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BORN
1939
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Utah
William Alder Obituary
1939 - 2019
"I have gone to cavort with the towering cumulus leaving behind my beloved and cherished wife, Judi; plus two loving and magnificent children: Bryce R. Alder and Melissa J. Shaughnessy (Todd). Also surviving - and thriving - are three extraordinary and beautiful grandchildren: Olivia Claire Shaughnessy (Isaac), Maya Kathryn Shaughnessy, and Rachel Elizabeth Brooks. Beyond this, I want my obituary to be concise and inexpensive. It should be succinct and factual. Remember, nobody cares about fluffy trivia, for example, the elementary school I attended, my love of (most) spiders, the weather, etc. Thanks to my loved ones."
Per Bill's request, no formal services will be held; however, an informal celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, January 5, at 2:00, at his daughter's home, 4169 South Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City. Feel free to join us and share a funny story or two from Bill's extraordinary life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Alder
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4 Entries
Rick Waling
August 8, 2024
I worked for Bill as a journeyman forecaster at the Salt Lake City forecast office from 1982 to 1989. In all my 70+ years, Bill was the best boss I ever had. Intelligent, humorous, a mentor and a friend - he was all of these things and much more. I'm sad to hear of his passing but feel fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jim Allred
September 19, 2022
Bill was of the most important people in my life and he did not know that. I was looking up his information to tell him of his significance to my life and found this obituary instead.
I met Bill when I was a floundering student at the "U" with a 2.4 GPA. Bill approached me as we signed up for inorganic chemistry and asked if I would be his study partner. I had not learned the discipline of studying at the university level and Bill taught it to me. He was a superb taskmaster. We would go to an empty classroom and use the black board to solve and master each problem. I would beg for a coffee break and it was not allowed until we finished. We both ended at the top of the chemistry class that year and earned solid "A"s. Sadly, we did not maintain a friendship.
The habits and discipline Bill taught me stayed with me and I was able to improve my grades and graduate. I was accepted to and completed Medical School.
Thanks Bill, maybe we will meet in the clouds where I can thank you properly.
Clayton Brough
January 3, 2020
Bill Alder was an expert meteorologist and wonderful friend. When he retired from the National Weather Service in 2000 the Deseret News published a well-deserved tribute to him (see: https://www.deseret.com/2000/11/27/19540809/fair-skies-william-alder). Bill shared his knowledge, excitement and love of Utah's weather with everyone. His contributions to the science of Utah's weather and climate was extensive and his professionalism exists in many weather-related books and publications. Bill loved people and cared about all those around him. He was a fantastic mentor to me and many others. God bless you Bill for the happiness and kindness you brought to so many people throughout your life.
Clayton Brough
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