William Francis Delvie

William F. "Bill" Delvie passed away March 19, 2012 after a short illness, with his family by his side.

He was born October 4, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Frank E. Delvie and Ann Marie Wagner. His family moved to SLC, Utah from Seattle, WA in 1941 where Bill continued what was to be his life long love of music, trumpet, and jazz. After performing as a professional musician in Vaudeville, he joined his father in 1955 running the first plastic business in Utah, Plastic Products. Later they started Delvie's Plastics which is still in operation today.

Bill married Dawn Morgan, his wife of 66 years on January 26, 1946. The love of traveling which had been cultivated while being a salesman for the plastic business, became a deeply enriching and educating endeavor for Bill and Dawn. They visited and explored all parts of the globe. Bill became particularly fascinated with China and began learning Chinese at age 60. He developed a passion for bicycle riding and continued to ride his bike with local bike clubs and tours all over the world and particularly in China until this past year. He enjoyed volunteering during the Salt Lake City Olympics and he wanted to be a part of the Olympics when it visited China. So, at age 80 he got a job working part time in a Chinese bicycle shop. Bill's enthusiasm for life expressed itself in the ability to make friends wherever he traveled. His curiosity abounded in steady reading whenever he was not riding his bicycle or traveling. He loved participating with his children and grandchildren and is fondly remembered as a playmate that loved board games, ocean swimming, sailing with his son, and rambunctious play with grandchildren even when the parents were too tired to keep up.

Bill had a contagious smile, optimism, and joy for life that continued even through the last weeks of his illness. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn; his son, John (Shauna); his daughter, Cheryl (Jim); grandchildren, Kristen (JJ) Stafford, Lisa (Brady) Tower, Michael (Dana) Jones, Ryan and Kevin Delvie and two great-grandchildren; Emily and Sam.

Graveside services for close friends and family will be held Friday, March 23 at 2:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 So. Highland Drive, with a gathering to follow to celebrate Bill's life held at Little America Hotel at 3:30 pm where all friends and family may gather for remembrances. Buffet served. Messages and tributes to the family can be posted at: www.holbrookmortuary.com

The family wishes to thank Spring Creek Care Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jazz program at the University of Utah or to the Huntsman Cancer Center, Sarcoma Division.