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William Andrew "W.A.R." Rothstein
William Andrew "W.A.R." Rothstein
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William Rothstein Obituary
"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." -- Edward Abbey
At the age of 63, on Saturday, October 3, in Park City, Utah, the beloved and devoted son of Gerald and Phyllis Rothstein of Long Island, New York, brother to Joni Rothstein, and sweetheart-spouse to Jami Cirone-Rothstein, passed away, with heartfelt sympathies.
Billy was a graduate from Clark University and The University of Copenhagen. He was an excellent businessman, and served on the board of the Altshultz Foundation for twenty years.
He was a man who loved literature and was comforted by the written word. Billy's joie de vivre was skiing, rocking climbing, the great outdoors, history, politics, and a good argumentative conversation. He met many people through the rock-climbing community, Jewish community, and Ski Park City – their lives have been enriched by his influence and larger-than-life personality. He was truly an above average man in stature and character.
Billy's ashes will be spread over Ancient Arch in Moab, known as the Rothstein Memorial, which he ascended 47 times. Among some of Billy's first ascents were: Day of Atonement in 2003, Marble Slab in the San Rafael Swell Eastern Reef, Napes Needle in 2006, the northern part of the swell with Layne Potter in 1999, Moab Rim Tower with Jimmy Dunn, and Andres Tower in Canyonlands.
Among the organizations William supported were The Avalanche Rescue Society, Mountain Trail project, National Ability Center, Kimball Art Center, Utah Foster Care Program, Utah Youth Village, NAMI, Himalayan Cataract Project, and countless others over the years.
We will always remember his love of nature, cheerfulness, friendship, compassion, and his gentle heart. His tutelage that he leaves with us is; "Look up, keep climbing, stay true to traditions, and remember the greatest happinesses are not gained by easy things. Climb the mountains."
A memorial service was held on Oct. 6 at Temple Har Shalom with cherished friends and family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.olpinhoopes.com
Donations can be made in memory of William's noble life to one of the named Utah charities above. Till we meet again, Semiliternally, Sweetpea Jami.
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Diann m
May 1, 2024
Still think of you my friend. You taught my to aim high and to always give more to others. You were/are one of a kind my friend. As willy Nelson says, angel flying too close to the ground. Blessings. Your friend, diann.
Jami Cirone
October 4, 2020
Dearest Sweetheart,
I feel your presence watching over me, daily. I'll always remember my first few ski runs down square top and your encouragement to become a stronger skier, the moose that chased me down the mountain skiing, summiting Grand Teton and cheering on you and Nevin and how you both broke the water purifier, having to run back to the car for water purifying pills, when I ran my first mid-mountain marathon and how proud you were at the finish line, and how you laughed when I mispronounce words like cacophonous similar to your mother mispronouncing ubiquitous on our first ski date. You loved that I could ski and keep up close behind you. I recall our hike to angels landing seeing the California super condor and the feeling of being at the top together. How you made the day I was born the most important day of the year. We traveled to the wonders of the world together or somewhere special to celebrate. How you flew to China without hesitation to be by my side. The day in Bali when I knew we'd be together and I wasn't leaving your side and I was returning home with you. I compare everyone to our love. There will be no one else like you.
Sempiternally,
Your Sweetheart
Ken Cangi
October 15, 2016
Safe passage, old friend.
Dave Brown
December 15, 2015
I always loved seeing Billy in Shabbat at the Synagogue, he really brightened my day. I'm really going to miss him.
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Jay Arbetman
December 5, 2015
Funny and fun memories of Billy back in the 80's. So sorry to see this. Many people here have used the term bigger than life and indeed, Billy was just that.
Jami Rothstein
November 27, 2015
I Love You, sempiternally, Sweet William.
"As Long as men shall breathe,
as long lives this,
And this gives life to thee."
Meeche White
November 4, 2015
Dear Jami, friends and family,
I knew Bill for 25 years through his generous support of friendship to the National Ability Center. Amongst the many things Bill did for the NAC was to commission a stunning marble sculpture that blesses the NAC's memorial garden. We will always have his presence and blessings at the NAC. A bright light has left us - We will miss you Billy! Love always, Meeche
Stacy Burka
October 29, 2015
my deepest condolences go out to of Billy's friends and family. He was an amazing guy.
Shelley Vebber
October 27, 2015
Billy was such a dear and loved friend of Gary Weiss, we saw him often and so enjoyed his friendship. Joni, I am so sorry. Blessings. Shelley Vebber (Weiss).
Ken Cangi
October 25, 2015
You soared high, and now even higher. Fondest memories, old friend.
Tom Vayda
October 23, 2015
Billy Boy - I will miss racing you to the bottom, your smiling face, and your inspiring attitude towards life. You stayed the course bravely to the final minute. We could always count on you to be at the Orange Bubble at 9 every morning. You were and always will be a true friend. You lived, you loved, you summited in so many ways. You will always be loved.
Tom Pinkney
October 21, 2015
"Wild Bill" Rothstein was a regular customer of mine for many years. I always enjoyed visiting with him whenever he came around. A truly fascinating and intriguing guy. I will really miss him.
October 14, 2015
May his memory be a blessing
October 7, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in your distress. Romans 15:13
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