Captain William "Bill" .... "GranDad" George Dick USCG, Ret

William George Dick, Captain, United States Coast Guard, Retired, passed away on May 25,2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Medford, Oregon to Lester Walter and Gertrude Louella (nee Shade) Dick, Bill arrived on October 27, 1928.

A 1950 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London Connecticut, Bill's class was among the first to sail the U.S.C.G.C. Eagle on a world tour. Bill dedicated his life to serving our nation. His prestigious career spanned 30 years including nearly 10 years at sea. Bill served aboard the U.S.C.G. cutters Aurora, Ponchartrain and Conifer and commanded the cutters Sweetbrier, Active and Midgett. Of the later ships, responsibility for the pre-commissioning of Active and Midgett, were proud accomplishments for Bill.

Upon retiring from the Coast Guard, in 1980, he and his family settled in Sebastopol, California on a ranch that served for the perfect place to plant his garden including 80 apple trees. He named the ranch Apples Aweigh, this place brought Bill so much joy. During this time, he served as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for a prestigious savings and loan institution. He also served as Foreman of the Sonoma County Grand Jury.

During his time in the Coast Guard, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Booth-Brown. The happy couple married in Miami, Florida on December 23, 1955. Together they spent 58 years adoring each other. On their 50th anniversary, their son Jim asked him “How did you make 50 years work?” Bill replied, with a big smile on his face, “I just shut up!.” Working together is what kept them together according to Pat. What ever the formula... it worked for 58 years, which is something admirable in itself by today's standards.

Together, they raised their children, Erin, William, and James. Being a wonderful father, Bill met the challenges of parenthood with ease and seamlessly evolved into "Grandad" as being a family man was paramount to him. Adoring his grandchildren, and wanting to spend more time with them, Grandad took up coaching soccer. He first coached with the Parks Department, then with AYSO. He felt that quality and promise of our youth were contrary to what the media implied. He always gave 110% of everything he had, and himself, into doing the right things and was an avid supporter of many worthy causes and organizations

In 1989, after moving to Phoenix, he planted a dozen citrus trees and a garden to keep the feel of Apples Aweigh close. He and Pat moved to Chandler in 1999, and he again planted fruit trees and garden beds. The highlights from his later years were the visits to and from his children and grandchildren.

Being exemplary in character, Bill was a tremendous role model. Leaving a wonderful impression on the hearts of those who had the opportunity to know him, Bill will forever be missed. He has been quoted as saying “The future looks bright.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, their children... Erin Mantooth, William (Teresa) Dick, James Dick, and Rebecca (David) Stephenson, the grandchildren.... Anthony, Jesse, Marcus, Nickolas, Joshua, Jessica, Jonathan, Mitchell, Melinda, Miranda, Sara, Jessica, Jared, Jeremy, Alexander, and Nathaniel, and 12 great grandchildren; his sister Bette D. Dodds, nieces and nephews ... Dana, Steve, Cathy, Ted and Dan... and all of their extended families. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ted Dick and his nephew David Dodds.

A man couldn't be admired or loved more...... We will all miss him dearly!

Arrangements are entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care, 6747 East Broadway Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480)830-4422. The family invites you to share memories of Bill, by visiting their website at www.MariposaGardens.com.