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(11 Nov 1975 – 3 July 2005) William Arthur Lanier, or "Billy" as he was known, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1975 to Christine M. Hosie and William Arthur Lanier. He graduated from Hunter High and continued on as professional student with a lifelong love of education. He excelled in his formal education, starting at College of Eastern Utah in Price, Utah, where he earned an associate's of applied science with an English emphasis and an associate's of applied science in early childhood development; Billy continued on to earn triple degrees in history, psychology and government from William Penn University; and he finally received his master's of arts degree in international diplomacy at Bond University in Queensland, Australia. He enjoyed learning, whether in or outside of the classroom. Billy eventually returned to Price and joined the CEU faculty as an adjunct instructor in history and sociology. Billy loved teaching and was marvelously successful at sharing his vast knowledge. His great love for humanity was evident in his classes and he was passionate about injustices in the history of nations including the oppression of the Australian aborigines and victims of genocide throughout the world. At times he could be a bit scatterbrained (like the time he referred to the U.S. Congress as the Houses of Lords and Commons) but his enthusiasm and the perspective he put on the subject matter was a joy to observe. Billy was one of those rare individuals who saw the best in everyone and, without trying, would make you feel like you were the most important person in his life. He had many best friends, whose lives he touched with his complete lack of guile. There really was no one quite like him. His generosity was astonishing, always giving of himself, even if it were inconvenient. If you were down, a mere smile from him would brighten your day. And his laughter-- it was of the most unique and infectious type that can only be described as "the Billy chortle." His death on July 3, 2005, by his own hand, came as a shock to everyone who knew him, as he sought to obtain peace with himself. Few knew of the turmoil with which he lived, making his generosity, friendliness and Christ like love, that much more remarkable. While there was still so much life left to live, Billy's season had passed, and those who had been touched by him mourned (Billy touched lives in ways that even he would never fully comprehend), the true sorrow lay in the many more lives who would never have the honor of knowing him. Throughout that long summer and fall, three separate memorial services were held, and the community of Price came together to mourn their adopted son, a place of high esteem held in the hearts of innumerable of the alumni, faculty, and citizens of Carbon County, in addition to his many family and friends throughout Utah, across the United States and all over the world. During his funeral and memorial services, the song For Good (from the musical Wicked) was sung, a song he had requested and whose words truly are fitting: Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun, Like a seed dropped by a sky bird In a distant wood, Who can say if I've Been changed for the better? But, because I knew you, Because I knew you, I have been changed for good. |
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