The Key to Happiness? Roller Skating Backward.
William Denton Black: 1936-2021
In 1958, William “Bill” Black crawled through a make-shift igloo at a winter-themed sorority party. Getting through the door was a tight squeeze for Bill – he stood 6 feet 3 inches tall – but the pain would be worth it.
It was there he first caught eyes with fellow University of Utah student Jo Ann Louise Jackstien. Jo Ann, a dance teacher, was enjoying refreshments just as the shin dig was moving to the local roller rink. Upon arrival, Jo Ann laced up her skates, flipped around, and skated backward.
People noticed. Especially Bill. He mustered up the courage to ask her to skate with him.
She said yes.
Soon after, Jo Ann invited Bill to a family function. While setting up chairs, one of Jo Ann’s relatives said “we’re gonna have a farting good time, aren’t we?” That flatulence-laced comment didn’t scare Bill away. Quite the opposite. The two continued dating until Bill popped the question in a romantic spot in the Wasatch mountains.
She said yes.
On February 24, 2021, just after Bill and Jo Ann’s 62nd wedding anniversary , Bill left this world peacefully in the home they shared since 1963. It was just nine days before Bill’s 85th birthday.
Bill is survived by his wife Jo Ann, their four children and spouses, 13 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Mildred Black and Denton Black, as well as his sister Suzanne Whitelock.
Hard Work, Education, and…Chicken?
Bill was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 5th, 1936. The eldest of an electrician and schoolteacher, Bill learned the importance of education and hard work at an early age. He and younger sister Suzanne watched their mom earn a college degree back when earning degrees wasn’t too common for women.
In addition to working as an electrician, Bill’s dad found additional ways to provide for the family, including moving to a working chicken farm (Note: Bill would not eat chicken again for 40+ years).
In 1959, Bill and Jo Ann married at the Latter Day Saint (LDS) temple in Salt Lake City, UT and later gave birth to their first son Michael Dean Black. After earning a degree in Electrical Engineering, Bill accepted a job with IBM in bourgeoning Silicon Valley.
Once settled, they welcomed son Steven Denton Black and bought a home in Willow Glen, a suburb of San Jose, CA where they would raise a family and create 58 more years of memories.
In 1967, they gave birth to daughter Michelle Marie Black and in 1971 they welcomed son David William Black.
Bill continued his education, earning an MBA from Santa Clara University. After IBM, Bill worked with Memorex before joining a consulting company that help launch DHL, the world’s first overnight shipping company.
Bill worked closely with the founders of DHL to build a communications network that would become the backbone of the business. During this time, Bill traveled the world – Hong Kong, Bahrain, Australia and more – often with Jo Ann by his side.
Faith, Family, and Folding Newspapers
While Bill enjoyed career and travel, nothing was more important to him than faith and family. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served numerous roles in the church, including Bishop.
At home, Bill was all about helping loved ones. He helped Jo Ann run her dance company for decades, acting as set designer, audio/video technician, accountant, financial planner, therapist, coach, and even floor sweeper.
But a demanding job and a family business couldn’t keep Bill from his kids. Every Sunday at the crack of dawn, he’d help his sons fold, load up and deliver newspapers from the back of the station wagon. Then they’d go get donuts. Really, really good donuts.
In the summer, he’d take family and friends boating on the Sacramento Delta, giving each water skier his signature “whoo whoo” as they popped out of the water. This yell was so loud it likely caused permanent hearing loss to nearby animals or humans. Bill had an amazing set of lungs.
The Dad Joke Gene
Bill’s hard work, optimism and unlimited patience could only be matched by his sense of humor. The man loved to laugh, sometimes with a snort attached. He was Ground Zero for bad dad jokes. The dad joke gene, or DJG, was so strong it will continue to be passed on for generations. Sorry future dads.
Bill was also a news junkie. He scanned the daily paper and clipped articles and illustrations for his family. While living at home, his kids would find clips hanging from the top of their doorways by a curiously long piece of tape. Growing up and leaving the house provided no escape either. He’d save up clips for everyone in manilla folders. He was always thinking about the people he loved.
When he wasn’t laughing, he was playing or singing music. Bill was an amazing piano player and an incredible bass singer. He loved to contribute his talents at every opportunity. Anyone that spent time with Bill can probably hear him singing a bass line right about now.
Farewell Gentle Giant
There’s no way to include all of Bill’s contributions here. He’s impacted too many people in too many ways. But if there’s one word to describe what he gave us all, it would be “peace.” Bill was a gentle giant in every way. A larger-than-life man with a soft and patient voice whose actions spoke louder than words.
If you were mad, he made you feel calm. If you were scared, he made you feel safe. And if you were down, he brought you back up.
Farewell husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Thank you for holding us all up for so long.
Until we meet again.
Service and Flowers
A small gathering for family and close friends will be held on Tuesday, March 9th at 2:00pm MT at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 South), Sandy, UT, 84092. Friends are welcome to greet the family at a viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. A private burial service for family will take place following the service at Larkin Sunset Gardens. For those who would like to virtually view services through zoom please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/309s2RDN1CIo4mps3BircwDQ_hl5MWMbcpyVLQSl14iSPLgYNLGByZapwQmbOKvh.9X6EwpjzJeKGP0Ui
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Bill’s name can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or the organization of your choice through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Philanthropies.
Sending my love and condolences for Bill’s passing. He was such a great father figure to me while growing up. My heart is with you. Much love, Robin
I will always remember Bill for several reasons: He always seemed to have newspaper articles at church that he had cut out and was sure that I would be interested in because of my profession. Bill had a great sense of humor to share with all the brethren during priesthood and other meetings. He served as the bishop of the Willow Glen ward for several years and was very successful. Bill could play the piano by ear and did so at many church functions. In our home we often could convince Bill to play boogie-woogie on our otherwise unused piano. When Bill was called upon to teach the priesthood or Sunday school lessons, he always gave an inspiring and well prepared and interesting lesson.
I send my caring thoughts to the Black family as you celebrate the life of your husband, father, and grandfather. Bill truly loved his family and was so proud of their accomplishments. I am thankful to have served as Bill’s Relief Society President when he was Bishop. I was always impressed with his tender caring for all Ward members. Bill’s piano playing talents were amazing. He could just make a piano dance. I would often plead for him to play for Ward activities. We all benefited from his talents. Bill will surely be missed and remembered.
We send our thoughts, hugs, and prayers of comfort to you Aunt JoAnne and to your sweet family. We loved uncle Bill so much. He was a kind and loving gentle giant and I have many memories with him when I was younger on our family trips to Cali and the many Christmas Eve’s spent together. We send our love to you all during this difficult time and will always remember wonderful uncle Bill. ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Joanne,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Bill were the first to welcome me to Willow Glen and you always made me feel valued. I loved getting his weekly music quips. I will miss him!
Love and prayers,
Sharon Kaye
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was one of the best. I enjoyed Bill's calm approach and his quite laugh.
He will be missed.
Dennis and Melissa Frandsen
I will miss the show tunes that Brother Black played at ward parties. I remember several years ago when I was teaching Sunday school and asked Bro Black to play a hymn for me. He seemed reluctant but I had been impressed to ask him. He played the hymn and I don't remember which one it was with a slight 'show tune' cadence. I loved it more than I could really express to him. I appreciated his comments and testimony as well. He will always be dear to my heart.
Joann & Family,
My prayers are with you all at this time as you are going through the loss of your sweet husband, father, and grandfather. Uncle Bill was a kind, remarkable man. I remember visiting California with Grandma Vera and spending time in your welcoming home. Bill always had a smile and a laugh for us each day we were there. He was warm, funny, and always willing to help us get around the city and explore new things. I also remember him from visits to Utah for Christmas and summer trips. It was so much fun to be with your family when we were young! Bill will be missed by everyone who knew him. Big hugs from me and my kids. ❤️❤️❤️
Jill Jackstien Angerbauer
I enjoyed knowing Bill very much. I too was a recipient of various clipped articles that Bill guessed I would be interested in. I enjoyed singing in the Ward Choir with Bill. While I am not a strong bass singer, if I could be close enough to hear Bill's strong bass notes, I could stay on pitch and follow his strong lead. He always amazed me when he sat down at the piano and played tune after tune perfectly with no music sheets in front of him. I am honored to know Bill and be one of his friends.
Hi team Black, very sorry to hear about your Dad moving on. I always loved his pleasant, even keeled demeanor in all things. He was one of the Good Guys. Hoping you are able to now celebrate his life, his achievements and can look forward to a future reunion.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Bishop Black! Growing up in the Cherry Glen Ward,, he and Sister Black were a big part of our stake and inter ward activities. I know they knew my grandparents, Marvin and Margarita Cluff well. We’ve been in Willow Glen ward for the past 18years and have sat two rows behind them most sacrament meetings. My most favorite memory of him, was how each Christmas season, he would give a report in Sunday School, about how much the 12 days of Christmas would cost in todays economy, like how much it would cost to hire 12 drummers to drum, or buy 7 geese..silly but it was an endearing tradition. He also would play the Bells in Sacrament meeting the first Sunday of the New year when we'd sing Ring out Wild Bells. I really missed that this year with Covid. My heart goes out to all his family and loved ones.❤️
To the Black family. Brother Black was always welcoming. Enjoyed going over to your home for socials. Sending prayers and blessings your way.
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Brother Black, and I'll always remember him as Bishop Black. He was our great bishop when my kids were little and he was a rock. He and Jo Ann were in our family history class and both were fun and kind and important to our ward family. I will miss him and wish JoAnn comfort and strength.
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Brother Black, and I'll always remember him as Bishop Black. He was our great bishop when my kids were little and he was a rock. He and Jo Ann were in our family history class and both were fun and kind and important to our ward family. I will miss him and wish JoAnn comfort and strength.
What a fine man he was in all respects. We loved him from the moment we met him...Larry first but he welcomed me with welcoming arms when I joined this family. He was always warm and friendly and loved stimulating conversations... always so knowledgeable about everything!! He was constantly reading and learning and kept his mind active and alert... I respect him for that effort. Must be from all those “ hanging bits of info” he gathered to share. We enjoyed vacations with them.... boat rides , beach trips, dancing in the studio, Christmases at Grandma Vera and Grandpa Grant’s home over the years, and great times shared at the cabin. So many wonderful memories that have enhanced our lives. His care and concern for his family was always evident. JoAnn .. you were so lucky to have loved this kind man and to have been so adored by him over the years.... he has left behind a great legacy of love, tenderness, and compassion. We will make a donation in his name to the OSSO Orphanage Foundation... so many children around the world who were not blessed to have a father like Bill to care for them. Life is fleeting and when we all come to realize that “ just enough is a feast”...our world will be a happier place. Appreciating the small things in life was Bill’’s style and he leaves this world a better place for having been here among us. We love him and all of his family so much!! God Bless🙏 Bette and Larry Jackstien