William Hamert Wingfield

In the late 1970’s, he escaped the cold winters of Cleveland shoveling snow and moved to San Diego where he always said “no one dies from cutting grass”.

In 1991, he met and later married his surviving wife Sheila Wingfield. He is also survived by his daughter Brenda Wingfield; sister and brother-in-law Rita and Ted Rivers; granddaughter Michele Leaks; grandson Marc Wingfield; and three great-granddaughters, Carmela, Melanie and Stephanie.

For 20+ years, Wing was a professional dancer and also taught modern dance. He had a lengthy career as a Registered Nurse to mental health patients, retiring from San Diego Hospice in 1996 after three years of service. Wing was also an accomplished artist; he loved working with wood and carved many beautiful pieces over the years.

Wing had many occupations, interests, and hobbies throughout his life but the one primary love was his music. He was a master percussionist starting early in life. He loved playing his drums and all the “toys that made noise”. He played for many years with fellow musicians in San Diego, developing enduring friendships along the way and many wonderful memories.

In January 2009, Wing and Sheila moved from San Diego to Las Vegas to enjoy retirement. They immediately got involved with the music community, primarily through the Las Vegas Jazz Society, and attending the “Jazz Appreciation” class offered through UNLV for several semesters. Wing soon made many friends with fellow musicians, singers and jazz lovers.

The most obvious thing that struck people was his “bigger than life” personality and that huge smile he always wore. He was a loving human being with a generous heart and big bear hugs for all he knew. This is how he will be remembered.