Bill Watts

Billie Donald Watts, 89, passed away September 13, 2013 in Sandy, Utah. He was born June 9, 1924 to Frank Elton Watts and Rhoda Ann Cooper near Bell, California. He spent several years of his childhood on his grandfather’s ranch near Sheridan, Wyoming. Bill served in the Army during World War II and was married to Phyllis Pederson shortly before his discharge in 1945. They had one son (Howard) but were divorced not long after his birth. While Bill was hospitalized with polio he met Helen Audrey Challstrom, one of his nurses. They were married June 17, 1949 in Woodland, California. After moving to Salt Lake City, Bill was employed by Carrier Air Conditioning Corporation, where he built a successful career as a refrigeration mechanic and service representative throughout much of the Western United States. Bill loved and respected the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was well known as “Vinegar” Bill among the friends with whom he shared an avid interest in preserving the crafts, skills and lifestyle of the American Mountain Man. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Audrey (2007) and brothers Bob, Jack and Tom. He is survived by his sons: Howard (Linda) of Battle Ground, WA; Kurt (Susan) of Sandy, UT; and Kevin (Wendy) of League City, TX; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. The family expresses sincere thanks to those who lovingly cared for Bill. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Redwood Memorial Park, 6500 South Redwood Road. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday evening and for one hour just prior to the service on Saturday.