William R. McCollum

William Richard McCollum, he was a son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He lived an interesting life. Although he followed an unconventional path, one thing was always clear-he loved to make people happy. He did that by using his best talent-playing the piano. He use to say that as a boy he was so upset with his mother for making him stay in on Saturdays and practice piano and listen to opera, but then as an adult was so grateful. He played piano at every opportunity even into his 80s he would play at "old folks" homes and loved to tell stories about the "old" people there even if they were not much older, or not as old as him.

He was a traveler and a story teller. His passion was flying and that is why he joined the Air National Guard. That was probably the longest relationship he ever had. He loved being in the military and enjoyed the relationships he made there. He would tell countless stories about the places he went and the people he met. So many, in fact, that it is impossible to recall any of them in detail. He had sparkling blue eyes and made friends everywhere he traveled.

His talent, his laugh and his ability to live by his own rules will be missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, Torrance, CA.