William Franklin Rose

Bill Rose was not very tall, but he was a giant by other measurements. His intelligence, his stamina, his determination, his humor, his generosity, his loyalty, his love and his heart all made him a titan. Born April 20, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill grew up deeply rooted in the values of hard work, personal responsibility and making the most of what life offered.

On countless occasions, Bill demonstrated his commitment to being the best father, husband, friend, boss, entrepreneur, and athlete he could be. One of his lifelong friends, Mike Franko, remembers his high school and college buddy as one of the toughest and fiercest competitors he has known. Mike will never forget the time Bill lost a shoe in a mile-long race and kept running on cinders for three laps, tearing up his barefoot but winning the race!

As a record-setting long-distance runner, Bill understood what it took to finish the race and win at the game of life. He applied his knowledge, strength and dedication to serving his country, building a family, creating a pioneering business and developing an academic career. After 10 years in the United States Air Force, he continued to support the military in countless ways, often picking up the tab for American service members and their families anonymously.

When he left the Air Force to start his career at IBM, Bill was a single dad to his twin daughters, Angela and Jessica, and his son, Michael. They have memories of him as a dedicated parent who showed his love in countless ways. Whether it was coming home from work to untangle the hairbrush in Angela’s hair, to taking a breakdancing class with Angela and Jessica, getting down right alongside the twins and learning how to moonwalk.

For Michael, the most treasured moments are those when he sat and talked with his Dad, sharing familiar stories, bad jokes and his dry wit. Most of all, he holds dear the deep discussions that provided great life advice and inspiration. It’s easy to understand why Bill’s children looked up to him when you hear these words of wisdom given to Michael. He told him, “Life is like Tarzan swinging through the jungle. You always need to keep looking out for the next vine ahead of you and grab it when the time is right.” What Bill taught them about working hard, understanding the value of money and keeping an eye out for the next opportunity are lessons his children hope will keep his legacy as a guiding light for present and future generations.

Bill had already made a lasting impression of love and loyalty on his family and friends by the time his career took him to work near Washington, D.C. He continued applying his considerable talents to elevate the technical support field. While there, he met the love of his life, Dorcy Bowman. They found common ground to plant their mutual passion for family, friends and professional achievements.

Soon after Bill and Dorcy moved to San Diego, they launched the Software Support Professionals Association (SSPA) in 1989, the first business community for technical support professionals. As its founder and chief executive officer for 15 years, Bill transformed technical support from a misunderstood and often maligned vocation into a highly valued, mission-critical arm of successful enterprises worldwide.

When he sold the company, Bill continued to contribute to SSPA’s success, helping it merge with other associations to become TSIA, one of the largest professional groups in the tech industry. He was a master of public speaking and kept audiences mesmerized at SSPA conferences. Bill later became a sought-after international speaker recognized as a global expert and leading authority on technical support services. Before retiring, this business visionary earned an MBA in Management Information Systems to share his knowledge as a professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Arizona.

While working diligently on career achievements, this giant of the technical support industry also became a connoisseur of fine whiskey, cars and cigars. He fell in love with golfing, traveling and experiencing the good things in life. He reached his goal of getting a Professional Golf Association card. One of the highlights of his golf outings was playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament with his father-in-law, Gus, as his caddy.

Bill and Dorcy shared their joy of exploring the world throughout their marriage, but nothing meant more than the time they spent together at home and with family and friends. Their homes were where their twin daughters, son and all their relatives and friends could come and have fun, reconnect and support each other.

Laughter was always at the heart of Bill and Dorcy’s relationship. Dorcy frequently had a starring role in her husband’s stories and tales. Whenever Bill shared his stories, Dorcy made sure his audience knew that the story would be “based on a true story.” He was as enthusiastic about storytelling and making people laugh as sharing his fondness for music, sports and tech gadgets.

His humor and fighting spirit kept this exceptional human being going through the curve balls life threw his way. In later years, Bill held on to the joy of living as he dealt with significant health challenges. What he had given in his relationships returned to him through the love and devotion his wife, children, and friends, including his son-in-law Eddy Ford, gave during Bill's most difficult days.

Bill was a giant in the lives of the people he loved, taught and helped. He lives on in the hearts of everyone he touched in his 72 years on earth. His magnificent spirit is alive in the treasured memories of his wife, Dorcy Bowman Rose; twin daughters, Angela Kay Childress and Jessica Kay Ford; son, Michael Robert Rose; son-in-law Eddy Joe Ford; mother-in-law, Barbara Bowman and sister-in-law, Laure Bowman.

He is remembered by his grandchildren, Parker Kent Childress, Hannah Colleen Jaen, Mason Robert Childress, Afton Kaye Ford, Ethan William Ford, and his great-granddaughter, Amara Kathleen Jaen. Other survivors include his brother Robert Rose and his wife Melanie, sisters Kat Morrell and Deborah Rose, and many other relatives, friends and colleagues.