William Farrell Belliston June 3, 1928 – May 27, 2018

William Farrell Belliston passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 27, 2018, one week from his 90th birthday in his home in Redlands, California.
Farrell, as he was known by most everyone, was born to Erma “Pat” Garfield and Ray LaVon Belliston on June 3, 1928 in Mona, Utah. Farrell grew up in and around Eastern Utah often living with relatives, family friends and neighbors throughout his school age years. In High School he was active in track, high jump and pole vault. Farrell went on to attend Carbon College in Price, Utah. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Norma Speroni.
After serving in WWII Farrell and Norma married and moved to Salt Lake City while he attended the University of Utah. His degree in electrical engineering took them to Monterey Park, California where Farrell worked for the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) as a Senior Electrical Engineer until his retirement. In 1977 they purchased a local convenience store which became a family business for 11 years. After the sale of the store Farrell and Norma moved to Oceanside, California where they enjoyed the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. It was at this time that Farrell competed in the Senior Olympics, winning numerous medals for the high jump.
Farrell and Norma were devoted to each other and their family and spent many occasions with their children and grandchildren. In early retirement years they enjoyed traveling together. Farrell was a Ham radio operator for many years and also had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying the small Cessna 172.
In May 2008 they moved to Redlands, California to be closer to their daughter.
Farrell is survived by his son Richard Farrell and wife Phyllis with their two children Ryan Farrell and Jamie Lynn of Diamond Bar, California. Also by his daughter Valerie Jo Sponheim and son Joseph Mark, both of Redlands, California, and her son Thomas William Sponheim and wife Kathleen Stutz of Albany, Oregon.
Norma proceeded Farrell in death by 5 years. He lived by himself in the house they shared together at Plymouth Village Continuing Care Retirement Community; impressively independent to the end. A resolute and private man, a compassionate father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be missed by those who knew him.
In recognition of the need for human bodies in the education of health professionals and for research purposes, Farrell donated his body to the Loma Linda School of Medicine. In so doing, there is a two year period before Farrell’s ashes will come to rest next to Norma’s. A Memorial Committal Service will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Helper, Utah at that time.
A full life, well-lived.
Condolences may be sent to Valerie Sponheim, at 1042 Lolita Avenue Redlands, CA 92373.