Bill Lee Topham

1954 – 2025

On November 19, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved more than anything, Bill Lee Topham returned home.

Bill Lee Topham was born on November 11, 1954 to Norman and Lorraine Topham. He grew up on Grandview Hill alongside his siblings; Bruce, Karen, Roy, Denise, and John; where the Topham family was known for being fun, loving, and tight knit.

Bill graduated from Provo High School and later attended school in Wyoming, earning his welding degree. He excelled in his trade and became known as one of the best welders around. While in Wyoming, he also found a passion for bareback riding and enjoyed every moment of it.

Bill married Terri, and together they welcomed two children, Josh and Holly. After their divorce, he met Julee, who had two daughters, Angela and Jaclyn. They later added two more children, Billy Joe and Tyler, creating a big and rowdy blended family. They eventually separated.

Finally Bill married the love of his life, Kimberly, who came with two more children, Karrie and Randy.

Bill loved every one of his kids deeply.

He had a lifelong love of riding three-wheelers, desert racing, and collecting trophies from those wins.

He was also a longtime member and advocate of the Utah Houndsmen Association, a role he carried with great pride.

He raised buffalo on his farm that would come to him as he pounded on his chest. They would eat from his hands and share his space like old friends.

The mountains were Bill's home away from home. He spent years hunting, and he and Kim shared countless adventures loading up the hound dogs and heading out on bear and lion hunts—many of which they successfully guided for others.

Family was Bill's greatest joy. His granddaughter Syerra lived with him for several years, she was the light of his eye. His bond with Ty was something special; he loved all of his grandkids, but Ty was Ty—if you know, you know.

Anyone who spent even a little time with Bill heard stories about his kids, grandkids, siblings, nieces, nephews, or his adopted family. He was proud of his people, and he wanted the world to know it.

Bill loved having family and friends over to the farm; fishing in his pond, barbecuing, teasing each other, and making memories. Over the last couple of years, if you stopped by, you'd likely find him with his sidekicks: his great-grandson Tayden, born on Bill's own birthday five years earlier, and his loyal pal Parley.

He will be deeply missed—the hard finger tap to the forehead, the firm pat on the back during a hug, and the way he said "hello" when he answered the phone.

Bill leaves behind a big, blended family who will carry his legacy with pride.

Bill was preceded in death by His parents, Norman and Lorraine Topham; His sons Tyler Topham and Billy Joe Topham; His grandson Justin Baker; His brother Bruce Topham; His brother in law Richard Yocom; and His wife Kimberly Topham.

He is survived by his children: Josh (Rylie) Topham, Holly (Mike) Sanchez, Karrie Baker (Justin King), Randy Gaisford, Angela (Kent) Shepherd, Jaclyn Bateman; along with 24 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 siblings, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 11am at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem. Family and friends may visit that morning from 9:30-10:30am. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery.

A webcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com .