Obituary: William John Preece

William John Preece 1919 ~ 2007 William John Preece, "Bill" to his many friends, died peacefully Thursday, April 26, just one month short of his 88th birthday. At the moment of his death several members of his family were gathered about him and were reminiscing over his long, fruitful, and happy life. He had suffered for a few years with prostate cancer but died of causes largely incident to his age. Bill's family is grateful for the considerate care provided him by Dr. Mark Lewis at the Salt Lake Clinic, and Dr. Wallace Akerley at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Bill was born May 26, 1919, in Inkom, Idaho, to William Vern and Cora West Preece. His only brother, Lee, died in combat in World War II. Bill played left end for the football team at Provo High School. There he met and courted Margaret Paxman. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 14, 1941. Margaret died in 2004 after 63 years of marriage. Bill's solicitous care of his wife, Margaret, during her protracted terminal illness was an example for all who witnessed it. Bill and Margaret parented five children. Number two son, Rick, died in 1979 in a private airplane accident. Bill and Margaret are survived by Dr. Michael J. Preece, Patricia Pretti, and Steven Preece all of Salt Lake City, and Janice Preece of West Lake Village, California. They are also survived by 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Bill was passionate about many things including his gospel study, his wife, his grandchildren, and golf. He had nine lifetime hole-in-ones and was one-time club champion at Oak Ridge Country Club. His most recent 18 holes was five weeks before his death, and his golfing friends will sorely miss his recent 32 handicap which made him a desirable foursome partner. Bill was an accountant who worked for International Harvester Company and later founded Preece Motor Company in Layton, Utah. He completed his professional life working for Wheeler Machinery Company in Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary (2350 East 1300 South) on Monday, April 30. Friends will have an opportunity to attend a viewing at the mortuary for 90 minutes prior to the service.