William was born August 20, 1953, and passed January 5, 2020. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret and William Ward. William is survived by his sister, Monica Salazar, niece Kristina Salazar, stepsisters Karen Sheldon and Valerie Wallace and his extended Olympia family.
William was born in Germany where he was adopted by his mother and father. His family moved to Olympia, Washington. William attended North Thurston High School, graduating class of 1972. Following graduation, William joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at McCord Air Force Base, Tacoma, Washington. He spent time traveling throughout Europe and later settled in San Francisco, California before moving to Washington D.C. and making his home in Silver Spring, Maryland.
William was a senior budget analyst at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. In 2008, William transferred to United States Army Medical Unit – Kenya, remaining there until 2013. William loved Nairobi and Kenya, South Africa and considered it home. He was looking forward to returning and seeing his many friends.
William loved books and reading about history, government and politics. He was passionate about travel and made lifelong friends in every corner of the world. He enjoyed golf, a game his mother also loved, and playing bridge with friends. William loved to sing. William sang in his church choir and simply for pleasure – he had a beautiful voice. William loved the opera. He and friends would make a weekend of taking the train to New York City and attending the Metropolitan Opera. William was an active Maryland Terrapin basketball fan, a San Francisco 49ers football fan – often joking with his Seattle friends about who would win the Super Bowl. You would also hear him say, Go Army, beat Navy! And he was a Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan.
We will remember William for his contagious laughter and smile, his quick wit and devilish humor and his love of life, family and friends. He was thoughtful, honest and kind. He made everyone feel like family. We should all live like William!
Graveside service, Saturday, February 15th, 2020, 2:00 p.m.
Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Reception to follow at Eagles Landing Clubhouse, 2257 E. Eagle Ln. SW, Tumwater
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