An English gentleman, William Taylor Smith, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 24, 1920 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. He was the son of Harold E. Smith and May Doreen Mills.
Dad was educated in England and graduated from Leeds University with a degree in structural engineering. He was raised in the Church of England but, when he was 19, after listening to some LDS missionaries, he was baptized a member of the LDS Church on April 26, 1939. While serving a mission, he met Phyllis Kate Clayton. They were married on August 21, 1942 in the LDS Mission Office in London England and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.
Dad was always proud of working during World War II with the DeHavilland Aircraft Company in the production of the famous "Mosquito" fighter/bomber. He often related personal experiences with the blackouts, bombings and rationing that took place during the war.
He immigrated to the United States in 1948 with his family to be closer to the Church. He worked for many years at Steel Engineers Co., Horman Construction Co. and later as Chief Engineer with Consolidated Engineering Co. One of his main projects was the structural steel engineer for the Cottonwood Mall.
He was an active member of the LDS Church and served in many callings which included serving in bishoprics and High Council. His greatest love was teaching the Gospel Doctrine class. In his later years, he said the most rewarding and enjoyable experience was serving as a Temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple where he made many friends.
Dad was a lifelong student. He often stated there was so much to learn and so little time. He studied Greek, Latin, Spanish, German, French and was never without a book, or books in his hand. He loved that with "one click" he could receive immediately a book over the internet and was dismayed when he had difficulty downloading more because his iPad was filled to capacity. He was an inveterate reader. For many years, he would read the entire Bible monthly. After the death of his beloved wife, he would return to Cambridge University, England yearly to continue his studies. He was very proud of his British heritage and had a great love for the "King's English". He never seemed to lose his British accent which was endearing to everyone.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. The greatest joy in his life was his family. He loved his daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Reid as well as his four grandchildren Jeremiah, Sara, Joshua and Rebekah and his great grandchildren. Over the years, they made it a family tradition to visit La Jolla, California, at least once a year where they had wonderful and memorable times.
He lived an abundant life full of love, family, learning and we are blessed to have an abundance of wonderful loving memories. He loved us, he taught us and he set an example of always being positive and encouraging others. He was a friend and grandpa to all.
He is survived by his family, Elizabeth and Reid Steenblik, grandchildren, Jeremiah (Michelle) Steenblik, Sara (Erick) Flegal, Joshua Steenblik, Rebekah (Lars) Beck and great grandchildren Kaden, Marissa, Makayla, Haylee, Kameron, Chloe and Gage. Preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis and sister, Margaret Smith Laycock (Fred).
The family would like to thank Envision Hospice for their tender care. Special thanks go to nurse Jennifer Parks and nurse's aide Rita Eusebia, and dear friend Amanda Clark for their love and support.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Yalecrest 2nd Ward 1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Ward. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
