Bill was proceeded in death by father William Hamilton McEwan Sr., mother Muriel Leven, son Jared, and grandson Jacob.
He is survived by his wife Janet; sisters Nancy (Carl) Houser (NJ), Janice (David d.2015) Kloc (PA), Rosemary (Artie) Mursch (NJ), Debbie (Kevin) Powers (FL); children Allyson McEwan (CO), William Hamilton (Meagan) McEwan III (KY), Brenden McEwan (AZ), Troy Shockey (AZ), James (Jennifer) Verbrugge (MN); grandchildren Jasmine, Zachary, Tyler (Cerina), Seth (Jodie), Michael, Grace, Samuel, Mykaela, Caleb, Mary, Simon, Elliott ("Milo"); great grandchildren Aiden, Maya, Damien, Gabriel, Lily, Trenton, Emmett. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill graduated from Kearny High School in 1961.
Bill continued his education at Gettysburg College, during which he was captain of the soccer team and served as both Secretary and President of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1965.
In 1966, Bill was accepted into Officer Training School for the United States Air Force, where he was commisioned as a Lieutenant upon completion. He was then stationed in Germany, with a high security clearance, doing surveillance manuevers aboard C3 aircraft over enemy lines. During his service, he was promoted to Captain and was honorably discharged in 1970.
After his military service, Bill enrolled in the University of Colorado Law School, from which he received his Juris Doctorate degree. He was awarded the Order of the Coif for high excellence in the study of law.
Bill commenced his legal career with the law firm of Gorsuch, Kirgis, Campbell, Walker and Grover in 1973, concentrating in the area of electric utility law. He achieved partnership in 1977. In 1991, he resigned from Gorsuch Kirgis and continued practicing as a sole practitioner, representing cities and municipalities mostly in Southern Colorado until October 2019. During his career, he appeared before the Public Utilities Commision in numerous rate case hearings. He also drafted legislation and appeared before the Legislature to present potential new rate and regulation measures. One of his many achievements as an attorney was arguing before the United States Supreme Court and receiving a majority ruling in favor of his client.
Bill's passions were first and foremost family, volunteering and coaching for both Colorado and Arizona Special Olympics, college sports, reading, traveling, antiquing and stamp collecting.
Bill had the kind of personality that drew everyone in with his charm and interest in each person as an individual. There was no such thing as a stranger and he could converse with people from all walks of life. His favorite times were holding court with his many humorous stories and educating anyone who would listen about his knowledge in politics, religion, history, opera and any other topics du jour.
Bill was a kind and forgiving man and offered encouragment to family and friends to obtain their dreams and goals, often times helping them in the process.
His presence will be forever missed.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS IN BILL'S NAME TO:
THE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
Attn Donor Support
8 East 41st Street
8th Floor
New York, NY 10017
