William Donaldson

1933 - 2025

William (Bill) R. Donaldson

1933 - 2025

- William (Bill) R. Donaldson, 92, of South Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2025.

Bill was born on March 27, 1933, in Standardville, Utah to Walter Robert and Mary Morgan Donaldson. After moving from the small coal mining town to Salt Lake City in 1949, Bill attended Granite High School and graduated from the University of Utah. He served as a missionary in Argentina for three years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He often reflected on the positive and life-changing experiences he had serving as a missionary. Bill worked for Grand Central for 30 years, starting during his college years as a stock boy and advancing over time to build the human resources department from scratch, eventually becoming Vice President of Human Resources. Following the acquisition of Grand Central by Fred Meyer, Bill became an insurance agent for Allstate until he retired.

Bill was known for his positive, optimistic disposition, even when times were tough. He often expressed gratitude for the example of his parents' faith, work ethic, and the sacrifices his parents made to provide opportunities for growth.

Bill was a devoted husband to Connie Lou Riggs, who he married on August 15, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple. They settled in Murray and welcomed seven children into their home over the years. Bill loved spending time with his family on fishing trips, boating outings, family reunions, or whenever family could visit in later years. Visits from his kids and grandchildren were treasured times that buoyed his spirits in the last months of his life.

Bill was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served people throughout his life in many callings, including bishop, stake president, and temple sealer. He was a kind, reserved, steady leader and influence for good with an unshakeable testimony of God and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Connie, his children Chris (Steve) Tumblin of Farmington, UT, Annette (wife of the late Craig Donaldson) Donaldson of St. George, UT, David (Linda) Donaldson of Pocatello, ID, Karen (Devin) Rich of Richmond, VA, Jen (Ru) Wood of Boise, ID, Mike (Shelby) Donaldson of Sandy, UT, and Matthew (Angie) Donaldson of Grand Junction, CO, 24 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Craig William Donaldson, his parents, and his eight brothers and sisters, Mary, Walter, Robert, Maxine, Scott, Doris, Don, and Jim.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Garden Park 4th Ward, 4484 Willoughby Drive, South Jordan, Utah 84009. Family will receive friends immediately preceding the funeral at 12:30 p.m. Bill will be interred at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary. The family wishes to express gratitude to the nurses and caregivers from Home Instead and Harmony Home Health and Hospice for the loving support and care provided during the last several months of Bill's life. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.