William A. Gomes

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of William A. Gomes. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. William was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, William was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on February 3, 1947, William showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. William came into this world at Lemoore Hospital in Lemoore, California. His parents were Unknown. William was raised in Maui, Hawaii and Fresno, California.

Because fellowship was so important to him, William promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with 2 Brothers. William was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, William interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. William had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. William took part in Surfing in his younger teenage years up until 19 to 20 years of age and then moved to California. William's memorable achievements included surfing, he was very good at it, loved the sun and the beach and the thrill of catching & riding the big waves!

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, William was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Hawaii in 1965. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. Popular, kind, got along with others; however did get in a fight once after that the natives of Hawaii High School accepted him as he was so dark skinned from the sun and surfing all the time.

William's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest him. William became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, William was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew William, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. William enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help.

William was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On I believe he was in his late 30's early 40's William exchanged wedding vows with Marisol at Las Vegas or Reno of Nevada.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how William was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. William was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. William was blessed with one child, 1 son. They were also blessed with more then one.

William projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, William was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. William could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was Motorcycle & Car Custom painting and pinstriping and art work included. Also owned his own Business in Tower District for 20+ years. He was employed for Greatful Dead Shop, Smoke Shop, Hooka Bar & Pub. He also toured with Greatful Dead selling Greatful Dead memorabelia at concerts, hungout with them. Had lunch with The Doobie Brothers. Loved going to concerts!

William was not able to join due to broken ear drum as a child.

As an imaginative and inventive person, William was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once William took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were, played electric guitar and harmonica. Collecting 60's memorabelia Greatful Dead, riding his 1945 panhead with a suicide clutch and swing arm, custom paint job he did himself! Awesome! His pride and joy he built himself. Working on his Toyota Celica turbo charged midnight blue. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

William was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school, William played Football. William was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football but most favorite was Nascar Racing, Loved it!

Because William was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. No organizations, he worked to help his mom out and surfed in his free time.

William's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for him. It was a philosophy that he carried into his community activities and service. Politically, William was a Strong Democrat.

William was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. During that time, he was just long discussions on religion, strongly believed in God, the Bible, Church ect. Strong believer in Karma and Death our Creator.

William was a well-respected man who was charitable in every way. He would contribute without hesitation for the benefit of others. As a result, William received many accolades for varied efforts throughout his life. Unknown.

William possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Unkown.

William was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of William's favorites was Missy his cat . They were best friends for William had his cat Missy for 14 years give or take. He loved her so much that when Missy passed, she passed away in his arms. His family was rounded out by his cat Chilli and her baby with only three legs Lola.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, William accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in retired since 2009, and William was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Fresno, California.

William passed away on November 30, 2013 at Valley Care Center Convalescent Hospital, Fresno California. He had COPD. He is survived by 1 brother (youngest) his Son and his grandchild. Services were held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory. William was laid to rest in Ashes to be scattered in San Francisco or Pismo. Preferably San Francisco since this is where the Hippy 60's ERA began and all the great like Janis, JImmy, Beatles, Greatful Dead etc did their thing and contributed and greatly changed Rock & Roll... Hell music in general Forever! Music, fast cars, motorcycles and beautiful women were his true passions in life. He lived a very full & interesting life. He was also very intelligent & educated. if Bill said "it was so then it was so!" Very knowledgeable, very handsome back in the day & very maticulas about his appearance. William was very proud of his accomplishments and unique experiences and mostly his reputation in the Tower District, Fresno in General. He worked very hard for it and definately deserved the recognition and attention. People loved to sit and talk with the "Wizard" he was wize beyond his years. He was loved and admired by all who knew him. He will not fade away! He will live forever in our hearts & memories. "He is gone but never forgotten!" "Out of sight but never out of mind!" Rest in Peace William aka The Wizard We Love You! Rock & Roll Will Never Die!

Though he could be a private person at times, William was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. William carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, William A. Gomes shared himself freely and family and friends will remember William for the strength of his convictions.