Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 on his 82nd birthday.

Born and raised in Tacoma, Wash., he attended the University of Washington. Bill moved to the Bay Area and owned and operated a National Sales Training School until he started his own real estate company in Burlingame. He retired to Danville and later to Discovery Bay.

Bill was very active in the Discovery Bay community. He loved living on the water and jet skiing or boating to the Sugar Barge for lunch. Bill enjoyed many years as a member of the Discovery Bay Yacht Club and Discovery Bay Country Club, and was a longtime member of Sons in Retirement (SIR Branch 161–Discovery Bay). He enjoyed golf, poker and more recently bocce and bowling, especially after scoring 263 in the Monday SIR’s Bowling League. One of his greatest pleasures was watching his grandchildren play and compete in their sports.

Bill enjoyed writing. His humorous, tongue-in-cheek style was enjoyed by many. He first wrote for the Senior Column for the Blackhawk News and recently the Discovery Bay Press and the Contra Costa Times. His “Our World” and “A Senior Moment” columns are very popular. He was extraordinary at love letters as well.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicky; son, Gavin; daughter, Diane Schicke (Paul); grandchildren, Brandon and Ryan Faulk, and Alex and Victoria Brown; sister, Betty Vincent of Gig Harbor; nieces and nephews from Washington; and new and longtime friends.

A Celebration of Life was held at the Delta Community Presbyterian Church in Discovery Bay. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bill’s memory to the American Heart Association.