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Never have we been more broken-hearted yet filled with joy at the same time as we say farewell to our dear precious husband, father, gramps, brother and friend. We are holding on to the image of the celebration in heaven as he was welcomed home with open, loving arms. After almost losing him many times over, it taught us not to take a single day for granted and filled our hearts with gratitude for every moment we had with him. His life was a gift! Wid was born June 2, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Homer Richards Warner & Katherine Ann Romney Warner. He was named after his great, great grandfather Willard Richards. He attended Uintah Elementary, Clayton Jr. High, and East High schools. He then received a scholarship for wrestling at the University of Utah. As a true Utah man, he loved being a part of that team.
Wid had a happy childhood, surrounded by sisters and brothers whom he adored. Their days were filled with the adventures of playing in the woods at the Mt. Air cabin, vacationing at the beach, or boating and sailing together, to name a few.
He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... a faithful, committed disciple of Christ. He served a mission in Japan and continued serving in any way the Lord asked of him. He loved starting each day by reading the Book of Mormon and praying to his Father in Heaven.
In June of 1979 Wid married the love of his life, Mary Lee Taggart, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their love was truly unmatched. Because of that genuine deep love and unity, they were able to face life’s challenges with joy.
He was employed for 41 years as a software engineer with Associated Food Stores. His job gave him purpose and satisfaction.
Without need for recognition or accolades, Wid found joy in the simple things. He loved a good meal, a chocolate donut, watching his favorite TV show and playing with his grandkids, who brought so much happiness to his life. There was nothing he loved more than his role as Gramps.
He was gentle, meek and kind...but also strong, steadfast and unwavering; a man without guile. He always saw the best in people and had a gift of making them feel important and seen. Wid knew in his heart what mattered most - God and his Family.
We are grateful for modern medicine, caring doctors (particularly C. David Hansen) and nurses, the generous gift of life from two sibling’s donated kidneys, and the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father that kept him with us for so long. He brought light & laughter in spite of challenges, never complaining.
Wid was preceded in death by his father, Homer & mother, Katherine. He is survived by his eternal love & wife, Mary Lee; children, Mollie and Joel Diamond (Tait, Addie, Chayce, Emme) Whitney Hodson (Ben), Alex and Karina Warner (Sonya and Nikolai), Lauren & Tony Bickmore (Will, Winston, Bowen); and his brothers and sisters.
A pubic viewing will be held in Wid’s honor on Monday, November 16th, from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral participation in person is limited to immediate family only.
Please join us virtually, Tuesday November 17th at 11 am, on the YouTube live stream at this link, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEd7fzjONJ9BWC1gAkRgIA
My condolences to you Mary Lee. I have fond memories of growing up with Wid. Especially watching East High football games when our older brothers, Steve and Ron, were playing. We always seemed to forget the game and go over to the side of the field and play our own game with other kids. May Heavenly Father bless you during this difficult time.
Lance Larkin.
Dear Mary Lee,
I am thinking of you with love and empathy at this very difficult, tender time. You are a sweetheart and it's been a blessing get to know you a little through your darling mother, cook books, and Janice and you in the same ward and living on the same block.
Wid grew up, as you know, in our ward and I have happy memories of him and his family, therefore, it was always a treat to visit in your ward and be so pleasantly welcomed by the two of you.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers....
Sincerely,
Carolyn
Oh Mary Lee...while I am so happy that Wid is out of pain and you are able to stop worrying about him, we are saddened and devastated for you and your family at this deep loss. Wid was certainly an example to everyone who knew him, and I know there will always be great memories and stories you all can share...no goodbyes, just good memories. We love you and are here for you if you need us - Holly
So sorry to hear about Wid. He was always happy and optimistic and full of life in my memories of him. A good man. A bright soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you - Warners and Taggerts.
Sorry to hear of Wid’s passing. He always had a smile on his face and he was a leader. Hope all of Wid’s family can find peace.
Thank you to whomever wrote such a sweet and accurate tribute to Wid. Like so many others I counted Wid as a good friend. He was one of my best friends during our high school and college days. He was my workout partner, we spent hours and hours in the Deseret Gym, on the football field and in the wrestling rooms of East High and the University of Utah. Wid was one of the hardest workers I have ever known. Against many physical challenges his dedication, work ethic and perseverance allowed him to rise and accomplish things that, challenged in the same way, most of us would not have attempted. I was never surprised with his grit and determination as he faced so many health challenges, I knew the strength of character, physical endurance, and perseverance that he had and that he was. I loved the characterization of Wid as a devoted and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. He was always a humble and meek man. When I say meek I in no way mean weak, I mean meek as Elder Bednar defined, “meekness is strong not weak, active not passive, courageous not timid, restrained not excessive, modest not self-aggrandizing, a meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, nor overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others”, this is who Wid was and is to me. We were so excited when he and Mary Lee joined together for eternity. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to her and their family. Our prayer is that they feel wrapped in the loving arms of the Savior and feel His peace that “passeth all understanding”. I am confident that Wid and Mary Lee will enjoy all of the blessings of Eternity together.
With Love and Respect,
Kent Bowman
Mary Lee and family. Our hearts and prayers are with you now. Wish i could be there to give you a hug. Wid was a treasure, a truly nice and funny guy. He still is. Please know we love you, pray for you and rejoice in the plan of salvation
You will be together again.
Dear MaryLee and family,
There are no words to express our sorrow! Just know there are hugs and prayers coming your way from California!
With much love, Liz and Chuck Walton
Merilee, our hearts are with you and sweet beloved family. We enjoyed sitting with you through the years as we watched our kids swim together. Sending you hugs.
All my love and gratitude
to have Mary Lee and Wid
As constant inspirations of light and un conditional love. Your extraordinary examples of devotion for the things that matter most, love for our Savior and love and care for your beautiful family and friends, is a continual inspiration and gift to me.
Love and support always.
Liz
I am so sorry for your loss. Wid and I were close friends through the 80’s and 90’s. Wid was instrumental in modernizing our company and was my closest friend and contact during that time. Wid never let his physical disadvantages slow him down in any way. I have great memories of all the time we spent together in and outside of our stores. Even though our friendship has faded over the years living so far apart my memories of our good times together haven’t. I will always have great love and respect for him.
Wid Warner was a great friend in high school and it has always been my honor to have known him. On his behalf I have made a donation to the National Kidney Foundation.
We were so sad to hear about the passing of Wid. We are so grateful that our lives crossed paths with his and Mary Lee's while on this earthly sojourn. Those crossings are not coincidences. Wid and Mary Lee welcomed us with open arms when we moved into their neighborhood. So much love and laughter. Wid was a good, gentle and truly a man without guile. We will miss him.
I loved that boy Widdy! He was my best bud our senior year on the Board of Control at East High. My day was always made better when I would see Wid. I counted on his easy laugh to make me laugh as we would banter back and forth about anything! I cannot express better about his character and the kind of man he is than all of the previous comments. Whenever I would run into him we exchanged hugs and could pick right up from the last time we saw each other. We would share laughs and cancer woes. His optimism carried me forward. I will miss him!! My complete respect and love also go to Mary Lee. I know the toll that being a 'caretaker' can have on a soul when you watch someone you love suffer. You are the unsung heroine behind the scenes! It was always so obvious to me the love that bound you two together. You were blessed to have each other. He leaves a big hole. My heart goes out to all your families! With much love and respect! Ann Busico
My deepest heartfelt condolences and sympathy at your loss of a great man. I pray the lord will give you comfort in your time of sorrow and May he bless your family forever.
Dear Mary Lee And Family, I have known Wid For Many Years. He Was A Outstanding Husband,Father and Grandfather and Friend. He Has Been A Great Friend To Me. I Send My Love And Prayers To The Warner Famly. I Love Wid Very Much. He Will Be Missed Alot! All My Love, Scott Soderberg!
It's hard for me to put into words my feelings about how Wid has impacted my life. I can't say that I knew him well, and I haven't seen him for many years, but the memories and impressions he left with me have only strengthened with time. He carried on the legacy of what I know of his father Homer. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, his family.
We were not aware of Wid’s passing until this morning. Our love and condolences to the entire Warner family. We remember early days on Yalecrest Ave. And, Mary Lee teaching dance to our daughter Stacy. Our hearts are subdued but grateful for your family example of faith and courage. Our prayers are offered in your behalf. Rob and Colleen Bauman
What a great man and mentor. We wrestled together, coached together... seriously, a down to earth man. Condolences to his family and Mary Lee... I hope everyone is doing well.