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William Jay "Bill" Corliss

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University of Michigan

William Corliss Obituary

William Jay "Bill" Corliss 1956 ~ 2006 PARK CITY- Our dear friend, Bill Corliss, age 49, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2006, from injuries sustained in a cycling accident. He was born November 17, 1956, the son of William R. and Jessie Friday Corliss. Bill grew up in Farmington, Michigan. On November 29, 2003, Bill married his longtime soul mate, Deb Kirby, in Park City, Utah. Bill graduated from the University of Michigan with Bachelors in Exercise Physiology. His life's work was spent in one of his passions, the bicycling industry, most recently as Director of Electronics Development for Bell Sports. He is survived by his wife, Deb; son, Jordan; parents, Bill and Jessie; two brothers: Steven (Sandra), Gregory (Edna); brother-in-law, Bob (Allison) Kirby; and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Bill Corliss Bicycle Advocacy Fund. An account in Bill's name has been set up at Frontier Bank, 1245 Deer Valley Drive, Park City, Utah 84060. A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2006, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home, 288 North Main Street, Heber City. Funeral services will begin on Thursday, March 30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Park City Community Church, 4501 No. Hwy 224, Park City, Utah (behind Park City Nursery).

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Mar. 28, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Corliss

17 Entries

Phillip Farber

April 16, 2006

To Bill's family and friends,

Having just discovered the shocking news of Bill's death I'm writing to express my condolences for your loss. I knew Bill from my racing days in the Detroit area in the late 70's and corresponded with him briefly in the last few years exchanging stories of our adventures riding the great cycling routes in Europe. I won't forget his passion for cycling and for life. A sad day.

Jennifer and John Whitehead

April 9, 2006

Dear Corliss Family,

This entry is late, but I wanted to say something. Although we did not know you personally, our hearts go out to your family for this tragic loss. My husband and I both love cycling and knew a few people in the riding group on that fateful day. Everytime a cyclist is killed on our roads, I realize how important it is to make people aware of how prevalent cyclists are in this community. God bless you all, and I hope you find some comfort in knowing that Bill has touched so many lives. We think of him every time we ride on the roads.

Sincerely Jennifer and John Whitehead

Dan Packman

April 6, 2006

A great mentor, Bill introduced me to bike racing nearly 25 years ago.

Bill encouraged and inspired me.

I admired his attitude and style. Bill's influence on my perspective endures. Sharing happy memories and the sad passing of a passionate friend. My condolences to his family.

Gayle Yerge-Cole

April 5, 2006

I knew Bill in Junior High and High School. He was a dear friend and we shared our birthday. I also shared in his passion for cycling. He helped me to select my first racing bike. He will greatly missed by the cycling community. My prayers go out to his family.

Dorothy Pendleton

March 30, 2006

I have had the enormous privilege of knowing Bill and his amazing wife and son. Bill was brilliant, funny, gentle, a gifted athlete,and a truly wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend. My prayers and everlasting support are with his wife and son as long as I draw breath. Much love from Dorothy

Chris Johnson

March 29, 2006

To Bill's family and friends. I had the good fortune to meet Bill in the early 1980's as I was just beginning to pursue cycling. At that time Bill was already a respected competitor in the midwest. I'm grateful for his helpful insights and wonderful stories. His passion for cycling was infectious. I will remember his fearless adoption of new technology. Bill was the first rider in our area to show up with an aerodynamic helmet, the first with a sloping top tube time trial bike, the first to have a lycra skinsuit, etc., etc.

C. Niggel

March 29, 2006

Bill was a great competitor and a pillar of the SLC cycling community. He touched many more lives and will be fondly rememberd.

My condolences go out to you and your family.

Carlos Gonzalez

March 29, 2006

I remember Bill from training and racing in Michigan when I was a teenager. He was a big influence on my life, and a really great person. He will be missed.

Brian Sidwell

March 28, 2006

Bill,

You will be missed; you brought a genuine strength to the Bell Team, thank you for being part of it! It was good to know you. My sincere regards to your entire family.

Tom & Meg Horrocks

March 28, 2006

Deb & Jordan,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tim Hollingsed

March 28, 2006

Bill (and family),

I am so very sorry to hear of your death. I have never met you or your family, but you will be missed! I, too, am a cyclist and father of two young boys and would never want to leave them alone. My sincerest sympathies to your family.

Colleen Wilburn

March 28, 2006

To Bill's family, may God be with you all. We really liked Bill. He was alot of fun to work with. He was just so nice. Dave and Colleen Wilburn of Cycle Fantasy

Connie and Jeff Bolle

March 28, 2006

Deb and Jordan:

Please know our loving thoughts embrace you both.

Bill Cutting

March 28, 2006

A great guy. A hell of a cyclist. A fine engineer. A loyal Wolverine. Billy, you will be missed. I'll be there to see you off.

Heather Hosey

March 28, 2006

My prayers to all of Bill's family. GOD Bless you all.

robert lingstuyl

March 28, 2006

Unfortunatly I did not have the opporitunity to meet Bill. Last Sat. was my first group road ride and I loved it. I am sincerly sorry for your loss as I could only imagine leaving my family... Best wishes. rob

Adriana Kratzmann

March 28, 2006

Deb, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened for your loss and my heart is heavy laden for your grief. May you be comforted and receive peace in your soul from all those who love you and can extend the grace to sustain you and your family with the strength at this time.

Love, Adriana Kratzmann

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results