William McDermott

William Bill McDermott Called Home William Fredrick McDermott, loving and devoted son of Henry Lucas and Clara Marie Petersen McDermott, was born March 3, 1925 in Salt Lake City. Graduated from West High School Class of 42 where he served as Junior Class Historian. He willingly and faithfully served our country with the 79th Infantry Division during WWII in the invasion of France. Seriously wounded June 22, 1944, hospitalized 23 months, honorably discharged May 31st, 1946 and was awarded the Purple Heart. He married Lorraine Robbins of Salt Lake City in the Salt Lake Temple August 23, 1946. Dad graduated from the University of Utah 1951 with a degree in marketing and worked in sales for many years. He retired in 1985 from the VA Medical Center as the Chief of Prosthetic Services. Dad was well liked and admired by his many co-workers for his dedication, work ethic and friendly disposition. On September 22, 2009, Dad was reunited with many loved ones in happy reunion. Dad had a keen whit, great smile and zest for life - a true people person. He loved and served our mother and his family with great devotion. He loved playing slow pitch softball; pitching and arguing with umpires, coaching little league baseball, forties music and watching his children and grandchildren participate in; sports, musicals, plays and choirs. He was the perfect FAMILY MAN - forging Christmas memories with all the trimmings. Mr. Christmas to many - guided by a kind and generous heart. He loved his Country, God and Family. He served faithfully in many LDS Church callings from Stake High Council to Drama Director Way To Go Dad! He especially enjoyed his 8 years at the Salt Lake Temple recommend desk. He loved his fellow man - rendering service throughout his entire life. He was a man of service - an example to us all. Survived by his wife, Lorraine; his children: William F. Jr. Rick and LuAnn, Robyn and David Osborn, Rebecca, Rourke and Elaine, Rondi Knowlton and Brad Jefferies, Rachelle and Scott Snow, Luke and Bonnie, Lorna and Stuart Parker, Ryan and Julie, 40 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and with 3 on the way. Also survived by brothers: Eugene (Maryann), Lloyd (Cherie), Sister: Betty Blair, Sister-in-law: Juanita Newsome, and many nieces and nephews. We love you Dad and will strive to follow your example! Our special thanks to all those who took such good care of Dad: Carlos Cruz, Melanie Mahe, Kathy Smith and especially Pat Timms and Corina Ramirez - truly angels on Earth. Life is a journey, homeward bound. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009,11 am at Cannon 1st Ward, 934 West Fremont Ave (1100 S.) Friends may pay their respects Friday, September 25, 2009, 6-8 pm at the church on 1301 South and 1200 West and Saturday, 9:45am to 10:45am, at 934 Fremont Avenue. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Funeral Directors, McDougal Funeral Home.