William Â€Œbillâ€ Doel Nighswonger Obituary (1953

Bill Nighswonger, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 30, 2024 after a brief and brave fight with cancer. He was born in Wichita Kansas, on November 4, 1953, to Harry and Doris Nighswonger. Bill was the baby brother to Chuck, Frank, and Cinda. Bill spent his formative years in Viola, Kansas, before relocating with his family to Brigham City while in the first grade. He graduated from Box Elder High in 1971. His pursuit of knowledge led him to earn an associate degree in Building Construction from Salt Lake Community College, followed by a bachelor's degree and an MPA from the University of Utah in 2004. Bill also served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from November 1972 to January 1974, earning a National Defense Service Medal and was an M16 Sharpshooter. Bill married his first sweetheart, Pamela Swinton in 1976 and together they welcomed three children: Matthew William, Jeffrey Scott, and Lindsey Venice. Later, he found the love of his life, Wendy Lynn Smith, and they married on December 6, 2004. In his life with Wendy, he lovingly welcomed her four children: Lana, Marie, Austin, and Chase into his heart and home. Bill had a passion for sports. He was an avid golfer and the ultimate dad, who found joy watching his children in their sporting events. He spent a great deal of time making memories with his many friends. He delighted in rehabilitating old, historical buildings; a true craftsman at heart. His time working for the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City underscored his dedication to serving and advocating for the unhoused community. His final project prior to retirement was developing housing for unhoused veterans on VA property. Bill's love for Wyoming was profound, having helped his father build a cabin in Alpine. He later found his dream home with Wendy in Oregon--a beautiful A-frame cabin nestled in the woods near the McKenzie River in Springfield. Bill loved the tranquility of the mountains, the warmth of the sun, and the peace and purpose that came from living a slow, yet spontaneous life. His love for life was evident in everything he did, from his passion for his Harley motorcycle and the open road, to his enjoyment of Utah football games and a cold Coors beer. Perhaps above all, Bill was the proudest papa. He cherished his time with all his grandchildren: Kaya, Wyatt, Lance, Aiden, Ivy, Harper, Charlie, Cadence, Thomas, and Savanna. Bill was preceded in death by his loving parents, Harry and Doris, his big brother Chuck, and his big sister Cinda. Bill is survived by his wife Wendy, his seven children: Matt (Laurie) Nighswonger, Jeff (Brittanie) Nighswonger, Lindsey (Sef) Sherman, Lana (Melissa) Welch, Marie Kalm, Austin Kalm, Chase (Gigi) Kalm, his brother Frank (Aleen), his sister-in-law Martha Nighswonger, beloved nieces and nephews, ten grandchildren, and countless friends. His legacy of love, craftsmanship, and dedication to family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the McKenzie River Trust. Bill had a deep passion for the outdoors, good Oregon beer (many of which require the clean water of the McKenzie), and his beautiful cabin up the McKenzie River. This trust embodies all that he loved, protecting the land and water of Western Oregon. https://give.mckenzieriver.org/give/285447/#!/donation/checkout A celebration of Bill's life will be held at The Academy in Brigham City Utah, 58 N. Main Street, Brigham City on October 5th, 2024, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, where family and friends can gather to share memories and honor his incredible life. A private burial for immediate family will take place in Alpine Wyoming at a later date. Heartfelt thanks to the people of Norco Medical and Serenity Hospice for their support during this tender time.