William Cahoon Romney

William Cahoon Romney passed away on New Year's Eve surrounded by loved ones from complications of pneumonia. He was born February 18, 1934 to Annie D. Cahoon and Willliam C. Romney. He grew up in Salt Lake City with his 4 siblings up on Imperial Street in the Sugarhouse area. In his youth, he was very active and engaged in many sports including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and track. 

He attended Stewart Training School, Roosevelt Jr. High, and East High School. He enrolled at the University of Utah and participated in the Air Force ROTC program for a year and a half. The Air Force released him after a physical exam, which determined he had no depth perception. He was subsequently inducted into the US Army. He served in Korea alongside 18 generals and admirals as Military Police. He was an escort for Maxwell D. Taylor, commander of all allied forces in the Middle East. He completed 21 months of active military service and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He returned to the University of Utah and graduated in 1960 with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Science. He later earned a CMR (Certified Medical Representative) degree from the University of Virginia.

He married Judith Ann Weidner in the Salt Lake temple on June 24th, 1960. He worked for Skaggs Drug Center, Hercules Powder Company (manufacturer of the minute man missile), and Dorsey Laboratories where he was promoted and transferred to work in Minneapolis, Memphis, and San Francisco. Eventually he returned to Utah and worked for Interstate Brick Company. Later he purchased and operated a mineral food supplement manufacturing company, Kelatron, where he worked until retirement with business partner Dennis Shaw. They lived happily up on the hill in Bountiful by the "B," which everyone knows stands for "Big Beautiful Bill."

Over the years, he served in many capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Bishop while they were living in California, and has also served as a High Councilor, Young Men's leader, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and taught Marianne's primary class. He donated his money generously to several organizations throughout his life. He also gave to family and friends, helping fund things such as education, honeymoons, and missions. 

In 2002, Bill and Judy served a mission together in Washington D.C. They assisted the Elders when they taught lessons to single women, which was common in the area. They were fondly remembered for regularly purchasing McDonald's cheeseburgers for all the missionaries. They also blessed the members financially by purchasing scouting uniforms, clothing needed for missionaries preparing to serve, etc.

Bill and Judy raised 5 children in a home where they were taught to love their fellow man, work hard, and serve others. In the preface to his life history, he wrote, "Mortality has been a fantastic learning experience about the carnal nature, but wonderful compassion of the human spirit. Life is a dichotomy of good and bad, interceded often by the wisdom of a kind, loving Mediator." 

Bill was survived by his loving wife, Judy, sister Jacine Vierra, children Maureen (Kent) Hawkins, Scott (Pilar) Romney, Bradley (Lora) Romney, Mark (Angela) Romney, and Marianne (Jason) Duke, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and 3 of his siblings, Dawn Zitting, Edward Romney, Paul James Romney, and grandson Jason Hawkins. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 5th at the Ward Canyon Ward building located at 540 N 1200 E in Bountiful, UT. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 10:45 am before the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an educational program of your choice.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.