William David Loya Aug 31 1946 - Sep. 1 2015 William David Loya, beloved husband and arbiter of style, passed away at his home September 1, 2015. He was born to Bill and Jeanne Loya August 31, 1946 in Salt Lake City. He married Sharon Morrell Loya over 45 years ago, who was his partner in life and business. His long career in the fashion industry started at the venerable Adrien 'n Emilie in the 1960's, and culminated with his eponymous boutique BILL LOYA in Salt Lake City. He had a loyal following for decades of women customers and friends who trusted his incredible eye and innate good taste. Bill was an innovator in the business, and brought major fashion designers to Utah for special events at his store, including Todd Oldham and Isaac Mizrahi. For its excellence in fashion and merchandising, BILL LOYA was recognized by Harpers Bazaar twice as one of The Top 100 Specialty Stores in the country. That honor included trips to Milan for Fashion Week. He had an immense and unwavering belief in the Greek Orthodox faith, which gave him the strength to make his very difficult cancer journey. Bill was a devoted member of the Prophet Elias and Holy Trinity Choirs for over 55 years and supported many Church philanthropic organizations. He loved his dogs - the late, great Lucy Loya, and the beautiful Anna Sophia. And he was devoted to his wife, Sharon. Through the great times and the difficult challenges, they were two halves that made one whole. He will be painfully missed. Bill adored his friends and family who will remember his favorite quip, "when you think of who loves you, think of Bill Loya." He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Jeanne; and in-laws Alzo and Edith Morrell. We are eternally grateful to all those who were there for us during his last days and hours, especially Cherie Gleed. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Trisaigon prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to Community Nursing Service/Hospice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=bill-loya&pid=175726370&fhid=23304#sthash.5Mxs51Av.dpuf Bill Loya, who brought New York fashion to Salt Lake City, dies at 69 By KATHY STEPHENSON | The Salt Lake Tribune First Published Sep 04 2015 12:12PM No matter a woman's size or shape, Bill Loya was always able to make them look fashionable and feel fabulous. "Bill has been such an icon of fashion," Robin Eliason said of her long-time friend who died of cancer Tuesday, one day after turning 69. A graduate of South High School, Loya began his fashion career in the 1960s at Salt Lake City's European-inspired boutique, Adrien 'n Emilie. "He started there part time when he was very young," said his wife of 45 years and business partner Sharon Loya. "He did their displays and traveled to Europe with the owners and he built a clientele, some of whom he still had." The Loyas later opened BILL LOYA, a women's clothing boutique in Salt Lake City's Foothill Village shopping center. The shop carried designer labels such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karen and the Loyas traveled to New York several times a year to learn the trends and stock their store with one-of-a-kind pieces that couldn't be found anywhere else in the city. Loya also helped pioneer trunk shows, bringing in entire clothing lines of major fashion designers. During the clothing store's 27 year run — which included moves to The Gateway and then back to Foothill — top designers such as Todd Oldham and Isaac Mizrahi visited the store. In recent years, the retail industry changed making it difficult for small independent shops to survive and the Loyas closed their shop in 2010. They continued to do fashion events and trunk shows. "He just knew what worked for each individual," said Sharon Loya. "And the longer he knew someone and understood their style and lifestyle he knew what they needed. He could make anybody look great no matter their size or shape." A life-long member of the Greek Orthodox faith, Loya sang in the church choirs at both Holy Trinity Cathedral and Prophet Elias Church. He also was generous, staging numerous fashion shows throughout the years to benefit various charities. A viewing for Loya is Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 11:30 a.m. also at the Cathedral. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City.