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William Fotheringham Obituary
1920 ~ 2013
William Howard Fotheringham passed away on October 20, 2013 at his home in Holladay, Utah at age 93. He was born August 28, 1920 in Beaver, Utah to Archie and Anna Kesler Fotheringham. He graduated from Beaver High School where he served as student body president. He attended Utah State Agricultural College for a year in Logan, Utah and then moved to Inglewood, California where he worked at North American Aviation Corporation. He enlisted in the Armed Forces in March 1942 and became a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. He was assigned active duty in New Guinea with the 80th Fighter Squadron during World War II.
He met Wylene Hunter while assigned to the Santa Rosa Air Base where she was serving as a missionary for the LDS Church. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 22, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple. It was love at "first flight."
He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's Degree and later received his Master's Degree and Counselor's Certificate. He was employed by the Salt Lake City Board of Education for 37 years where he touched and influenced the lives of many young people.
He served as bishop of the Harvard Ward in Liberty Stake and again in the Valley View 7th Ward in the Valley View Stake. His other church assignments included Stake Missionary, Stake Sunday School Superintendent, Stake Executive Secretary, Young Men's Presidency, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Guide on Temple Square, and Ordinance Worker in the Salt Lake Temple.
He was a devoted, loving husband; a kind and generous father; an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather; and a noble and obedient son to both his earthly parents and his Heavenly Father. He was deeply loved, admired, and revered by all his family. He was especially kind to his mother-in-law and showed great compassion to her in her declining years.
He was talented in many areas, with great skills in mechanics and electronics and was generous with his time in helping others. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel and his faith never wavered.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Fotheringham; his four children, Shanna Fekete, Bonny (Larry) Duffin, Brent Fotheringham, and Michelle Fotheringham; his six grandchildren, Paul (Becky) Fekete, Britt (Steve) Fairchild, Greg (Nicole) Duffin, Laurie (Clay) Ashdown, Robb (Rachel) Duffin, and Christy Duffin; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
A private family service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 and interment will be at the Salt Lake Cemetery.
Messages for the family can be posted at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Fotheringham
Duncan Fisher
November 1, 2016
Not a week goes by that I don't remember Mr. Fotheringham, in whose office I used to hang onto his WWII stories. He'd flown P-38's, which made him a giant to me. He was encouraging, patient, generous with his time -- just the right man for the counselling job he filled so perfectly. He never knew it, but he was idolized by a lot of us boys at East back in the 'seventies.
November 10, 2013
Howard & Wylene were our parent's (Garth and Elaine Naylor) missionary friends. They always spoke with great respect for the Fotheringhams. It was our pleasure to also enjoy Howard's love and caring as he became our school counselor. He left a loving legacy. Greg Naylor family
Bev Johnson
October 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Fotheringham family. He was a good counselor and friend. I worked with him as his secretary in the Career Center at East High.
Nancy Winters
October 28, 2013
Shelly and family, our family loved you parents. Howard was so kind to my kids who lived near him and to everyone. I know there was a wonderful and joyous reunion in Heaven, but we'll all miss him here. My condolences to your family.
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Merrilee Godoy
October 27, 2013
Howard was always so kind and welcoming when I would come over to spend time with one of my best friends Shelley. He lived a long life of service to others and was such a great example to me.
Elizabeth Jeffery
October 27, 2013
Thanks for your service to our country. RIP, Mr. Fotheringham. I remember you from the days when I was a student at East High in Salt Lake.
Jan Samowitz
October 25, 2013
There was never one time that I saw Howard that he did not bear his testimony. He was an amazing missionary! I am proud and honored to have had Uncle Howard in my life. I pray for comfort and love for all who have survived him. I know there is a great rejoicing in heaven with the love of his life. Love you and appreciate your example! Your legacy lives on.
Clay Ashdown
October 24, 2013
He's one of the best men I've ever known. Although I'm saddened that he is no longer with us, I'm delighted that he is now with his eternal companion.
Diane Hughes
October 24, 2013
The picture or "Mr." Fotheringham is just as I remember him. He was my counselor in school and one whom I have always remembered as a kind and effective person. I am glad to hear he had such a great life.
Ellie Sargent
October 23, 2013
Brent, my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I've always admired your devotion to your parents; you sure gave them a lot to be proud of! Your father lived such a wonderful life, full of service to others.
Wendi (Truswell) Brierley
October 23, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of "Mr. Fotheringham". He was such a nice man, I give him tons of credit for helping me graduate from East. He was my counselor. Back in the 70s, there was a comprehensive test one had to pass in order to graduate. I did fine, until it came to the math section. I was never good at math. I had to take the test more than once. I was going to get my results on the most recent test, and I remember him saying to me, very kindly"As I recall, you passed the test." It was such a relief, and all the more sweet because he helped me feel that I wasn't so stupid at the math part. The world has lost a beacon to society. I pray God will hold the Fotheringham family in the palm of His hands.
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Holbrook Mortuary - Salt Lake City3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
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