William Harvey Putnam

On Monday February 19, 2024 William Harvey Putnam peacefully passed away, in the home he was meant to be in, for his final days, surrounded by family, love and support.

Bill was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to David Clarke and Adele Mangum Putnam on April 15, 1950. He was the oldest of six children.

As a child, Bill endured more than any young boy should. He demonstrated resilience and a determined vigor to rise above his raising. In the twilight of his life, he battled many of the underlying issues that haunted him for nearly 74 years. All things considered, he did pretty darn well and we are proud of the person and legacy that he left here in this mortal existence.

He was self-taught. Although he didn’t have much of a formal education, he had a thirst for learning and knowledge. He had a broad array of interests from Native American History to vintage automobiles, obscure reptilian facts and the detail of any athletic event. He had a breadth of knowledge and loved to share what he had learned.

Bill could build or repair anything. He was a master mechanic, carpenter, general contractor, plumber, electrician and 4 to 1 patty specialist. He had many jobs and often took side jobs to help pay for his children’s opportunities. He had an incredible work ethic and desire to help however he could.

Any kind of music was of interest to Bill. He started young as a proud drummer in a Utah Battle of the Bands winner, The Red Coats. He had absorbed himself in all genres but took a liking to Skinny Tuba, The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac.

Bill was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was proud of his service as President Spencer W. Kimball’s personal bodyguard and loved to share stories about their interactions. He served as an Elder’s Quorum President and found a lot of joy and happiness in serving others. After the passing of his wife, he served as a temple worker and missionary in the Family History Center. He poured his heart, might, mind and strength into these callings and wearied himself in the service of the Lord. He was immensely proud of his missionary grandchildren and loved to talk about their successes and growth, both personal and spiritual.

Bill, together with our mother, created a beautiful family. They were unabashedly proud of their children and grandchildren. Bill would share long stories about his family with anyone that would listen. He was always willing to talk and talk and talk with others. He loved people. He was passionate about his children’s athletic endeavors and never missed any of their games. He sacrificed much to allow the interests of his children to be fulfilled. When he was healthy, there wasn’t a project he wasn’t willing to help any of us with (oftentimes at the behest of our mother) but he did it and did it cheerfully.

Perhaps the most indelible impression and legacy that he left us was his undying love for our mother. He loved her with perfect love and seemingly never was able to move beyond her passing. He missed her immensely and the end of his mortal journey brings us great joy and comfort knowing how he wished, more than anything else, to be reunited with her. They are now together fulfilling the great plan of happiness.

He is survived by his five children, Paul Putnam (Kim), Josh Putnam, Kourtney Vickery (Clay), Carly Warnick (Spencer), Joey Putnam (Megan), 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving, eternal companion and wife Kim.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude for the support of loved ones. We appreciate the professional efforts of Renew Hospice and especially his personal nurse Parissa and aid Shelby.

Loving Kindness

Friends and Family can gather on Saturday, February 24, 2024 for a viewing from 10:00 - 10:45 AM at the Olympus LDS Chapel located at 3070 East Nila Way (4140 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84124. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Elysian Gardens.