William “Bill” Sullivan

1930 – 2024

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, William Walter Sullivan, passed away from the devastating effects of Parkinson’s Disease on February 16, 2024.

Bill was born to William Henry Sullivan and Lillian Davis Sullivan at home in Salt Lake City on July 13, 1930. He was raised in Ogden attending the Sacred Heart Academy and graduating from Ogden High Class of 1948. He received an associate degree in Diesel Mechanics from Weber Academy in 1950. Bill was employed by Swift & Company, J. Ron Stacey Construction, St. Benedict’s Hospital, and the Mount Benedict Monastery finally retiring at age eighty. His priorities throughout life were faith, family, friends, and an admirable work ethic.

Bill married Rosemary Farrell on June 2, 1962; she passed away on March 7, 1986. He married Joan See Feltman on September 23, 2000. He was fortunate to have found love twice.

As a devout Catholic, Bill steadfastly practiced his faith as a Benedictine Oblate and attended mass daily until his health failed. Joan’s steady faith as a prayer partner was an inspiration to him.

Bill was special. He was adored by his five grandchildren. Their accomplishments, both large and small, were his greatest source of pride. A few months before he passed away, he said he did not want to leave this earth because he wanted to continue to be a part of their story. They loved his occasional misuse of texts like using LOL to mean Lots of Love.

Growing up during the Great Depression influenced Bill’s lifelong work habits. Throughout his life, he often held multiple jobs at the same time. As a boy he had multiple paper routes and needed to pull a trailer behind his bike for his deliveries. Along with working hard, he valued saving and frugality. After reading an epitaph during a Memorial Day visit to the graves of family members he stated, “I want my mine to say – Never Touch the Principal.”

Bill encouraged his children to work hard, and he led by example. As kids, it was sometimes difficult to decide if a weekend activity was worth it. A two-day trip to Bear Lake included a drive to Montpelier to attend mass, followed by wiping down and waxing the boat, then detailing the motor home as if it were being listed for sale. As adults, we recognize that it was worth it.

Living by the Depression era phrase, Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make Do or Do Without, Bill prized keeping possessions in like-new condition including his ice chest. For over twenty years, his ice chest would be cleaned, dried, and returned to the original box after every use.

Spending time in his home and adjacent garage was his happy place. He would often say, “I’m going to the garage to putter.”

Bill loved to play hard and enjoyed sports and hobbies with family and friends. At ten, he began skiing at Snowbasin, often catching chilly rides in the open bed of the coal delivery truck. He was one of the first ski instructors in the Earl Miller Ski School and the last surviving original member of the Mount Ogden Ski Club. He loved power boating, as a young man, he served one year as the Commodore of the Pineview Yacht Club. Inspired by a slalom water skier on television, he had the first slalom water ski at Pineview. A lifelong cyclist, he rode with friends and family well into his 80s.

Bill was deeply loved and will be missed. He will remain a part of all our lives through his legacy and from the many lessons he taught us. Bill is survived by his wife, Joan, children John Sullivan (Heidi), Carrie Sullivan (Don Semon), Amy Peters (Tim) and his grandchildren, John Sullivan (Juliet Fletcher), Madison Sullivan, Flint Sullivan, William Peters (Addy) and Cole Peters.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Rosemary, and his beloved sisters, Neta Daily and Barbara Brann.

Bill received excellent care and we would like to sincerely thank Tracy Townsend, the staff of Avamere, Inspiration Hospice, Treeo and Dr. Stephen Bruce for their devoted assistance.

A Visitation and Rosary will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church 1100 E. 5550 S. Ogden, Utah, Funeral Mass will be held on Sat. Feb. 24 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Following services, the family is hosting a celebration of life at The Monarch Center, 455 25th Street from 12-2pm. Please join us for food, drinks and reminiscing.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sisters of St. Benedict at the St. Benedict Monastery would be appreciated. Address: 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 5637, or donate to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com.