William Franklin Farnsworth

William (Bill) Franklin Farnsworth, born January 29, 1926 in Beaver Utah to Samuel Taylor and Elsie Kathleen Smith Farnsworth, passed away peacefully February 25, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. His primary focus was to have a gospel centered loving family. He was cheerful to the end and will be missed by all that knew him.
He graduated from Beaver High School and Seminary in 1944 as the valedictorian of his class. Shortly after graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific Fleet during WW II (Aug. 1944 – May 1946) as an aircraft carrier radar operator. After WWII, he served a LDS mission in Sweden (1946-1949).
He graduated from BYU with a BA degree in Animal Science in 1952 and afterwards earned a MS degree in General Agriculture (1954) from the Utah State Agriculture College (USU).
Bill married Rhonda Fuhriman from Providence Utah in the Logan LDS Temple almost 63 years ago on April 30, 1954. He often said that Rhonda was the best things that ever happened to him. With his new bride, he began a 33 year career with USU Extension and to raise a successful family. His initial assignments were in Weber and Uintah counties. He enjoyed serving several years on the advisory boards of the Ute Indian Livestock Production projects. In addition, he organized the first Horse and later, Guide Dog for the Blind 4-H clubs in Utah. In 1961, he took his family to Madison, Wisconsin, and earned a PhD in Extension Administration in 1963. Afterwards, he and Rhonda moved to Logan where he resumed work with USU/Extension Service. He fulfilled numerous assignments including urban and defense program leader, Extension District Director, Area Coordinator, Assistant Utah State 4-H Club Leader, Training Officer and Energy Program Coordinator.
His first international assignment was a four year tour in La Paz, Bolivia. While there he led the USU team supporting the Bolivian Ministry of Agriculture. His wife Rhonda and children accompanied him to Bolivia and grew to love the Bolivians and all Latinos, their diverse cultures, and supported the Utah-Bolivia Partners education projects. During his USU tenure, he also served as acting director of International Programs leading several international projects. He served as Extension Administrator for International activities with major contributions to the Somalia extension project. He filled several short term assignments to under-developed countries in Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa.
Later, he designed and implemented a USU master’s degree program in Agriculture Education emphasizing International Extension Administration. Eighteen countries had students participating in this program. He retired from USU in 1987. In 1988, the Epsilon Sigma Phi (National Honorary Extension Fraternity) recognized him to receive the International Services Award for leadership and outstanding contributions as a Cooperative Extension Service Worker in International Programs. In 1991, he was President of the Utah Adult Education Association.
He and his wife Rhonda served four missions together for the LDS church: Texas Houston East Mission, Missouri Independence Visitor Center, Sweden Stockholm Temple and locally in the Providence Utah Stake. They also served as officiators in the Logan Temple for 12 years.
He was passionate about the outdoors and loved to fish, hunt, and take his family on horseback and/or camping trips to the High Uintah Wilderness Area and the Beaver Mountains in southern Utah.
Bill was the first BSA Eagle Scout in Beaver West Ward, Beaver Utah Stake. Later as an adult Scout Leader, he inspired dozens of young men and helped them become Eagle Scouts. He also received the Elkhorn District Award of Merit 1991 and the Silver Beaver Award from the Trapper Trails Council in 1996 for outstanding leadership in the BSA. Bill also held many responsible stake and ward positions including counselor in the stake presidency and bishop in the LDS Church, and loved to serve whenever/wherever called. He was a dedicated and faithful home teacher.
He served on the River Heights City Council for several years, president of the irrigation company, in the River Heights Lions Club (33 years) and was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), Emeritus USU, American Legion Post 12 and Goodtime RV Camping Group.
As accomplished as Dad’s professional/public career was, his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ were his primary focus and greatest joy. Dad loved spending time with the family camping in the mountains, lake and deep sea fishing, working in the garden and gathering the family together for Sunday night pop corn. He taught us the importance of self reliance. He provided opportunities for us to work alongside him in the 1.3 acre corn patch, on paper routes and raising chickens. Priceless memories and associations were made during the years we lived in Bolivia traveling together throughout Central and South America. Dad loved the scriptures, and “used” his favorites on the kids regularly. He taught the gospel to his posterity through his Christ-like example and service.
Dad is a hero to his grandchildren. They have learned by his example the importance of missionary work, service in the church, scouting and love for the Temple. Annual family reunions have always been the high light of the year, especially the bus trip to Nauvoo and other church history sights for Mom &
Dad’s 50th anniversary.
He is survived by his eternal companion, Rhonda, eight children/spouses; Von (Sandra), David (Wendy), Dan (Angie), Deana (Ivan) Mendenhall, Janis (Corey) Lindley, Rhonda Lee (DeVon) Labrum, Annette (Robert) Poulson, Maria (Jarom) Bernhardt, 50 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren (plus six more on the way); two foster daughters Christa Saltwater Moya and Stephanie June Attakai; two brothers Karl (Jackie) Orem, UT, Lynn (Mary) Mesa, AZ, and four sisters-in-law (Marian Farnsworth, Barbara Farnsworth, Mary Griffin and Gayla Green). His family is grateful for his charitable example and living testimony as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the River Heights Stake Center, 800 South 600 East, River Heights, Utah 84321 with a viewing prior from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A viewing will also be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan, Utah 84321. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net .
In lieu of flowers; contributions to the Perpetual Education Fund benefiting international students is encouraged. Bill’s final words to family and friends, “Carry-on… Carry-on… Carry-on…”