William Nolan Fenimore IV
September 15, 1970 - May 5, 2022
Billy Fenimore, age 51, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022 after a recent diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder, which he battled with strength and dignity until the end.
Billy was born on September 15, 1970 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to William Fenimore III and Estrella Fenimore. A few years
later, his family moved to his father’s hometown of Chester, Pennsylvania, where Billy first developed his love for the outdoors. His family ultimately settled in Farmington, Utah.
Billy began his career in the food manufacturing business, at Horizon Snack Foods. He worked at every position in the plant before being promoted to plant manager. Billy proudly served in that role until 2006, when he pursued another path and focused on his passion for nature, especially the birds.
Billy worked alongside his father Bill, who was his mentor and best friend, until his passing in 2015. They first worked together at the Wild Bird Center, and then Billy opened up his own business, Wild About Birds, in 2011. He also had an eco- tourism business guiding on Deseret Ranch and throughout the Intermountain West, engaging birdwatchers from around the world with his charming personality and his knowledge and passion for the birds.
Billy became the director of the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in 2018, a position that was a dream come true for him. He worked tirelessly to create a grand gathering place for the community to foster their love of nature. He especially enjoyed teaching young people and growing his army of “champions of all things wild”.
Billy’s love for nature and wildlife was infectious. He would stop in his tracks, and his eyes would light with excitement, every time he spotted an animal out in the wild or a bird flying in the sky. He had a genuinely kind soul, and had the gift of making everyone he met feel special. Billy had a great sense of humor, often playing pranks and subjecting us to his good- natured ribbing. He loved sports, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, and seemed to think they could hear him if he yelled loud enough at the television.
Billy’s dedication to the natural world was surpassed only by his commitment to his family and friends who he loved deeply. He was fiercely loyal and there was nothing he wouldn’t do or sacrifice for his loved ones. We are heartbroken by his loss, and promise to live each day in honor of his memory.
Billy is survived by his loving wife, Patty, his children Payton (Zach), Nolan and Bella, his grandchildren Vincent and Jude, his mother Estrella, his sister Maria, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 15, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Stark’s Funeral Parlor. Guests are encouraged to use the North parking lot.
In Loving Memory
Patty, kids and family, We are saddened by the loss of Billy and send our hugs and prayers to you. I wanted to share this photo because it was an amazing "baby owl" experience due to the generous donation, by Billy, to St Josephs school. Luckily for us, we were the luck recipients and are so grateful to have had this amazing memory with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Goodwin's/Garcia family.
I met Billy through his dad, Bill. I would often talk to him at St. Joe's while we both were waiting for children/grandchildren to finish up on a Friday. He was my go-to person at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center. I always had a million questions about what I had seen while hiking the preserve, and he always had the answers for me. He was so generous with his time and his knowledge. My prayers go out to his family. He will be missed!
I have only known Billy since 2017; but quickly established a friendship with him, which was easy to do with Billy out-going personnality. We stayed in regular contact via telephone & emails. And were looking forward to several birding trips together, both in Utah & here in Washington. I will be thinking of Billy on every bird outing that I go on...I will miss him.
On behalf of Great Salt Lake Audubon, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Billy's family and friends. Billy was an amazing ambassador for all things wild. We in the conservation community will truly miss him.
Hey Patty! I met you earlier this week at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center. This platform won't let me share links, but you can find that podcast episode I did with Billy by visiting the DWR website (wildlife.utah.gov) and then under the "news" tab, you will find all the podcast episodes. It is Ep. 19: Birdwatching at the wildlife center. You can also find it anywhere you listen to podcasts by searching the Division of Wildlife Resources "Wild" podcast. I am so sorry again for your loss. He will be extremely missed at the DWR and the center. He was such a great coworker and had a way of making everyone feel special. He is truly one of the nicest people I have personally ever met. Thoughts and prayers for your family at this difficult time. -Faith
Patty and family, When I think about Billy's death, the words of the song "Only the good die young..." keep coming to mind. He was a wonderful person that I'm so sorry is no longer with us. I knew him best for his work on the Wasatch Audubon Society board. He always made good contributions, like the postcard with all the photos he develped to pass out to introduce the group to people. It was great to go on bird walks with him. His knowledge of the birds and his infectious enthusiasm was terrifc. He will be greatly missed.
Billy has a unique gift of making everyone feel like a special friend. I will be forever grateful to be one of the legion of Billy's "special friends.". And I will truly miss him. Til we meet again, my friend. Terry Reid
In Loving Memory
