William Glen Rydalch

William Glen Rydalch, age 75, passed away on December 15, 2022 at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah after a short but courageous fight with a progressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was born on December 16, 1946 in Tooele, UT and raised in Grantsville, UT to Thelda Bolinder and Glen Williams Rydalch. Billy (aka Bummer) loved growing up with his younger sisters and many cousins throughout the Grantsville and Erda areas.  He shared often of the profound influence of his paternal grandparents Thomas and Ruth Rydalch and how they planted the seeds of the gospel of Jesus Christ deep in his heart.  After graduating from Grantsville High, Bill enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War even before the draft was instituted.  He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was especially proud of being a Sea-Bee (Construction Battalion unit of the US Navy).  After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Grantsville and worked at National Lead and then followed in the footsteps of his dad and began a 30-year career at Tooele Army Depot.  He married Cynthia Riddle on March 16, 1973 in Grantsville, UT and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 19, 1980.  They have three children: Candee (Doug) Thomas, Burk (Kristin) Rydalch, and Margie (Matt) Dimond.  They lived, loved and raised their children in West Valley City, UT and loved their friends and neighbors in the Hunter area.  Bill loved high school football and spent Friday nights on the stadium seats cheering on the Cyprus Pirates, the Hunter Wolverines, and the Grantsville Cowboys. Sometimes he would remember that his daughters were cheerleading at the football games and perhaps glance their way. In 2002, they moved back to the Tooele Valley to the Erda area where they loved being reunited with many relatives and having horses and land.  After retiring from the Tooele Army Depot, Bill continued to work in the South Area of the depot for several more years for Mellor Engineering where he built many friendships.  He then enjoyed working ten years as a bus driver for the Tooele County School District.  He made sure he personally knew every child on his bus and happily greeted them each day.  He had a way with children and youth.  These special gifts helped him as he served in many capacities as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a stalwart home teacher; a lesson he learned at the side of his Grandpa Rydalch. He served as the Patriarch of our family and extended family and used the Priesthood to bless the lives of not only his immediate family but his extended family as well.   Bill couldn’t go anywhere in the Tooele Valley or West Valley without finding a friend or relative.  We have all learned patience waiting for Dad or Grandpa to finish talking to someone. He especially loved his morning friends at McDonald’s. Our Dad and Grandpa loved holidays.  He loved Memorial Day and teaching us about our family at the Grantsville Cemetery.  He loved his pioneer heritage and learning and teaching about his ancestors’ roles in the restoration of the gospel and in the settlement of Grantsville.  He made every holiday special.  He especially loved Christmas.  From putting up lights to decorating the tree, all while listening to the Christmas albums of Jim Reeves and the Statler Brothers. He went all out on Christmas gifts and giving.  He was a giver – whether of money, things, a helping hand, or a listening ear.  Oh how we will miss you Hon, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Bummer, and Uncle Billy! 

He is survived by his dear wife, Cindy.  They were ready to celebrate 50 years of marriage this March.  His children: Candee (Doug) Thomas, Burk (Kristin) Rydalch, Margie (Matt) Dimond); Six grandchildren who he loved and adored: Savannah and Evan Thomas, Marilla Rydalch, and Virginia, Lane and Reed Dimond; Three sisters: Toni (Wade) Young, Phyllis (Roger) Landgrebe, and Leah (Greg) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and dear friends who are considered family.

Preceded in death by his parents Glen Rydalch and Thelda Bolinder; Grandparents Thomas and Ruth Rydalch and Gordan and Victoria Bolinder; aunts, uncles, many beloved cousins, and friends.

A funeral will be held Wednesday, December 21^st at the Grantsville West Stake Center (115 East Cherry Street) at 12:00pm. A visitation will be held that same day from 10:30-11:30am and Tuesday, December 20^th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the same location.  Interment will take place at the Grantsville Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S Navy, following the funeral under the care of Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home and Cremation Center.  A livestream of the funeral will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV5UL_4PBa4.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.