- Date Of Birth: October 7, 1933
- Date Of Death: January 20, 2016
- State: Utah
WILLIAM GARY WATERSTRADT
November 7, 1933 – January 20, 2016
William Gary Waterstradt passed away on January 20, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 7, 1933 in Ogden, Utah. He was known to his family and friends as Gary and had a variety of nicknames including Papa W, GDub, and Motto.
Gary grew up in Ogden, Utah and graduated from Ogden High School in 1951. After graduating, he went on to BYU where he studied geography, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. While at BYU, Gary joined the army reserves. After finishing his time at BYU, he went on to serve in active duty in the army. Following his time in the army, Gary went to graduate school at the University of Missouri where he received a Master’s degree in geography and cartography.
Gary moved back to Ogden after completing his graduate studies and worked as a cartographer for the government. Wanting to stay in Utah and knowing that his position as a cartographer would likely mean he would get transferred out of state, Gary changed careers and became a computer specialist for the Defense Depot in Ogden. He stayed in this area of work for the remainder of his career.
Somewhere around 1966 Gary’s high school friend Joe Draper introduced him to Charlotte Ryan. They fell in love and were married on January 7, 1967. They had three daughters: Robin, Jane, and Sally. Gary was a devoted father and deeply loved his daughters. He and Charlotte were actively involved in supporting their children’s academic and extra curricular interests. They volunteered countless hours with the Greater Ogden Swim Team and several of their daughters’ high school sports teams. He was also passionate about his support of the Humane Society.
In addition to spending time with his family, Gary enjoyed working in his yard, duck hunting and camping. He was a life-long BYU football enthusiast and was also a supporter of Weber State University football. After he retired, he and Charlotte traveled the world, visiting many places including Japan, Tonga, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii.
One of the things that stood out about Gary was his generosity. There was always room for one more person at the Waterstradt household whether that be for a meal or for housing. He and Charlotte opened their home to a number of students needing a room over the years. Most notably they were host parents for several international students from WSU including Hiromi Saito whom he considered his son.
He was preceded in death by parents, his sister Jean Anne Waterstradt, and his beloved wife, Charlotte Boettger Ryan Waterstradt. He leaves behind three daughters, Robin Waterstradt Bridgeman (Randy), Sally Waterstradt Otton (Tim), and Jane Thomas Waterstradt and five grandchildren, Kylie, Cade, and Ryan Otton and Charlotte and Jake Bridgeman.
He will be greatly missed.
