Glenn Robert Williams

Glenn Robert Williams 08/29/31-12/20/02  Friday, Dec. 20, Glenn Robert Williams died peacefully, surrounded by his wife, brother, and seven children.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Lillian Williams, and siblings Wilford, Lillian, and Eleanor. He is survived by his brother Clayton, wife Barbara, and children Clayton (Tracy), Kendra (John) Hunter, Heather (Mark) Allen, Glenn (Naomi), Terrol (Robin), Meredith, Austin (Deanna), and 18 grandchildren. He was born Aug. 29, 1931 in Kemmerer, Wyoming. He graduated from Kemmerer High School. He received his BA in music at BYU and his Master and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Eastman School.  He served in Japan during the Korean conflict, where he played in the army band and in the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. His doctoral degree was the first in bassoon ever awarded in the United States. While at Eastman, he met violinist Barbara Roark. He baptized her into the LDS faith, and one year later they were married in Spokane, Washington by Glenn's father Wilford. Six days later they were sealed for eternity in the Los Angeles Temple.  He taught for seven years at Pan-American University in Edinburg, Texas. In 1965 he accepted a position in the music department at Brigham Young University, where he taught for 34 years. He was a charter member of the Orpheus Winds and conducted the Utah Valley Symphony for eleven years. His duties at BYU included teaching, conducting, coordinating the instrumental and later departmental graduate studies. He traveled several times with BYU ensembles to Europe and Asia while leading, performing, and teaching. Being a gifted photographer, his images have been published in international magazines and books.  Glenn had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed camping with his family, particularly in the national parks of the West. His appreciation for nature persists in his children and grandchildren. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was beloved for his service in many callings including bishop, and ordinance worker in the Mt. Timpanogos temple, and gospel doctrine teacher. He also served on the General Church Music Committee. He was always a great missionary, building testimony and faith in his family, friends, and students.  Glenn's great sense of humor stayed with him until the very end. He was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and above all, faithful and loving husband. Shortly before passing he held up four fingers, then three, to remind Barbara of their 43 years of marriage. "I love you" were the last words formed on his lips, just prior to a final kiss to his beloved. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 28th, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center 810 East 600 North, Orem. Friends may call Friday, Dec. 27th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, and Saturday from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment, Orem City Cemetery.