William N Dubbeld

William N Dubbeld passed away peacefully, at his son's home with family by his side, on November 5, 2015.  He was born December 23, 1926 to Nelis and Pieternella Engeliena Plaizer Dubbeld, the youngest of 11 children, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  On October 13, 1951 he married Doris Andersen also in Salt Lake City. They shared more than 62 years together until her passing in April of 2014. From this union came four children, their first, a girl, Kerri Floyd, Salt Lake City, Utah; followed shortly by their first son, William N Dubbeld Jr. (Trish), Salt Lake City, Utah; Holly Price, Salt Lake City, Utah,  another girl was next to show; followed by Evan Pine Dubbeld (Pam), Allentown, New Jersey.  He is survived by all four children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-granddaughter.

Dad graduated high school in 1944 from South High School excelling in sports and making the All City Football team as a co-captain of South High's team. He later played for the University of Utah learning very quickly those players were much larger than he. Right after high school dad enlisted in the US Navy and served honorably in World War II, earning many
commendations while serving his country on the USS General R. L. Howze, the USS LSM - 257, his favorite assignment, and the USS Jason.  He earned the rank of Signalman Second Class.

After his service, he enrolled at the University of Utah earning a degree in both English and Political Science. We kids were constantly reminded of his love of English as we were told, on many occasions, "There is the dictionary, look that word up."

Dad was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Local Union 312, and started and had interest in several sheet metal shops including Hyland Heating, Empire Sheet Metal, and Manness Sheet Metal. He was an exceptional journeyman craftsman and mentor.  He served a term as the President of the SMACNA organization here in Utah.

Fishing was a favorite past-time.  Making lifelong friendships while enjoying his little red boat on Strawberry Reservoir almost every weekend, and turning his little fishing shack into a hunting lodge during the deer season. He was involved with all types of sports including Utah Youth Hockey where he helped manage program sales at the Salt Palace for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles to promote and support that organization.

Later in life he took up golf and training at the spa, where once more, he established many strong friendships. He was grateful for his neighbors, some being his friend for over 60 years. He also took up gardening and always raised an impressive harvest of fruits and vegetables every year.  He tried to feed the whole neighborhood and his spa buddies every season.  He took pride in his garden and continued working in his garden up until the day he took ill. After Mom's passing, he decided he would have to become more sociable and learn to have conversations longer than two minutes, it took some work, but the stories he told us were priceless, and we are thankful for those times.

Thanks to the staff at St. Mark's Hospital and the Highland Care Center. We were blessed to be helped with hospice by an outstanding group from Valeo.  Julie and Nurse Heidi made his final days here very special.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 12:00 noon at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive.  

Dad was a proud veteran of WWII and in lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to your favorite Veterans Organization or the Fisher House at the VA Hospital.