William "Bus" Gillespie

February 28, 1952 - January 28, 2018

William Sharp “Bus” Gillespie, 65, passed away on January 28, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at home in Provo, Utah, after a nine-year battle with leukemia. Bus filled his life with service to others as a teacher, coach, counselor, scoutmaster, bishop, father, and grandfather. His interests and vocations directly benefited those around him. Bus was born on February 28, 1952 in Provo, Utah. He was the fifth child of Robert and Wilma (Wiscombe) Gillespie. After graduating from Orem High School in 1970, he served a full time mission in Vienna, Austria from 1971-73. He studied History and Education at Utah State University, graduating in 1978. His student-teaching stint led to a full-time career as a History and Government teacher at Orem High School, a position that he held for 28 years. He was proud of his students and fondly remembered by them. As a teacher of Government, his classes dominated the statewide “We the People” speech competition, resulting in seven different trips to Washington, D.C. for his students. He also coached wrestling and football at Orem High. Following his retirement from Orem High, he received a Master's Degree in Counseling and returned to Alpine School District to work as a counselor and teacher at Polaris High School for 12 years. When Bus wasn’t teaching, coaching, working summers at Muir Roberts cherry factory, building houses for relatives, or playing softball, he could be found spending time with his family. He married Susan Spencer in December 1978, and together they were the parents of six pretty awesome children. The family shares sweet childhood memories of working with Bus in the apple orchard, including a weekly irrigation day each summer; fabulous family camping trips; and family dinners where Bus waxed philosophical about Milton Friedman's economic theories or Marxism’s influence on the world. He coached all of the girls’ softball teams, went to band performances, art openings, plays, and baby blessings. He was an attentive father and loving grandfather. Bus had living faith in God and was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an excellent scoutmaster (on five different occasions), counselor, and twice a bishop. He also enjoyed serving as an ordinance worker in the Provo temple. His most recent calling as a bishop of a BYU YSA ward was a perfect culmination of his talents in leading young adults and teaching the gospel in an accessible way. He was greatly blessed during his cancer treatment by the faith, prayers and fasting of his ward and stake. Bus was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilma (Wiscombe) Gillespie; his parents-in-law, Warren and Marie (Christensen) Spencer; his older sister, Petrea Kelly; and two sisters-in-law, JoAnn and Dorothy Gillespie. He is survived by his wife, Susan Spencer Gillespie (Provo), and children: Jethro (Robyn) Gillespie, Spanish Fork; Jan (Ben) Francisco, Lander, Wyoming; Thad Gillespie (John Valdez), Provo; Toni (Ben) Gaines, Highland; Emily (Russell) Oliphant, Provo; and Matt (Rachelle) Gillespie, St. George, Utah. He also has 16 superfans (grandchildren) who will miss him dearly, and his monster swing-pushing abilities. All are invited to funeral services at the Edgemont Seventh Ward building at 555 E 3230 N, Provo, Utah. A viewing will be held on Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM. The funeral will be on Wednesday at 11:00 AM, with a viewing preceding from 9:30-10:30 AM. The family wishes to thank the medical staff on the East 8th floor at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. We appreciate their help during the past two months of Bus’ treatment. As we grieve Bus’s passing and look back at his life, we are grateful that he did not idle away his time, limited as it was. “Daylight’s burning” was a common refrain from him early in the morning. He spent his days—-working and playing--in service to others. His legacy continues on in us as we go forward carrying his influence and example in our hearts. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.