Never have we been more broken-hearted yet filled with joy at the same time as we say farewell to our dear precious husband, father, gramps, brother and friend. We are holding on to the image of the celebration in heaven as he was welcomed home with open, loving arms. After almost losing him many times over, it taught us not to take a single day for granted and filled our hearts with gratitude for every moment we had with him. His life was a gift! Wid was born June 2, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Homer Richards Warner & Katherine Ann Romney Warner. He was named after his great, great grandfather Willard Richards. He attended Uintah Elementary, Clayton Jr. High, and East High schools. He then received a scholarship for wrestling at the University of Utah. As a true Utah man, he loved being a part of that team.
Wid had a happy childhood, surrounded by sisters and brothers whom he adored. Their days were filled with the adventures of playing in the woods at the Mt. Air cabin, vacationing at the beach, or boating and sailing together, to name a few.
He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... a faithful, committed disciple of Christ. He served a mission in Japan and continued serving in any way the Lord asked of him. He loved starting each day by reading the Book of Mormon and praying to his Father in Heaven.
In June of 1979 Wid married the love of his life, Mary Lee Taggart, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their love was truly unmatched. Because of that genuine deep love and unity, they were able to face life’s challenges with joy.
He was employed for 41 years as a software engineer with Associated Food Stores. His job gave him purpose and satisfaction.
Without need for recognition or accolades, Wid found joy in the simple things. He loved a good meal, a chocolate donut, watching his favorite TV show and playing with his grandkids, who brought so much happiness to his life. There was nothing he loved more than his role as Gramps.
He was gentle, meek and kind...but also strong, steadfast and unwavering; a man without guile. He always saw the best in people and had a gift of making them feel important and seen. Wid knew in his heart what mattered most - God and his Family.
We are grateful for modern medicine, caring doctors (particularly C. David Hansen) and nurses, the generous gift of life from two sibling’s donated kidneys, and the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father that kept him with us for so long. He brought light & laughter in spite of challenges, never complaining.
Wid was preceded in death by his father, Homer & mother, Katherine. He is survived by his eternal love & wife, Mary Lee; children, Mollie and Joel Diamond (Tait, Addie Chayce, Emme) Whitney Hodson (Ben), Alex and Karina Warner (Sonya and Nikolai), Lauren & Tony Bickmore (Will, Winston, Bowen); and his brothers and sisters.
A pubic viewing will be held in Wid’s honor on Monday, November 17th, from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral participation in person is limited to immediate family only.
Please join us virtually, Tuesday November 17th at 11 am, on the YouTube live stream at this link, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEd7fzjONJ9BWC1gAkRgIA
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Adisa Bakare
What a privilege it was for many years to have Wid call on us at Lee's MarketPlace for any IT problems or issues that we were having. I always knew when we had exhausted all of our resources to fix a problem that I just needed to ask for Wid and he would could solve it. He was always so kind and understanding and never make you feel like he was so much smarter than you. He was the best. He will be missed by Associated Food Stores and so many retailers. My condolences to the family.
Wid was a special person. We went from elementary school through high school. Always kind and gentle. My condolences to his wife Homer Ann and the rest of his family. You will see him again. That I am sure of.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have worked with Wid for the last 40 years and he has been a great friend. He worked for AFS for 41 years and worked up until very end. He has worked in the I.T. Dept for the majority of those years. He was kind of a behind the scenes hero, working his magic to help the success of our retail stores with technology as well as the AFS corporate team, never really getting or wanting any public recognition for his efforts. We was a great friend to me and to those he has worked with over the years. He will truly be missed and affectionately remembered.
I was so heartbroken to hear of Wid's passing. I had the privilege of growing up with Wid in the same neighborhood and Ward (Colonial Hills) along with Shelley Redford Young, Jim Knudsen, Robin Lloyd and Robyn Fairbanks. We went to school together from elementary school at Uintah, to Clayton Jr. High School and on through East High School, where Wid was on the football and wrestling teams and was President of the Men's Club at East. I will never forget the skits Wid put on for the studentbody wearing curlers in his hair and a robe but making everyone laugh. I have always admired Wid for his kindness and happy attitude. He always had a smile on his face no matter what he was going through and a kind word to say to everyone. He was truly a gentle giant of a man with a great vigor for life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and was touched by his life of service.
My sincere condolences to Mary Lee and his wonderful family. May the Lord continue to bless you and lift you at this trying time. I know that Wid will still be with you whenever you need him and will bless your lives from beyond the veil.
Nila Maxfield Bladen
I've know "Wid" along time working for the same company. When ever I would see him in the hall I would say, "WID!"....How ya doing? and he would always turn a give me his biggest smile. I will truly miss him and wish his family the best during this difficult time.
I have known Wid for many years. I saw him struggle with some of his health issues. He always had a positive attitude. He could always crack a joke, even when you knew he was feeling well. We at Associated will miss his great skill and live for the work. It is a great comfort to know he is out of the pain and back with loved ones, preparing for the day they will be together.
Scott Deveraux
So glad to have called the Warners neighbors and friends! Wid is a wonderful person and his example will always be remembered. Love to Mary Lee and Molly, Whit, Alex and Lauren and all of their cute families. So grateful for the opportunity to know and love Wid.
My condolences to the family. It has been awhile since I worked at Associated, but I remember Wid, and how dependable and reliable he was when anyone needed help.
Sincerely, Ray Johnson
I was deeply saddened to hear about Wid's passing. I was privileged to work with Wid directly and in directly for 30 years and I respected and loved him. He always stood for right and worked diligently at what ever task he was given. Wid is the very meaning of dignity, honesty, love and a true friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. May the Lord bless each of you at this time.
I'm truly humbled and honored to have known Wid. What a wonderful caring person he was, with an insatiable "can do" attitude in everything he did. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mary Lee and the family. I will miss him dearly.
Mary Lee, Mollie, Alex, Whit & Lauren!
I was so sad to learn that Wid passed on! He truly was such a humble and kind person! I’m so happy for him, but I know your hearts will miss him so much! Please know that you will all be in my prayers! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, but you have such a fond place in my heart! Love you all! Trista
Wid and I have known each other ever since kindergarten. He was always such a good friend, always happy and a completely good person. I am so sorry for his passing and wish the best to his dear wife and all his family.