Bill faced the challenges of Parkinson's Disease and multiple strokes the same way that he lived life- with courage, grace and humor. Throughout two years of declining health, he faithfully participated in rehabilitation programs with commitment and enthusiasm, and he earned the warm admiration and respect of rehab therapists, medical providers, family and friends. He passed away in the early morning hours of August 10, 2017 leaving behind Julia, his loving and beloved wife of 56 years, daughter, Ann Karen (kind, thoughtful son-in-law, Ben), son, John Anthony (loving, supportive long-time girlfriend, Cassy) and his cherished cat, Tyler.
Born in El Paso, TX to Helen and Voss Kleinschmidt, Bill showed early musical talent and, by age 16, was playing with the El Paso Symphony. He earned a BA in Economics at the University of Texas, El Paso, and continued with graduate studies at UT, Austin. Over his career Bill was an executive with several computer companies providing computer applications in hospitals and clinical laboratories. As a businessman negotiating contracts, he felt strongly that business deals should have win/win outcomes, a perspective that won him respect and friendships. Career opportunities took Bill and Julia to residences in six states from Washington, DC to San Francisco. Their last move was to Utah where they finally put down roots after falling in love with the beauty and outdoor lifestyle found along the Wasatch Mountains.
Bill was warm and funny, and he fully appreciated the simple things in life-Wasatch trails for hiking or snowshoeing, meals shared with friends, a good laugh, his owl collection, Ute athletics (particularly when we won), family trips, books, theater, opera, and many other activities that for him constituted rich life. Running the New York Marathon was a peak experience which provided him with stories to tell for many years. Bill claimed to be on a quest to find the world's perfect beer, but, no surprise, he never found it. The search was just too much fun. A devoted, supportive, hands-on father, Bill never missed a basketball game, parent-teacher meeting, piano recital, band concert...and the list goes on. Following retirement, he enjoyed Spanish and French classes, and he was a fervent, committed University Hospital volunteer in the HELP program. A thoughtful, contemplative man given to self-examination, he readily shared his gratitude for the richness of his life enumerating those things which made it so: a long, loving, supportive marriage; raising two kids who grew up to be kind, hard workers, and good citizens; world travels; cherished friends; a comfortable, peaceful home; books at hand; and, of course, Tyler napping beside him.
Bill asked that we pay tribute to those institutions and individuals who have eased his way: Drs. Alison Schlisman, Elena James, Bruce Kenwood, Nassir F. Marrouche, and Camila de Aquino; St. Mark's Hospital Rehabilitation; Highland Care Rehab Center (Karen, Cortney, and Karla); and U of Utah Rehabilitation (Amy, Heather, and Shauna). In recent months Bill made it clear that he had lived a truly splendid life, and he wanted his memorial service to be a gathering to celebrate, to be grateful, and to laugh. ("No mournful, boring music and everybody sad!") He asked for balloons and chocolate chip cookies. A memorial service will be held at the University of Utah's Student Union in the Crimson View (4th floor), Saturday, August 26, 11 am, 200 S. Central Campus Dr. There will be free parking in the lot in front of the Union. Casual dress (Ute attire perfectly appropriate), and please bring a "Bill story" or comment to share.
