Owen William "Bill" Farley

Owen William "Bill" Farley, age 90, passed away on August 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life full of love, service, adventure, and deep devotion to family, faith, and community.

Born on November 5, 1934, in Heber City, Utah, Bill was the eldest of Owen Theodore Farley and Avis Horner's three sons. He grew up in Salt Lake City, where he created cherished memories. At age 16, Bill faced the tragic loss of his father, a Salt Lake City police officer, who was killed in the line of duty. Despite this hardship, he showed great resilience -- giving devoted strength and support to his mother and brothers, while at the same time excelling in academics and athletics at South High School. He served as student body president and earned All-State honors in football, basketball, and track all three year.

The summer after graduation, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Siggard. After a brief courtship, he left for Yale University on a full-ride academic and football scholarship, where he gained national attention for his athletic ability. He faithfully wrote Mary love letters daily, and they were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 17, 1954, his sophomore year during his Christmas break.

Together, they built a beautiful life, raising five children and enjoying 21 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. Bill and Mary loved family trips to Yellowstone, Disneyland, Alaska, Hawaii, and they built a family cabin in Midway that became a favorite family retreat. Over the past 70 years, Bill and Mary have been a remarkable team who showed up consistently for their family, neighbors, and friends. Through hard work, thoughtful planning, and wise investment, they built a life rooted in stability and centered around their family. They prayed together, sang together, danced together, and held hands wherever they went.

Bill dedicated his career to the University of Utah, where he earned his Doctorate and served as a professor in the College of Social Work for 48 years. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force. At the University, he held several leadership roles, including Director of the Doctoral and Master's Programs and Associate Dean for Research. He co-founded the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, authored six books, and influenced generations of social workers.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill faithfully served in many capacities -- including as bishop of the Holladay 12th Ward, a counselor in a university stake presidency, and as a dedicated temple worker -- always striving to uplift and support those in his church community. His faith was a guiding force in his life.

Bill loved exploring the world with Mary, from Africa to Europe to Asia, he embraced the people and cultures he encountered. He lived with curiosity, joy, and a deep belief in the goodness of others.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children: Michael (Jody), Deborah (Brian) Judd, Kathleen (Russ) Wright, Steven (Jolene), and Brenda Staples (Ben); as well as their cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. His legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through them. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Doug (Lell) and Brent.

Viewings will be held on Friday, September 5, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 6, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Crescent Ridge Stake Center (11000 South 1300 East, Sandy, Utah). The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn's Memorial Estates.

Funeral services will be live-streamed and available for later viewing. The link is provided on Wasatch Lawn website.

A full version of the obituary can be found on the Wasatch Lawn website.