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
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 1:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM