William "Bill" Dowse

William "Bill" Eugene Dowse, aged 94, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, was born on February 27, 1930 in Upland, California to Philip Charles and Florence Lucille Johnson Dowse. Dad passed away on March 19, 2024 due to causes incident to Alzheimer's/Dementia. His beloved wife, Gwen, was with him at the time of his passing.

Dad was born and raised in Southern California during the Great Depression with his brother and two sisters. Times were hard and he learned valuable life skills working at different jobs, including carpentry, beekeeping and store clerking. He attended Chaffey High School and Chaffey Jr College.

Dad was a proud Korean War Veteran, serving in the Army's 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He loved his country and was very patriotic all of his days. After returning from his military service in 1953, he met Julia Frances Raison and they were married the next year. They had 7 children, 6 sons and 1 daughter. They later divorced. On July 17, 1979, Dad went on a blind date with Gwen West. Dad said he knew Gwen was the one for him immediately upon meeting her. They were married in November 1979, and she and her son Jason began their new life together with him. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Dad was an extremely talented carpenter, specializing in cabinet making for many years. He started his own company in Salt Lake City, aptly name "House of Dowse" cabinets. Many homes are adorned with Dad's beautiful cabinets and remodels throughout Utah. 

Dad always had a smile and introduced himself to everyone. If you were lucky, you would have attended one of his famous taco and enchilada parties, which he hosted for family, friends and even his ward.

Dad had a love for music, singing for church, weddings, family gatherings and parties throughout his life. His children and grandchildren would always ask Grandpa to play the "Boogie Woogie" on the piano and to sing "I'm My Own Grandpa". His beautiful tenor voice was loved by so many throughout his life. After Dad moved his family to Salt Lake City in 1971, he went down to Temple Square and auditioned for the Tabernacle Choir. He was accepted and for the next 19 1/2 years, he proudly sang and toured with the Choir throughout many parts of the world. It was truly one of his greatest blessings.

Dad was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a young man. He served faithfully in many church callings during his life, including Stake Missionary, Ward Clerk, Music Director of the VA Branch in Salt Lake City for twelve years, along with his service in the Tabernacle Choir. He had a deep rooted testimony of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Plan of Salvation and Eternal Families.

Dad is survived by his wife Gwen, sister Barbara Cross, sons Patrick, Michael (Natalie), Robert (Linda), Ronald (Wil), and daughter Tammy, along with 23 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons Terry Wayne and Richard Lynn, and by his parents, brother Philip, sister Margie Mead, and step-son Jason Hodgkinson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Garden Park Ward, 1150 East Yale Avenue, Salt Lake City. A viewing will take place from 10:00  - 11:30 a.m., before the service. Interment will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery.

Dad, you are now free to sing in the Heavenly Choir to your hearts desire!