William Bill Cahill

Bill Cahill passed away tragically in Arcata on January 21st. He was the second youngest child of Leonard and Bridget Cahill. Born in Oregon City, Oregon,

Bill spent his childhood years in Loyalton, California where he began his love for the outdoors and his life-long passion for hunting and fishing. Bill came to Arcata with his family in 1955 and attended Arcata High, graduating in 1961, and later College of the Redwoods. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, and soon after married his wife of 49 years, Carole Peterson. Together they have three children, Tom, Scott and Lynette. After being honorably discharged Bill, Carole and family returned to Arcata where he worked in local mills in Humboldt County and Southern Oregon. Later he worked for Good Year Tire and Rubber when he won West Coast Salesman of the Year and a trip to meet the President and CEO of the company. In 1971, with a $1,000 loan from his father, Bill started his career at the Arco Service Station on the corner of 11th and K in Arcata, a business he owned and operated for 41 years until his death. During that time he developed a truly loyal customer base, most of whom knew him well, and others who knew him as "the guy who would pump your gas and wash your windshield for free." He was a generous person who took great joy in sharing what he had with others. In addition to being an avid hunter and fisherman, Bill spent years bowling and enjoyed playing cribbage with his close friend Ken David. He was a long time member of the Orick Weekenders Club and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his cabin on Fresh Water Lagoon.

Bill is preceded in death by parents Leonard and Bridget Cahill and brother-in-laws Alan Rohrbach and John Silva. He is survived by his children and spouses, Tom and Jacki Cahill, Scott Cahill and Lynette and Donnie Young, grandson Brad Van Duzer as well as siblings and spouses, John and Elaine Cahill, Richard and Pat Cahill, Shannon and Dale Gier, Catherine and Banjo Dellabalma, Gary Cahill, Nancy Silva and his brother-in-laws and spouses, Clarence and Omaha Peterson, John Peterson and Philip and Vergie Peterson, including numerous nieces and nephews and special cousin John Kelsey.

Pall bearers will be Russell Peterson, Richard and David Rohrbach, Chris and Greg Cahill, Tony and Joe Dellabalma.

Visitation hours at Paul's Chapel will be Friday, January 27 from 4-7 with the Rosary at 7 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held the following day at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 11 AM with reception immediately following at Levey Hall. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity .

Care is under the direction of Paul's Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata, CA.