William L. Sorensen

William L. Sorensen, 81 years old died in Grants, New Mexico, Friday, June 5th, 2015. Bill was born Sept 18, 1933 in Moroni, Utah to Byron H. and Laverne Gillespie Sorensen. Bill grew up in Mammoth and Eureka, Utah, graduated from Tintic High School in 1951, and entered the Army in 1952. Bill was honorably discharged in 1954 and went to work for Centennial Development Company. In 1963 he was promoted to project superintendent and in 1964 was in charge of special projects in Alaska for Bear Creek Mining Company. He later moved to Grants, New Mexico to work in the uranium mines. Bill being the true entrepreneur that he was left the mining business and in 1969 formed a partnership with Francis W. McCabe and opened LaVentana Steakhouse in Grants, New Mexico. Bill took on many business ventures including a Santa Fe, NM liquor store, a second restaurant in Gallup, NM and IBC Records in Nashville, Tennessee. After the death of his partner Frank McCabe, the partnership transferred to Frank's wife Robin, and continued until he formed a partnership with long-time employee and friend, Stephanie Matkovich. In 2002 they sold LaVentana and in 2006 opened the WOW Diner. Bill was a Grants City Councilman for many years and was a member of the New Mexico Amigos. Bill was instrumental in the formation of the Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course and helped to initiate the beautification of Grants by donating trees to be planted along Main Street (Route 66). Bill was a true gentleman, mentor and friend. He was a very generous person who touched many lives, had many friends and will be greatly missed by all who worked for him and knew him through the years. Bill is survived by his brother Byron P. Sorensen of Provo, Utah. There will be a Celebration of Bill’s Life at LaVentana Steakhouse in Grants, New Mexico, Wednesday, June 10th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. On Monday, June 15, 2015, at 11:00 am, a Funeral Service will be held at the Brown Mortuary in Santaquin, Utah. Interment will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery immediately following the service. After the graveside service a reception for family and friends will be held at the Cultural Hall in the LDS Church in Eureka, Utah.

William L. Sorensen

June 5, 2015