From Civil Engineering Magazine (March/April 2023)
William Patrick (Bill) Henry, P.E., D.WRE(Ret.), FASCE, a water resources engineer and 2005 ASCE President, has died at 84. Henry worked for firms large and small, advancing steadily from technical specialist to project manager, branch office manager, marketing manager, corporate planner, and corporate officer. He also served as president and chair of Aqua Resources Inc., a consulting engineering firm he co-founded. More than half his career was spent with Bechtel, Parsons/Brinckerhoff and CH2M Hill. His work took him from Seattle, Denver, and California’s Bay Area to Fairfax County, VA, where he began his favorite engineering effort, developing the master plan for flood control and drainage as the country transitioned from rural to suburban. Henry was involved in ASCE for decades and was a life member. He was president of the San Francisco Section, chaired and served on many ASCE committees, and in fall 2003, began his three-year tenure as national president-elect, president, and past president. “It’s great to be a civil engineer!” he was known to say. His special focus during those years was working to reduce corruption in the engineering/construction industry worldwide. He was on the team that created the Global Anti-Corruption Education and Training Initiative, which produced the movie Ethicana. For years after his presidential term ended, he continued this effort at conferences, in papers, and in training he helped develop for engineers. Henry also served as vice chair of ASCE’s Committee on Diversity and Women in Civil Engineering and as a member of the Congressional Fellow Selection Committee and National Water Policy Committee. He received the William H. Wisely Award, the H.J. Brunier Award from the San Francisco Section, and the G. Brooks Earnest Lecture Award from the Cleveland Section, among others. In 2005, he became one of the first diplomates of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.
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From Cornell Alumni News (February 2023):
’60, BCE ’63—William P. Henry of Castle Pines, CO, formerly of Sequim, WA, November 26, 2022; civil engineer and water resources planner in Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Fairfax, VA, and Boulder, CO; author, training developer, and conference speaker on preventing corruption in the worldwide engineering construction industry; veteran; avid New York Yankees fan; enjoyed international travel, sailing, camping, backpacking, fishing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and softball; active in professional and alumni affairs. Sigma Chi. Wife, Joan Kather Henry ’64.
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Bill was a truly remarkable man. From the first moment I met him at a WFEO event in 2005, I knew that Bill had something very special about him. He radiated an energy and dynamism which immediately made people warm to him and listen to him. He was a natural leader, and an inspiration in the anti-corruption field. His work in leading the ASCE to commit to the anti-corruption agenda and in producing the “Ethicana” film will long survive him.
And of course we will truly miss him on our GIACC Advisory Council. He has been a member for 14 years, and has always enthusiastically supported GIACC’s work, and been a source of wise counsel and encouragement. He was a great friend and colleague to us all. He will be irreplaceable.
Catherine and I remember very warmly the occasions that we met you and Bill and your family in Cheltenham. We always marvelled at the energy and ambition that you and Bill showed in traveling the world and walking the Camino de Santiago.
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Tom shared your very sad news. I have to tell you that a piece of my heart died with the news. Bill was such a wonderful friend and colleague and much of my early energy was channeled by his guidance to make positive change in my day job and at ASCE. I will miss everything about him. He was one of a kind and loved by everyone who knew him. Please accept Carl's and my deepest condolences and know that Bill and you, as well as your entire lovely family will be in our thoughts and prayers. And if you need anything, please reach out.I am so very happy we saw you in Denver this year. I hope we can catch up soon.Warm regards,Maria
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GIACC Advisory Council Dear Friends:
I have been strongly affected by the very sad news of the death of our great friend, the prominent engineer William (Bill) Henry with whom I worked, as International Director, on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE, when he was its President, during the period of 3 years, starting in 2003; there, Bill came up with the phrase that engineers "shall act with zero-tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption," which was added to the end of Canon number 6 of the ASCE Code of Ethics.
Together with my wife Inés Lorenza, we were very close friends with Bill and his wife Joan, who hosted us in their house located in Sequim, in the State of Washington. We will always remember Bill fondly.
Our sincere condolences to all of Bill's family. Peace in his grave.
Jaime Santamaría- Serrano
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Bill leaves a remarkable legacy of support for NIEE and engineering ethics in general.
Best,Joe
The testament to Bill’s life given here is beautiful. I first crossed professional paths with Bill in the mid-70s and benefited immensely from his knowledge of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The crown for this was Bill himself. Engaging and warm of character, Bill became my friend. He and Joan were a part of our lives and we benefited greatly from that friendship. As Bill’s partner and writer of their life’s events, Joan eloquently chronicled their travels and major events and shared them with family and friends. Bill will be greatly missed but will remain in our memories.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news and I like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. I truly regret not being able to visit Colorado. Bill was truly a gentle soul, very smart engineer with a great sense of humor. I was so fortunate and proud when he asked me to be on the list of his professional references who participated in the video about him when he ran for the ASCE president. I personally learned a lot from him, and always considered him as one of my main mentors. Please let me know about the planned virtual memorial for Bill.
Regards
Cyrus
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Bill is a founding member of the WFEO Committee on Anti-corruption. He was instrumental in the establishment of this committee since its early beginning. He tremendously contributed to developing its vision and mission. Bill brought a lot of expertise and guidance to the committee in its early years. The CAC had the opportunity to participate in the Global Anti-Corruption Education and Training (ACET) initiative which was conceived by Bill Henry and Jimmy Smith, under the ASCE guidance and leadership. Bill served as President of the ASCE. He participated in most of the WFEO General Assemblies and was instrumental in consolidating the ASCE relationship with the WFEO.
His passing away is a big loss to the engineering community. He was always keen to help and strongly committed to volunteerism. He was always ready to deliver training whenever I requested him to do it for our members. All those who get to know him are shocked and saddened by this devastating news. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family. He was a decent and compassionate friend. M ay He rest in peace
Kamel
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Dear Joan, I heard the terrible news through this site, I don't want to believe it, I don't know what to tell you, except that I share your pain and that of your family. Bill (God bless him) fought like a lion, and you with him. May your beloved Bill rest in peace. Courage to all, I present to you and your family my very sincere condolences. friendships 😘
Achref Ghorbel
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Bill was such a wonderful person and dear friend to me, ASCE and the profession, and he will be sorely missed by me and his many ASCE friends and colleagues.
I will always remember his Presidential speeches starting with “It is great to be a civil engineer!” He made so many contributions to ASCE and the profession, and I know he had a deep love of family, the environment and the profession, as your attachment so eloquently noted.
Bill was an extraordinary and wonderful person. We will keep Bill and your family in our hearts, thoughts and prayers and please let us know if we can help you with anything.
With deepest condolences,
Tom
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Bill was a very important mentor to me and I credit him for me pursuing being an ASCE President.Bill will be truly missed by the civil engineering profession, by ASCE, and by me personally.Robin
I first met Bill in the 90's when I was an ASCE Section leader and Bill was the District Director. He went out of his way to get to know me and offer insight and advice. Over the years, through continued ASCE involvement, he became an important professional mentor to me. When I became President, he continued to guide and advise. He was always a positive, warm friend. I appreciated meeting Joan and watching them share so many things. Bill was passionate about civil engineering and loved being a civil engineer, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Condolences to Joan and the family. We will all miss Bill but will fondly remember his guidance, friendship and joyful demeanor! He was a true leader. Blaine Leonard
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Bill was awesome! When I served as ASCE President, I embraced Bill being right by my side so that he could have a full 2 years to fulfill his presidential goals. And more did he do that and more! He will always be remembered for his ethical quest for engineering and construction. But he was much more than simply a great ASCE President and a crusader for our profession. He and Joan became such dear friends and it was always fun seeing them at their home in Squim and at our ranch. He was always so full of vigor and happiness and truly a pleasure to be around. I only wish that we had been able to get together last July when I was in Denver. Joan-you will always hold a special place in my heart and if you need anything, don;t ever hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the memories as he will forever be with you, while that may not be in body, it will be in spirit and in your soul. He loved you so very much. Thinking of you always-
Pat and Jim
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Bill Henry was a true champion and standard bearer for Engineering Ethics. He has left an indelible mark and will always be remembered.V/r,Lawrence
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I am so sorry about Bill’s passing. His legacy will live on at ASCE because of his work on ethics, however, I will always remember his kind, gentle spirit and caring attitude. It was such an honor to work with him during his presidency. He will truly be missed.
Patty
He had a great sense of humor
Which created many smiles
We hope you feel the love we send
Across the many miles
Diane & Doug Deaver
MEMORIES
· When Bill met Joan’s parents, they took him to a Chinese restaurant for dinner and then went to a Harlem Globetrotters basketball game. Since Bill wasn’t proficient at using chop sticks, he left dinner really hungry. At the basketball game Bill excused himself saying he needed to go to the restroom, and actually got something to eat because he was so hungry.
· We lived a few miles from each other for several years. One evening we had Gross Night where any manners were allowed (burping, etc.) We thought that if the kids were allowed to do anything on Gross Night hopefully, they might be interested in having good manners other times. On gross night Bill used Vaseline to grease his hands before he rang the doorbell. When my husband answered the door Bill pretended to sneeze and then offered his hand to my husband to shake hands. We all laughed.
· When Shana had two Guinea pigs, she asked future veterinarian Pegeen to watch them when we went on vacation. When we came back, Cindy was a lot smaller than when we had left. We wondered if she had been eaten by their dog while we were gone and they had replaced her with another brown Guinea pig, but it turns out she had been pregnant and had eaten 1 ½ of her babies. I didn’t share that part with Shana until many years later.
· As a water resource engineer Bill would say things like “It might be poop to other people but to me its my bread & butter”
· Bill assisted Doug with a serious water quality issue at Sierra Detroit Diesel Allison. Bill was able to prove that the problem was created by Alcan Aluminum, not Sierra DDA, saving significant money for the company. He was a hero.
· We hosted Joan and Bill’s 25th wedding anniversary surprise party at our home, given by Bill and Pegeen. It was wonderful to share their experience. Joan and Bill had never had a wedding cake that was more than one layer, so Bill & Pegeen ordered a double layer cake for the occasion. Bill & Joan were married in Seoul Korea when Bill was in the army so they got married 3 times; once for the Korean government, once for the U.S. government, and once for the Catholic Church.
· One Christmas we went to Joan and Bill’s house for turkey dinner. After eating the main course, we were all sitting there with a gravy laden plate. Pegeen said “should we get new plates for desert or should we just use these plates”. We all laughed.
· We often went sailing on Lafayette Reservoir with Joan and Bill on their sailboat. We really enjoyed it.
· Shortly after young Bill was born, we offered to baby sit for the weekend, and somehow our cat locked the door to the bathroom. Diane needed to go to the bathroom, but since there was no back yard at the apartment she had to go out to the street and use a bush to relieve herself.
· One time Thorson had to have antibiotic put on his private parts. Bill administered the ointment, and after the first few times Thorson seemed to enjoy it much more.
· When Joan and Bill were celebrating their 30th anniversary they had a party. They lived in Lafayette at the time and we lived Aptos. I thought that if it was a Korean meal, I wouldn’t like it because I don’t like Kimchee. I took a lot of filling snacks, and before we arrived, we stopped in a Safeway parking lot where I had some yogurt and snacks so that I wouldn’t be hungry at the party. It turns out they were having someone make really delicious things like egg rolls and other things I really liked, so I was really sorry I filled up on so many things before the party,
· One time when Dad was coming for lunch in Aptos, and Joan and Bill joined us from Lafayette. When Bill tasted the meal he said, “This meal is really delicious; what a surprise”. I said “it’s a surprise because it’s delicious and you weren’t expecting it at our house?” He paused and responded that he was surprised that it was a dinner instead of a lunch”. We all really laughed.
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I don't know how to start this message. I was heartbroken when I read the sad news. Reading your previous messages I had the hope Bill could recover, but... Everything has happened very fast. I'm extremely sorry.... I feel your grief, I am with you in this difficult moment, very far away but I hope you can feel my heart beating by yours.
Nobody is prepared for this farewell... on the other hand, I'm happy he could not suffer for a long time.
Since I read your message this week, I have lots of pictures of you two on my mind... walking along the beach, drinking wine, eating delicious food, wearing 3D googles ... you two have been living a lot of adventures around the world, together, side by side... sharing special moments... that's unique.
You have been always so kind with me... I will never forget that.
I'm happy you have your son and daughter near you. As you know, here you have your Spanish family too.
You can come whenever you like, with your grandchildren, friends, ... hope we can meet somewhere.
Joan, I send you a huge hug, full of love.
~Mónica XXX
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Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. Bill was a very special person and everybody will miss him so much. Today I have been thinking the very good moments we passed together in Spain and in United States and I will always be very grateful for your foster care when we were in your home and country. I know Bill has had a very happy life next to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to the whole family.
A huge Kiss ~Raquel
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Such sad news! But there is much to be thankful for too: Bill's battle with cancer was brief. I remember you told me about it just a couple of weeks ago when you sent my birthday greeting. Until then, it sounds like he was able to remain active right up to the end.
The two of you had almost 59 years together!!! Full of travel, the outdoors, family, good food and more. You both created a model of aging and togetherness.
With love and sympathy,
Joan
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Oh I am so sorry to hear of this Joan. Bill was a tremendous father figure to me. I am thankful you are close to Bill Jr and family now.
With much love,
Jeff
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Oh my goodness, Joan, we are shocked and sad. Bill was such an adventurer, interested in everything, and happy to listen to all. Our lives are a bit smaller without him in our midst.
Merike
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My eyes fill with tears as my heart reaches out to you and Bill’s family. He was much loved and a friend to all – how wonderful you were able to have almost 59 years of joy, laughter, and adventure together.
With great sadness,
Lee
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Our heats are broken today, learning of Bill’s death.
The world is certainly much darker now.
We were so fortunate to have known Bill, call him our friend and receive his fabulous hugs.
We know he’s at that great fishing hole on the other side, and he got a big one on his line. 🐟
We want you take great care of yourself and are sending hugs to you and your family. ❤️
Kristine and Jay
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What a wonderful life Bill had making a lasting impact on people all over the world! The values and principles he imparted to the younger generation of engineers will continue to bear fruit! May his memory continue to fill you with pride and joy!
Ingrid and Efton
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We were deeply saddened to learn that Bill had lost his battle with cancer, and we send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We were so fortunate to have reconnected with the two of you for the past several decades, and we enjoyed every visit with you.
Bill was a special guy, both personally and professionally, and he has left his mark on civil engineering world-wide. Bill's integrity was his hallmark. His sense of humor was infectious, and he was fun to be around.
We will miss him, and we will be thinking of you....
Love,
Connie and Vic
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With great sadness I pass along a notification of former member Bill Henry's passing. He moved to Colorado last Fall to be close to family. While here, Bill was a club member for several years and was well known for his keen ability to keep track of and vocalize how many outs there were as well as defense strategy for the next play. Both challenging issues for most of us. More importantly, Bill was a genuine friendly gentleman always ready to engage in conversation. Bill also served as our elected Secretary for several years.
Rest In Peace, Mr Henry.
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I was so sorry to hear about Bill. He was a wonderful man and enjoyed life to the fullest. We miss playing softball with him – he always kept us in line because he was the only one that knew the rules!
Sincerely, Karen
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It is a blessing to count yourself and Bill as friends. Among Bill’s many accomplishments, I count him as the ONLY Yankee fan I ever enjoyed spending time with.
Denny
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I met Bill through the softball group in January 2021. The first day of practice, Bill came up and introduced me and it was a very sincere welcome. From that time on we always said, “Hi!’ when practice started. Also, I played 1st base when Bill was playing 2nd. He really knew the game rules and shared lots of tips with me when we had men on base and what we needed to do to make a play. When we had the party with most of the players, I found out what a great guy he was helping other players on the team. Just glad I had time to meet him and know him. I know he is going to be missed a lot by many.
Sid
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He was indeed a man of many talents and interests and I feel it my privilege to have called both him and Joan my friends. He will be missed but long remembered.
Lee Stanley
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I was a neighbor of Bill and Joan in Sequim. I was always catching up on the history of our area. But no matter how many questions I had Bill always took the time to help me understand the issues. My guess is Bill loved teaching and especially when the spark goes off and his students understand. Thanks Bill for the extract time you took with me.
Michael Kleinberg
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We will always remember Bill as the ultimate host. He and Joan welcomed us numerous times, first in Lafayette and then in Sequim. He was a fantastic cook: We were always well fed. (I’d love to include his recipe for barbecued potatoes here, but don’t know how to do that.). His great stories engaged us, and he was wonderful at word play. We had to be on our toes so as not to miss his wry sense of humor. What a true friend he was as he sat next to me during a family emergency. His steadiness lent me the courage to make the decisions necessary - and then move on. We loved traveling through Spain together. Thank you dear Bill for being yourself all of the time: Making us laugh, shining light when it was dark, introducing us to the northwest, and making us feel so at home during our visits. We are missing you.
Gale & Ken
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Bill was one of the most hospitable people we have known. He and Joan always made us feel so welcomed in their home and Bill always had great stories to share. In all their travels, and wherever they lived they made lasting friendships. Bill will always hold a special place in our hearts. ~
Mitch and Janet Brandon
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We met Bill and Joan when we moved to Sequim, Wa. in 2017. It didn't take very long to feel as though we knew them for a long time. So welcoming! It didn't take long to realize that Bill was a natural born chef. He enjoyed the planning and the execution. His attention to detail was obvious and delicious. There are only a few people in your life who you immediately feel comfortable and "click" with. And Bill IS one of those special people. Happy memories.~Frankie and Bob Andrews
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It was an honor to spend time with Bill and Joan on many occasions. We had great conversations and laughter hiking together on mountains, on beaches, and through the woods. Bill was a sweet man who was always willing to share his wisdom and knowledge. We enjoyed getting to know Joan and Bill when we met them on a Rick Steves trip to Scandinavia. After that trip we enjoyed time on the trails on Bainbridge Island, the Grand Forest, Hurricane Ridge, Dungeness Spit, Lake Crescent, and so many other places in the Seattle area. Joan and Bill hosted us for dinner whenever we were back in the Seattle area and we exchanged stories of all of our travels. We enjoyed those evenings so much. We smile as we write this and we will always remember Bill fondly. Many hugs to Joan, and we will stay in touch always.
Eileen Abbott and Jim Beyea
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We only knew Bill and Joan a short time before his illness, but grew to become great friends and very close during that time. Bill was a handsome, intelligent gentleman who had a great sense of humor. We shared so many laughs and great times. Exploring new restaurants together was so much fun. Also, Bill was a wonderful chef along with his sidekick, Joan. His many contributions have made this world a finer place in which to live. He will always be missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
Patti and Mike Schwartz
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John's and my adventures with Bill started in 1964 when Joan arrived to marry Lt Henry. We were their "wedding party", the celebration of which resulted in my swearing off "white Russians" for life. Our most memorable adventure for which Bill checked out a three quarter ton army truck, was a camping trip to the East coast of Korea. After a day of floating on the sea on our air mattresses we settled down on the beach for the night until a South Korean soldier warned us with his cocked weapon that North Korean soldiers were in the area and we had better move. We did!
Over the years we were fortunate to join in Bill's love of adventure, the out of doors, and physical challenges. Together our two families totalling 5 kids backpacked in the Swiss Alps, hiked in the Italian Dolomites, and camped on what was then the coast of Yugoslavia. His sense of humor got us through a lot as did the fact that he was just plain fun to be with!
The last time I saw Bill was when I flew out to Seguim for Joan's wonderful 70th birthday celebration . This trip highlighted his cooking and fishing skills, as well as his superb graciousness as a host. I managed to leave my only car keyes behind and he jumped through hoops to quickly get them back to me in Maine - an illustration of his helpfulness, patience, and kindness. Also his dedication and passion for ethical engineering speaks volumes about his character.
Bill remained connected through annual Christmas notes and occasional phone calls. His friendship has been constant in my life and will continue through the very special memories we share.
Nancy Adams
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Bill was the quintessential "great guy." Joy and I always loved and looked forward to our dinner times together with joan and Bill. I always enjoyed playing senior softball and teasing each other during our efforts to play the game. We will miss him.
Vern and Joy
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It was about a year ago that I met Bill shortly after he and Joan moved to Colorado. The occasion was a dinner party reuniting Joan with 6 of her high school classmates from Chappaqua NY who now live in Colorado. As soon as Bill was introduced and welcomed into the group, he immediately engaged each of us showing his interest and enthusiasm to learn more about our teenage experiences and antics. His keen and witty sense of humor readily became apparent. Bill took out his phone to take notes on some of the specific episodes: some good and some not so good! Although Joan and Bill had lived in Boulder some years ago, Bill sought suggestions on exciting and interesting places to explore and things to do in Colorado. We discussed the potential for group adventures. Subsequently this same group gathered again during the Summer 2022 for lunch. Bill picked up where we previously left off. He focused on every one of us as if he had known each for years. Bill had become one of “us”. It was unfathomable to learn that this strong, seemingly healthy, and adventuresome man, full of life and love, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Bill fought the battle with all his might. But his battle was swift, and his suffering was relatively short which has merits. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Joan, Bill Jr, Pegeen and all of his loving family. His was a life well-lived!
Lydia
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The website is a beautiful, touching tribute to Bill. After reading the memories and stories, I feel I know him a little better now. The two of you had such an interesting and fascinating life together. Your individual talents and interests complimented each other, providing unique enrichment to your long marriage. We will bring Bill along with us on our Spain adventure.
Love, Colette
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We have been reminiscing about the many fun times we had with you and Bill over the years. Hikes in the Sierras, beaching in Sequim, many many dinners over the years often with Bill as the creative force. What a guy!
Jean and Fred
There are so many wonderful memories of Bill we treasure, but that would be a lengthy essay. We have dined and wined at Bill's and Joan's home and they at ours. We shared stories of travel around the world and they have toured Sabah (Malaysia), my country of birth. Bill, the gourmet chef appreciates culinary delights. He borrowed my South East Asian Specialties cook book which has recipes of such exotic dishes that Anthony Bourdain loved. Cocktails on the beach at their Sequim home were a delight. Cheers to you, Bill! With much love.
Rosie & Jay
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. So many good memories of fishing together.
Bob Houtz
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