William Douglas Badger

07/30/1941

12/30/2024

It is with heavy hearts the family of William Douglas Badger (Bill) announce his peaceful passing. He was an extraordinary man whose devotion, kindness, and loyalty will be deeply missed. He was husband to wife Sandie, a loving father to daughters Ashley and Lindsay, a caring son, and a treasured grandfather to Hayden. Bill was a successful advertising executive and philanthropist. He dedicated his life to making the world kinder and happier for everyone he touched.

Born and raised in Trenton, Michigan, Bill was the cherished son of Ruth and Harry Badger. They encouraged their children to pursue their passions, fostering a love for education, sports, and the arts that would shape Bill's remarkable life.

Bill was an accomplished and astute academic and athlete in high school, and he was known for his unwavering dedication to excellence. He excelled as president of numerous student organizations in college, where his charisma and vision inspired others to join him in achieving ambitious goals. A natural leader, he guided his collegiate community through many noteworthy and memorable academic milestones, often mentoring and encouraging those around him to reach their fullest potential. Known for his kind-hearted, compassionate, and loving nature, Bill built lasting relationships rooted in mutual respect and admiration. Bill's genuine care for others and ability to uplift those around him left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate to know him.

Bill first met Sandie at the Homecoming Ball during his sophomore year at Western Michigan University, beginning a lifelong love story. Their shared values and unwavering support for one another became the foundation of their enduring marriage. Bill married Sandie after college and thus began his ambitious pursuit in the advertising world as an advertising executive. They relocated to New York City and built a career in one of the most competitive industries. Over the next two decades, he held senior executive positions at some of the most prestigious global firms, including J. Walter Thompson, BBDO, and DMB&B. His work exemplified creativity and innovation and reflected his ability to lead with integrity and inspire teams to achieve greatness.

In 1993, Bill became the President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. For over two decades, he dedicated himself to helping individuals with vision loss and multiple disabilities to lead independent lives, leaving a legacy of compassion and hope. During his tenure, he pioneered and launched the "Healing Autism" program, which paired children with autism and specially trained service dogs. This initiative provided invaluable support to families, fostering safety and companionship for the children involved. Bill's vision and dedication greatly improved the lives of those facing unique challenges.

His proudest role was as a devoted husband, nurturing and loving father and grandfather and found immense joy in these roles. He shared his passion for sports and the arts with his daughters. From an early age, Bill taught the girls how to ski and sail, amongst others. Instilling in them a love for adventure and the outdoors. He encouraged them to strive for excellence and shoot for the stars in everything they pursued. Bill was an accomplished artist and photographer, his girls thrived in his presence with his unwavering support. He was truly a one-of-a-kind man whose impact on his family and those around him made him the greatest of all time.

Bill was a member of the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club in Beach Haven, NJ, and the Coral Beach and Tennis Club in Bermuda. Bill loved his country. He served in the Michigan and New York United States Air Force Reserves. He is survived by his wife of many years, Sandie, daughters Ashley Badger and Lindsay Badger Roth and granddaughter Hayden Mae Roth.

In lieu of flowers donations to Tunnel to Towers and Boston College Flynn Fund preferred.

Thank You.

With love,

The Badger Family