Willard "Bill" Vern Gatherum

He was born January 14, 1943, to Willard A. Gatherum and Beverly Landes Gatherum. Bill spent his early childhood with his beloved Nana and Pop Landes until age three, when his father returned home from the war. The family then lived in Sahara Village at Hill Field, later moving to Airbase Village. At age eleven, he moved to Kearns, where he graduated from Granger High School in 1961.

On September 5, 1963, Bill married his eternal companion, Diane Martin in the Salt Lake Temple, celebrating 62 wonderful years together. He was a devoted and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in the Elders Quorum Presidency and as a Webelos leader, primary teacher and librarian.

On April 25, 1965, Bill and Diane purchased the home where they still live today—a week after welcoming their baby girl, Debbie.

Bill was known for his strong work ethic and constant desire to stay busy. While attending high school, he worked as an usher in Salt Lake movie theaters. He later worked for Kennecott Copper, Magna Mill for 25 years, then for the Granite School District as a custodian. He retired from Salt Lake County Library Maintenance in 2005 after 14 years of dedicated service, receiving a Certificate of Recognition for making a positive difference.

He loved spending time with his family above all else. Family vacations were a yearly tradition, and many cherished memories were made boating at Lake Mead, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, backpacking in the Uintas, and riding ATVs and motorcycles. He also enjoyed running and proudly completed the Deseret News Marathon in July 1983, the Salt Lake Classic, and several other races with his best friend, Jack Booth.

Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was immensely proud of each one of them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Beverly.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter Debbie VanRij (Kregg) of South Jordan; son David Gatherum (Tina) of Hyde Park; daughter Denise Proctor (Jason) of West Jordan; daughter Dena Case (Robert) of West Valley; brothers Gary Gatherum (Karen) of North Salt Lake and Brent Gatherum of Sandy; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deep appreciation to the nurses and aides from Symbii, especially Michelle, Angie, and Carlos, for their tender and devoted care during Bill’s struggle with complications of Alzheimer’s.

A viewing will be held at Valley View Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120, on December 4, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120.