"Bill"

     Bill was born March 27, 1944 in Long Beach California and grew up in Southern & Northern California, Washington, and Delaware. He graduated from high school in Dover Delaware in 1962. In 1963 we met in a chemistry class at the University of Delaware. We were married June 27, 1964, in Wilmington Delaware.
     In August we moved to California and Bill began working at Douglas Aircraft Company as a truck driver. He moved into management in the transportation department, then the facilities department, eventually becoming an ombudsman at McDonnell-Douglas. His last position was as the Ethics Director in the military transport section of Boeing.
     Daughter Michelle Elyn was born in January 1967, and son David Christopher was born in May 1970. Bill delighted in making up games for them and their friends, taking them to the park, and having great family vacations. He rejoiced when grandchildren Travis, Kierstin and Kelli were born to daughter Michelle and her husband Billy, and enjoyed being involved in their lives and activities.
     His ministries at church included heading up the bus ministry, serving as a deacon, team teaching an adult Sunday school class, and for 15 years teaching the Joy Class for the developmentally disabled adults.
     Community activities included co-founding Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California and serving on the board. He enjoyed rescuing basset hounds from shelters and abusive situations and placing them in loving homes.
     He also served on the board of directors for the Employee Community Fund of McDonnell-Douglas and then the Boeing Co. He thoroughly enjoyed giving away millions of dollars to charities in Southern California which attempt to meet the needs of people in every situation imaginable.
     On November 7, 2000, he received the diagnosis of renal cell cancer that had metastasized to his spine, and declared that he hadn't been Y2K compatible after all! In Feb. 2001, the cancer spread to his brain. He anticipated one last highlight, attending our son's wedding on Feb 24. It was a wonderful, God-blessed evening, a memory we will all cherish.
     Bill went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 3, 2001, surrounded by family and friends. He touched so many hearts and lives. His quick mind, wisdom, integrity, love for people and most of all his unique sense of humor made us all better people for knowing him, and he made things more fun too. His passing has left a hole in this world that will not be filled, and he will never be forgotten.
     Thank you to all of you for your prayers love and support. You have truly shown God's love and grace. In Christ, Pat James

From the Program:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

"Well done, good and faithful servant! ...Come and share your master's happiness!"

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

(photo taken at florist)

The card from the BHRSC flower arrangement said,
"We miss you.  From the Board of Directors and volunteers of Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California and all the Bassets you saved."

The dangling, empty leash evoked many tears.