Bill and his brother Steve were Sigma Phi fraternity brothers of mine when we all were at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in early 1960s. Being a year ahead of me, Bill took it upon himself to show me the ropes. We all enjoyed Bill’s guitar playing, especially at our Saturday night parties. We got on well after we went our separate ways upon graduation and we remained close friends throughout our lives. Bill was an easy going, friendly, kind and smart man.  We last saw one another in August 2011 in Ojai, CA where we met at the home of another fraternity brother and we could see those fine traits had not diminished at all

I shall miss him, as will my wife, Nora, as she, too, knew and liked Bill. What we have are our fond memories of a fine friendship with Bill that we’ll we keep until our dying days. 

Leif and Nora Salvesen
Plano, Texas

Jim and I were neighbors with Bill for several years. We enjoyed his tales of his yearly week long fishing trips. Bill was so talented at building model airplanes, flying them, and on occasion, mending them. When grandchildren came, Bill’s carpenter skills produced chairs and other furniture all painted beautifully. It was fun visiting his garage to see his latest project. Bill’s super friendly personality and his sparkly blue eyes made him a friend to all.

We miss him and remember him fondly.

Rest in peace Bill.

Marty and Jim

I am so glad to have known Bill. He was always such a friendly and welcoming guy to me. I loved to spend time with him and Flo and loved to visit with them at the weekends, chatting endlessly, sipping on martinis and listening to music, walking along the beach in Del Mar, taking trips into and around San Diego, dining out, etc. Such wonderful memories I will never forget. Bill gave the best hugs, and he made the absolute best martinis ever!! We will all miss him so very much. Rest in Peace now dear Bill. Flo, sending all my love to you  my dearest friend and to Jason and Jen, Jill and Matt, and all the grandchildren at this very sad time.

Bill was a delightful man, and we are so sorry at his passing. We shared many  picnics at the beach and other get-togethers with Bill and Flo and friends. We enjoyed him so much and the many conversations we had about life and so many other things. He obviously loved the beach and his many fishing trips! He was so devoted, with Flo, to all their grandkids! We are so glad to have been friends with Bill, he was one of the good guys! We send all our love to Flo and to the family.

RIP Bill! I cherish the memories and conversations we had. Even if you were a Padres fan. 😉 🙏🏻❤️

First, Bill was my mom’s boyfriend. He met me at my worst, a 16-year-old teenage girl. He took my mom on dates, they went line dancing, he rode a motorcycle. Things got serious with them and unfortunately, he moved to Colorado for work. Mom and I were set on moving out there after I graduated. He ended up coming back to California and was there for my high school graduation. He helped me move into the dorms at college and held my mom’s hand as she said goodbye to me. 
Then, Bill became my mom’s husband and he became step-dad. They married at the courthouse in front of me, Jason, and my grandma. It was a happy moment but also many funny moments. They retired in Del Mar and travelled the world together. From Russia, Peru, Africa, Egypt to US national parks. We often went camping in the mountains or Carlsbad state beach. 
He was there as I graduated college and would talk to me about what I was learning as I followed in his footsteps of marketing. He took me to marketing networking events and market research focus groups. 
We danced to 'Stand By Me' for my father daughter dance at my wedding.  
And then, Bill became the world’s greatest Papa to mine and Jason’s children. He formed a special and unique bond with each of them individually. He was there for birthday parties, holidays, baseball and soccer games and musical performances. The kids absolutely adored and loved their Papa, and he loved them. 
I am forever grateful for Bill and what he brought to our family. He will be immensely missed, and a piece of my heart will be missing.

To sum up my dad in a couple paragraphs would be impossible .  
 When life landed us in Del Mar, we quickly realized that the southern California lifestyle was in our DNA. As he discovered his absolute love of the ocean and fishing, our days were spent at the beach, him fishing me surfing. We incorporated building model airplanes into remote control gliders and learned to fly them (and crash them) together. He spent countless hours at the skatepark snapping pictures and our freezer was always overflowing with tuna and other fish that he would catch. 
Our Thanksgivings were always the coolest adventure. We would pick a direction, find a destination and off we went to Zion, and the redwoods or Mexico. The destination was always less important than the journey. 
His love of music and playing the guitar had rubbed off on me so much that I made music my career for much of my life. 
When I informed him that he was going to be a grandfather for the first time his response was “I’m not old enough to be a grandpa” 😂 and welcomed his granddaughter with open arms and love. 
I hope you are catching your limit of yellowfin and albacore and patiently glueing the gliders back together….
Going to miss you dad, much love.

Bil with his first wife and two sons  1972

Bill showing his mother his son David Paul Eckles with his Adopted son Christian Eckles. 1967

Flo—I’m so deeply sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for you and the rest of the family. Sending you strength and peace during this incredibly difficult time. 

~Peace,
Martin  (Jason’s friend)

Bill was just an all around great guy. Really enjoyed being around him every time I had the opportunity. Each time I saw him, it felt like we had just hung out recently, even if it had been a while. I’ll always remember the conversations we had about music. He’d always pick my brain and I loved it. He was so thoughtful and was always asking how people are doing.  Bill, you’ll be greatly missed.

A very pleasant man to talk to. We enjoyed Bill when we would see him for the family holiday parties in Agoura, CA. - Skip and Joy.

My brother-in-law Bill always enjoyed visiting us in Colorado, especially in Aspen for his 70th birthday.  Although he was a deep sea fisherman, we went on a float fishing trip down the Roaring Fork river and caught (and released) a dozen trout.
I am most moved by how much he cared for and doted on Florence’s and my parents, and how much he was there for Jason and Jill, and then for the four grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed.

Bill was a wonderful man who every time we got to be around him would welcome us with open arms. He made the best martinis and had to perfect them before serving.  We will miss those!
I found this picture from several years ago when Bill and my father,  Louie got to join their grandsons on the USS Midway in San Diego for an overnight trip. My Dad enjoyed the night away with Bill and they both braved climbing many steps and sleep in tiny little bunks. 
Bill, thank you for being such a wonderful Dad and father in law to our good friends. You will be missed!

Bill was a stubborn man and was set in his ways but was absolutely loved when he came into my life some 25-30 years ago. I don’t think he knew what love was until then and the memories we had will stay with me forever. 
He loved the padres, sdsu basketball, multiple trips with myself and Jack for Cub scouts, a martini on a Friday night and catching a dorado off the coast of Mexico. 
He completed my mom’s life for the better and they traveled to many places allowing my mom to having a very happy second part of her life.  Those are memories my mom will live with forever. 
Did they argue and get on each others nerves…of course, but that’s marriage.  Like I said..he was stubborn.  
He also was the only person that thought PBR was a good beer and wonder bread was good bread. 
Love you Bill and thank you. Thank you for putting a smile on my mom’s face as much as you did.

My husband, Bill passed away the night of Tuesday, July 15, 2025. He fought a long battle with Lewy body Dementia for the past 7 years. 

Bill’s life was filled with his love of fishing, riding motorcycles, bicycle riding, building and flying airplanes at the glider port in San Diego and being a docent at the Torrey Pines Reserve. He was honored to serve as president for several years. He also had a love for the San Diego Padres. Later in life, he learned woodworking and enjoyed making items for his grandkids.

We traveled the world together and experienced lifelong dreams of seeing different cultures and sites and met many wonderful people along the way that became lifelong friends. 

He was so very loved by his family and he will always be in my heart

OBITUARIO

William Paul Eckles

7 abril, 1940 – 15 julio, 2025

Fairhaven Memorial Services

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