Bill grew up in the Denver area and graduated from Manual High School in 1984. While there, he was active in Drill Team and ROTC, becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the Fifth Battalion Unit of the Denver Junior ROTC Program. Four days after his graduation, Bill was off to serve his country in the Navy. He served as a Gunners Mate on the USS Coontz.
After completing his time in the Navy, he returned to Denver where he worked several odd jobs. He worked as an assistant in the surgical department at St. Joseph Hospital, delivered glass, worked as a Realtor, and as a Fraud Analyst at Verizon. While at Verizon, Bill completed his Associate Degree in Process Control at Red Rocks Community College.
With this degree, Bill began his career as a Process Operator at Suncor Energy, eventually becoming a Chief Operator. He was a proud member of the Suncor Energy Fire Department and Emergency Service Team which responds to all medical, fire, rescue and environmental emergencies at the refinery. Serving with this team ignited his love of firefighting and rescue, which led him to participate in four 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs.
On May 25, 2019, Billy had a blind date with Traci, the woman who would eventually become the love of his life. They were married on September 25, 2021 in Iowa. Traci and Billy shared a lifetime of memories in the brief time they were lucky to have together. They had a mutual passion for travel and adventure, taking them from Alaska to Walt Disney World and beyond.
Billy loved Traci, firefighting, watching his nephews Hunter and KC play hockey, his Jeep Zeke, Devo, Prince, Zombie Movies, The Walking Dead, John Wick, Steak, BBQing, Bacon, and being pup dad to Hugo and Henri. He reluctantly was pulled into the Wonderful World of Disney by Traci, and eventually, he begrudgingly grew to love it.
Visitation will take place Thursday, January 25, 9:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 10:30 at Olinger Highland Funeral Home, 10201 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Allegiance Ranch and Equine Rescue (https://allegianceranch.org).
