William S. Britt
August 2, 1931 - April 22, 2017
Bill was born in Smithfield, PA August 2, 1931. He graduated from West Virginia University in Chemical Engineering. After graduating, he went on to serve in the US Navy as a Nuclear Weapons officer before returning to Duquesne University to earn a degree in patent law.
Bill's love of the mountains brought him to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1969 where he partnered with Dave Trask to form Trask Britt Law firm in 1973. Bill lived a life of integrity. He truly loved the firm, his work with clients, and being a mentor for others.
Bill was an advocate for those with special needs and disabilities. He was a board member of Camp Kostopolus and assisted the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake. Bill had a life-long love of learning and prioritized education. To support students in the University of Utah engineering program, Bill initiated an endowment fund. Bill's legal advice for Saturday's Voyeur led to forming strong friendships with the writers due to his love of humor and the arts.
Bill had an outgoing nature and love for people. He greeted everyone with an engaging smile and a big hug, determined to brighten their day and help them feel special. Whether in the office or the Coffee Garden, no one was a stranger. Hiking was a passion. Bill hiked most of the trails in the valley and at age 66 traversed the Grand Canyon rim to rim.
He leaves behind a loving wife, Sherry Britt; daughters Margie Breakiron and Beth Britt; sons Robert Britt and David Britt, stepdaughter Montell McDowell; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren — a family he cherished.
Nova
A star,
At its natural end,
Bursts forth with an awesome glow.
And, so do I
Wish to likewise shine,
As I too naturally decline.
To radiate a revealing light
And an enveloping warmth,
So I may humbly stand in circumspection,
To joyfully watch the sunset
Of a life, hopefully, well lived
William S. Britt
Autumn 2012
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the south side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Bill in a way of your choosing.
In Loving Memory
To Bill -- How honored I am to have known you! How grateful I am to have learned from your wisdom, through all the lunches we had together! I will miss you taking me on a ride in your red convertible Mercede-Benz. I will miss you calling me your most beautiful Chinese princess. I will miss you sharing your poems with me and here is one of my favorites – ----- A Little Boy's First Day of School By William S. Britt 9/20/1988 Hanging onto mother's skirt A little boy is trudged to school Looking longingly at a pile of dirt Over which yesterday he did rule. Schoolroom with an antiseptic smell Smothers him upon his entry To this place which must be hell He stands there seeking a way to flee. Wishing he could see the sky And a tree with leaves so green If he were a bird he'd certainly fly From this bad, nightmarish dream. Little girls all gaily dancing Into this strangest of places Mothers happily talking and chatting Too many smiles on too many faces. Feeling overwhelmed and captured Resigned unto his loss of freedom His spirit now thoroughly fractured Into a seat he slides and sits so very numb. ----- From your "Most Beautiful Chinese Princess"
Phoenix Gatrell
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
Goodby old friend. Fare thee well.
Marcus G. Theodore
Salt Lake City, UT
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to your family. In times like these the Bible have proven to be of great comfort. The Bible book of John chapter 5 verses 28 and 29 holds out the hope of a resurrection for our loved ones who have past; and Joshua chapter 21 verse 45 lets us know that God fulfills his promises. I hope that these Bible verses will bring your family some comfort.
L.M.
nan, nan
Our family remembers him so many years ago when our boys were very young. Involved in activities with him brings a smile to our faces. Such a nice man. RIP Bill. The Zaba's
Ken & Chris Zaba
Murray, Ut
Bill was a man of science and "believed" in the scientific method to address problems. Legal and scientific principles are not always aligned with one another, and today's political leaders with law degrees often throw scientific knowledge out the window. Bill did not. Bill had a deep appreciation for the natural world. In my some 15+ years of working with Bill on a day-to-day basis starting in the late 70's (Trask & Britt), I don't ever recall his raising his voice much less shouting nor expressing anger toward anyone. Yet he tenaciously "fought" for the intellectual property and other rights of individuals. He always thought of the practice of law as a profession, not merely as a business, and certainly not just as a way to make a living. Doing what is right often comes without a paycheck. Bill never lost his idealistic values. In matters of governance, Bill believed in civility, integrity, honesty and compromise (rare qualities in today's world). He treated staff well, and with respect. These attributes in large part define his legacy.
Tony Frates
Holladay, UT