William Bain Birkes

William Bain Birkes, 83, passed away June 26, 2025. He was born on January 3, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William Harris Birkes and Annie Denice Bain. He married Eileen Bushnell on March 14th, 1962, in the Logan, Utah temple. William came to this earth as a happy surprise to his family more than 10 years after his sister Janice. He grew up on Lake Street in Salt Lake City, Utah where he developed a love and respect for his older siblings and learned from their examples. He enjoyed living close to the schools he attended so he could ride his bike back and forth often. While attending South High School he excelled on the track team in hurdles which earned him a scholarship grant to the University of Utah for running. But even better, he met his bride to be, Eileen Bushnell, who was a grade younger at Highland High School.

One of the highlights of his life was marrying his bride in the Logan Temple on a snowy day in March, they lived in several different locations in the Salt Lake Valley, where they started their family. Bill graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in civil engineering which led to employment with companies such as Syro Steel, Ford Bacon & Davis and the State of Utah, where he retired from later in life. He was proud of the work he did, especially the engineering of several bridges throughout the state. He also enjoyed using his knowledge to help his family by designing and building an addition to their home in Centerville, where they lived for more than 26 years. The knowledge and skills he shared with his son-in-law through that project and a few others is priceless. 

Bill was an incredibly talented artist and had flawless handwriting. He shared this talent in many of his callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was very active in the scouting program growing up and loved the many opportunities which came later to serve as a scout leader.

Bill wasn't a man of many words until you got him talking about something he was well educated in, then he could talk your ear off. He was also extremely patient, especially when helping his kids and their friends with algebra at the kitchen table for hours. They in turn tried to be patient with him on those occasions when he'd want to take the scenic way home the last hour of a long road trip. Later, in their empty nest years, he and Eileen enjoyed several vacations together including cruises, England, Honduras, Hawaii, and visiting family throughout the country. He was always good to take his camera to capture the beauty of the earth.

The grandkids all enjoyed spending time with Grandpa Birkes and appreciated the times he'd get out the slip and slide in the backyard during the summer or help them roll, but usually kick or throw, their Easter eggs down the hill in the front yard. 

In later years He and Eileen found joy in traveling to St George often to visit family, and in their retirement, they made a permanent move to Utah’s Southern Dixie where they reconnected with old friends, his brother Johnny and niece Judy.

Bill was a humble man with a kind heart. His warm smile and easy-going personality touched many who helped in caring for him. We would like to thank the staff at Ridgeview Gardens for the love and care they gave him in his final days.

William is survived by his children Kelly (Charles) Anderson, Tracy (Chris) Strohn, and Brian (Jenn) Birkes. 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his spouse Eileen, daughter-in-law Jessica Birkes, parents William and Denice Birkes, and siblings Johnny, Janice, and Robert Birkes.

Graveside services will be July 15 at 10 AM at the Centerville Cemetery.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Hughes mortuary 1037 E. 700 S., St. George, UT 435-674-5000