William Franklin Rawson age 88, died September 10, 2021. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 5, 1932 to Edith Mary Adamson and Edward Cheney Rawson. He married Billie Jo Kimball in the Salt Lake Temple March 20, 1959.
Bill spent his childhood in Salt Lake where he made dear friends who continued to bless his life until the end. He graduated from East High School and later from the University of Utah. During summers he worked as a bus driver/tour guide in Yellowstone, which began his lifelong love of the park.
As a young man he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Western Canada, which was the hinge-point that solidified his lifelong commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the joys of his life was cultivating his spiritual gifts as a Patriarch serving young single adults at BYU.
Bill and Billie met in Washington DC and lived there with their young family where Bill worked for the National Science Foundation. In 1970 they moved to Boulder, Colorado where they raised their three daughters. His career with NCAR/UCAR allowed him to travel the world and broaden his perspective. Upon retirement, Bill and Billie moved to Utah.
Sports played a major role in his life, as an athlete, coach, and fan. Those who love him enjoyed his sense of humor and sarcastic wit, which he had to the end. Beyond all else, Bill loved and valued his family and the lasting friendships he made throughout his life. His love for others was exemplified by his dedication to his wife, whom he lovingly cared for after her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s.
He is survived by his daughters Kelly (Spencer) Kimball, Laure Rawson, and Jennifer (Lance) Evans; his grandchildren Kathryn (JR) Ramos, Kristin (Zach) Curtis, Spencer Kimball, Sydney (Matt) Tervort, Marlee Evans, Rawson Evans, and Layton Evans; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie, and siblings Murray (Ann) Rawson, Reed (Betty) Rawson, Janet (Ron) Lindsay.
In lieu of a funeral, a small family service was held. Thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support.
My heart goes out to you at the loss of your father. I enjoyed knowing him and your beautiful Mother in Boulder 2nd ward. His stories in the talks he gave have stayed with me over the years. He was a great example of a committed member of the church. May you feel peace and comfort with your many memories of him.
Our condolences do you uncle Bill‘s family at his recent passing! He was a blessing to each one of us and a great example of devotion to his precious wife and children and grandchildren!
