William Richmond Jacobsen

Our beloved William Richmond Jacobsen (“Bill”) passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida on Sunday morning, February 1. He was about a month shy of turning 83.

Bill was born and raised in Santa Monica, California and graduated from University High School. All but one of his childhood and teenage summers were spent at “the Ranch” near Malta, Idaho, working cattle, alfalfa fields and a dry farm with his uncles, Grant and Francis Gunnell. This yearly trek from California to Idaho with his mother Annie and brother Soren shaped his entire outlook and work ethic, and despite being a California boy raised in the 1950’s, he was a rancher and cowboy at heart.

Bill married Karen Kennedy after returning from his LDS mission (later divorced), and they had five boys together – his own basketball team. They resided first in Santa Monica, then Pleasant Grove, Utah, finally raising the boys through their teenage years in Mission Viejo, California. When his boys would leave the house he would often tell them to “Remember Who You Are.” This became a family mantra and his family will always remember him for it.

Bill was a man of many talents. His early career was spent as purchasing agent and then purchasing director at Marvin Engineering in Inglewood, California. There he developed his negotiating skills that helped him during different roles as a salesman and business owner. He was also an entrepreneur, realtor, and inventor. He was always using his salesman skills to promote his latest idea to friends and loved ones. He worked very hard to provide for his family, while also passionately pursuing his various hobbies like guns, Husqvarna dirt bikes and custom mountain bikes – always tinkering with little modifications to make the thing or experience his own.

Bill was self taught in machining and started his own business, Richmond Engineering, where he and his employees produced high precision machined parts in stainless steel, aluminum and exotic materials for the aerospace industry. He also produced a line of mountain bike parts under the brand “Five Star Focus,” a name that was a tribute to his five sons. He loved mountain biking and shared that passion with his friends and acquaintances. Those who rode with Bill can tell you that following Bill down a single track could be a harrowing experience! He rightfully earned the nickname, “Momentum Man.”

Bill loved and doted on his Australian Shepherds Ozzie, Derek, and Obi. Ozzie was especially beloved and for years was Bill’s mountain biking partner who ran right behind his rear bike wheel for miles without tiring.

A dirt bike incident at Kennedy Meadows in the Sierras where Bill hit a rock in the middle of the trail and tumbled over his handlebars led to one of his favorite sayings that he shared often with his family: “See The Trail, Not The Rocks,” encouraging them to focus on their path in life and not the obstacles.

A lifelong and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Bill served as a missionary in the Western States Mission and in many callings including bishopric member and stake high councilor. When he spoke to the congregants he used many entertaining stories, including, of course, bicycle analogies to convey gospel concepts.

At age 53 he met his sweetheart Shirley Daniels, who always called him William, and they shared almost 30 years together. After living and running his business in Big Bear City, California, they lived for many years in Apple Valley, California, where he and Shirley were very involved in their local LDS ward and were loved by many members there. Their last twelve years together were spent in Shirley’s hometown of Fort Pierce, Florida. During that time he got to know Shirley’s family and two children, and they welcomed him warmly. Shirley became a beloved member of Bill’s family with his grandchildren calling her “Grammy Shirley.” Bill is her Mountain Man, and she is his Florida Gal.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Marvin, mother Annie and son Matthew Michael. He leaves his beloved wife Shirley, older brother Soren (Suzanne), sons Adam (Marilyn), Josh, Travis (Judi), Tyson, stepson Joe, stepdaughter Angie, sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. An additional great-grandson is expected this fall.

Bill will be memorialized at the Wellsville, Utah Cemetery where his mother and many of his Gunnell ancestors are buried. His desire was to be cremated and have his ashes spread over his mother’s grave. A memorial service will be held in Utah this spring.

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother and husband with his big heart and personality will be greatly missed!