William Hyde Cowley age 84, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill completed his earthly journey and was welcomed by family and friends whom have all been waiting for his return. He was born on September 16, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to William Hyde and Margaret Leone Poulton Cowley. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He attended and graduated East High School and was also an enlisted member of the United States Army.
He attended the University of Utah and as an avid Ute, loved going to and watching all the games. Bill excelled in athletics and loved to win, yet he never beat an opponent in order to make himself look good. Many times he would let others win in golf, bowling basketball or whatever in order to have them feel victory and not suffer defeat. That\s just how Bill was. Bill worked in various career positions but especially enjoyed working at Bush and Gudgell in land engineering, surveying and sales. He made many friends and colleagues while working there and would reminisce about them and all the good times they had.
Even though Bill was never married, he was truly a father figure and a tremendous support to his sister Betty and her four children. He was genuine and kind hearted and loved his nieces and nephews, whom he took on the responsibility to care for in so many ways. Whenever the need was great, he was there, providing much needed assistance. He loved seeing his family and especially the young children in the family. They brought him happiness and he would say they always had so much energy, you can\t help not feeling younger when their around. His great, great nephew would always say, "Let's go up and see Uncle Bill," and Bill enjoyed every minute. Bill found great joy in spending time with his dear friend, Grant \"Mitch\" Mitchell. He spoke often of Mitch and appreciated their time spent together. We want to thank you Mitch for your friendship and love throughout all these many years.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents William Hyde and Margaret Leone Poulton Cowley, sister\s Margaret Straaberg and Betty Gail Adelt, and his nephews Eric Hyde Adelt and Gary Cowley Adelt.
He is survived by his nieces Janet McKinnon (Vincent), Debra Straaberg (Harley Ostmark), and Peggy Lemmons (Wayne) and his nephew Larry Adelt, along with many great nieces and nephews and extended family members.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. prior to services at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Avenue \"N\" Street.
