William C. Roderick Obituary (1938 - 2008)

“Bill” “On October, 15th, 2008, the love of our lives, Bill Roderick, took the hand of his mother and went home.”Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, William Carmean Roderick passed away on October 15, 2008 after a courageous two year fight with cancer.Bill was born October 24, 1938 to William Cairns and Mary Carmean Roderick in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from Olympus High School in 1957. He served as a National Key Club officer while in High School and joined the Army Reserve upon graduation.Bill graduated from the University of Utah in 1962 with a BS in Marketing. While at the U, he affiliated with Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends he cherished dearly. He married Carolyn Wagstaff on April 2, 1960. They had four children together: Michael, Brian, Jon and Jill. They were married for over 45 years.On June 9, 2008 he married Kathy Schmitz. Though their time together was short, it was filled with many great memories.He began his career working for his father in the oil business. He later started his own wholesale oil company, and became the first Valvoline Oil Distributer in Utah. Bill was president of the Intermountain Oil Marketers Association. He sold his oil company in 1982, then dedicated his career to developing commercial real estate. Bill was a licensed real estate broker and CSM (Certified Shopping Center Manager), member of the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) and NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties). He was a successful commercial real estate developer, constructing over 1.5 million square feet of various office, retail and industrial properties. He took tremendous pride in his projects and great care in the architecture, landscaping and quality of every building. Bill had professional integrity and was considered a fair, progressive Landlord who was well liked by his Tenants and customers.Bill was a long time member of Hidden Valley Country Club where he served as club president in 1992. He also served on the Board of the American Cancer Society, where he was a tireless fundraiser. He received the National Sword of Hope Award from the American Cancer Society on September 18, 2008. He was very generous with his time, spirit and fundraising abilities to the community, and those he saw in need. Bill had a special place in his heart for Homeless Veterans. He provided financial assistance and a Christmas to hundreds of Veterans over the years.Bill loved to golf and spend time at his winter home in Palm Desert, California. He claimed his greatest achievement in life was his family. He loved being a grandpa and each of his grandchildren will miss being greeted by a “squeeze your guts out” hug from their “Supergrandpa”. He was an avid Utah Jazz fan and took great pride in being a “Utah Man”, supporting the University of Utah Crimson Club for over forty years. Bill lived by the mantra “Leave things better than you found them”. He applied this philosophy to people, things and to service opportunities. He was proactive in life, a constant advocate for the better. He possessed a positive outlook, was charismatic, even the life of the party. He was a generous, compassionate best friend to many, and mentor to more. He will be sorely missed.He is survived by his wife Kathy Schmitz Roderick; Former wife Carolyn Wagstaff Roderick. His Children Michael (Christee) Roderick, Brian (Kourtney) Roderick, Jon (Michelle) Roderick and Jill (Anthony) Parkinson. 15 Grandchildren: Amber (Richard) Landward, Carlee, Haylee and Riley Roderick; Brooke (James) Moser, Michael, Austin and Ryan Roderick; Matthew, Nathan and Emily Roderick; Cole, Rachel, Miles Parkinson and Baby Parkinson due in April. His brother James (Kathryn) Roderick and Sister Maryann (Gordon) Jex. Several nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew Ryan Jex.Funeral services will be held for Bill on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hidden Valley Country Club, 11820 South Highland Drive. Bill’s viewing will also be held at the Hidden Valley Country Club on Sunday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Monday morning from 11:00-12:30. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens.Though Bill loved to send flowers, he would prefer if you sent donations to the American Cancer Society, 941 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. The family is most grateful to Dr. Jonathan Whisenant and his staff for the compassionate care he received at Utah Cancer Specialists.