased by his father, Willie, and brothers Frank and Victor. He is survived by his mother, Frankie, siblings Robin, Valerie, Kevin, Liz, Barbara, and Joey, wife Joann, sons Jon and Nick, 7 grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. also at Starks Funeral Parlor for friends and family to share memories and pay tribute to this unforgettable man. Please feel free to wear your favorite sports attire. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 4th and "T" Street, SLC, UT.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute or volunteer to support youth athletics. Donations to any Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Center can be channeled through the Sorenson Multicultural Center Advisory Board, 855 W California Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84104.
In Loving Memory
Dear Joanne and boys. I was doing pretty well there and had written what I thought was a pretty decent condolence until I watched Bill's video and appreciated his wonderful taste in music. Bill and I attended Bishop Glass for what seemed forever. In later years my dad Lew often kept me abreast of his many athletic accomplishments. Now I feel proud that among other teams and sports, he was a Ute fan. I wish I could have brought. Matt #52 ?(06–12) by to meet Bill at some point. You know, Joanne, I could go on and on and already it's 3:00 AM on Mother's Day. I respect and salute your seeet Bill. The stars in the sky on the 4th of July will only shine brighter this year as we know our dear friend will never lose sight of those he loved! And all of us who loved him ed
Barb tezak Herndon
Midvale, UT
I worked with Bill in Seattle for Western Airlines. We shared good times and were friends even though we lost contact later. The last time I saw him was several years ago at SLC airport. He was always kind and humorous. He will be missed. Prayers and thoughts for family at this time.
Jim Herbers
West Valley City, UT
Dear family, we give you our deepest condolences and know that God will comfort and be with you. Love Rick and Stephanie Bourdeaux
Stephanie Bourdeaux
Sandy, UT
Dear Members of the Bill Price Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on Bill's passing. We first met on the track at South High in 1968 - he was competing for Judge, while I ran for Highland. I was new to Utah and, as I recall, we struck up a conversation about the lousy Utah weather (it snowed!). Besides being a good athlete, he had a quick wit and a great laugh, and we became friends. Saw him occasionally after graduation. We crossed paths at the induction station, and at various Ute games and golf fund-raisers. He always had a smile and handshake for me. I consider myself very fortunate to be one of his many friends, and I shall miss him very much. Kindest regards, st Steve Thiese
Steven M. Thiese
Salt Lake City, UT
Joann, Our most sincerest, deepest condolences to you and your family. Be comforted knowing Bill leaves behind a great legacy. May the warm embrace of the Holy Spirit comfort you now and always.
Steve Russo and Tom Kass
Holladay, UT
I am so sorry for your loss. May the lord give you strength, peace and comfort during this difficult time. I had the pleasure to worked with Bill @ Bud Bailey Construction and 10+ years later he came to work for Cameron Construction. He was an amazing person, he always had a positive attitude and he always smiled. He will be missed.
Lupe Herrera
Taylorsville, ut
My deepest Condolences to the Price Family Shauna Gholson (PEAKE)
Shauna Gholson
Hobart, In
To The Price Family, So sorry to hear about Billy. It has been quite awhile since I have seen him however, I have very great memories of all of us growing up in Salt Lake. He is now with "Our Father" and all of our other family members and friends who have passed. May all of you find comfort in knowing he is at rest with "Our Father" and all of our other loved ones. Love, Charlton and Sheila (Peake) Leasure
Sheila (Peake) Leasure
Sacramento, Ca
I had the pleasure of working with Bill at Sahara. I don't think I have ever met anyone happier than Bill. He always went quietly about his business blessing others with simple acts of kindness. He was devoted to helping anyone in need. I will be forever grateful for his friendship and example. He will be greatly missed!
Trish Evans
Farmington, ut
Joann and family. My sincerest condolences on Billy's passing. I had many a great time with Bill and enjoyed his company. May he dance through eternity. Stanley Finn
Stanley Finn
Salt Lake City, Ut
I met billy while going to the u of u. We and others often sat around in the Huddle and drank lots of coffee or played Hearts. In the summers our group got together on Sundays for softball and a beer or two afterward at Torres. Winters we all gathered at someone's house to watch All in the family together. I have such fond memories of Bill and the fun we all had. Over the years I've only seen Bill and Joann a few times,but those times were special. Joann, I'm so sorry Bill had to leave for the next phase in our lives so soon. I pray you feeling some comfort with the many wonderful years you had together and the family you have surrounding you now.
Chris barker
Layton, Ut
Joann, we are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and a good friend, seeing you in October brought back so many wonderful memories of our times together when we were younger! One of Dean's fondest is when he rode on the back of Bill's scooter down State Street when Bill took him to buy our 1960 VW bus in August 1970! Bill was responsible for Dean getting his medical to get his pilot's license and later his instructor rating when during Bill's 21st BDay party, he told Dean about a doctor he knew. When we moved to WA, you welcomed us to your home in Kent and even stored our old car for awhile. We even found time to go w/o kids - a date night! to the Puallup Fair! Wonderful memories of a friendship that spans decades. Much love to you and your family. Dean and Judy
Judy and Dean King
Puyallup, Wa
Dear Joann & Price Family- my thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. May Bill RIP Sincerely, Charlotte Mates
Charlotte Mates
Moab, Ut
Dear Joanne, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I just found out. Words cannot tell you how I felt about Bill. He was such a special person. We spent so many years at school together, and had such good times and adventures outside school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you
James Pietramali
West Valley, Ut
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Our heart breaks for you Joanne! With all our love.
Skylar Taylor & Brent White
Murray, UT