William Leonard Beers, Jr.

Funeral Service Recording -https://audio.funeralrecording.com/embed/36bacbe4-1e18-11ef-837d-0affdc057fd9

William Leonard Beers, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 19, 2024, at the age of 90. Even though he was 90, it feels like he was taken from us too soon. Dad was our rock, the guiding light of our family, a man of deep integrity who lived every day for his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He lived life like we all aspire to—full of kindness, sincerity, and pure goodness. To know Dad was to love him.

Bill was born October 29, 1933, in Salt Lake City to William Leonard Beers and Dorothy Covey Beers. After many years of adventures and achievements, he finally settled down and married his sweetheart, Denese Claire Derrick, on April 19, 1962, in the LDS Salt Lake Temple.

He graduated from East High School and earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Utah, where he played on the Utes baseball team, was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and also served as a student body officer.

He started his career as a CPA at Arthur Anderson, and went on to serve as an executive at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and Intermountain Laboratories. He and Mom then transitioned to business ownership by opening several Pro Image retail stores throughout the West.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army, in both active duty and the reserves. As a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in the Swiss-Austrian Mission. He also served several years as bishop of the Butler 25^th Ward. He held many other callings, including bishopric and high council positions.

Bill and Denese raised their family in Southern California and Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Dad always made family life fun and dedicated his life to helping each of his children find joy and success.

He loved music and liked to perform—he was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and sang in barbershop quartet competitions. Everyone in the family loved to hear him sing and play the ukulele.

Dad was a loyal Utah Utes and Utah Jazz fan. We as a family have many great memories attending the games together.

Dad was passionate about travel. He loved planning trips with his family—some of the highlights being Europe, an LDS Church and US history tour; the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics; and many other excursions.

Dad, you set a great example for your children and grandchildren. You’re the best dad and grandpa ever, thanks for leaving such a beautiful legacy. We’ll miss you, and we love you forever!

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Leonard (Bevo) and Dorothy Covey Beers; his brother, Robert Covey Beers; and his daughter, Michele Beers Olson. He is survived by his wife, Denese Claire Derrick; his children, Cherie (Mike) DiReda; Kathy (Doug) Deans; Steve (Heather) Beers; his grandchildren, Hayley (Murphy) Campbell; Braxton (Emma) Beers; Chandler Olson; Janzen Deans; Jordan (Julianne) DiReda; Lindsay (Jace) Callor; Camden (Jayde) Beers; Abby DiReda; Garrett DiReda; and great-grandchildren, Duncan Campbell and Calvin Campbell.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 29, 12:00 pm, at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A viewing will be held one hour prior, at 11:00 am, at Cannon Mortuary.

The interment will follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 “N” Street, Salt Lake City.