Bill Gary Edstrom

Bill was born in Burbank, California, the youngest of three children to John and Florence Edstrom. Following his older sisters--Ruth Ann and Lynn, he attended Burbank schools and graduated from Burroughs High School in 1965. He continued his education at Valley College, Pasadena College and MTI Business School in Van Nuys.

His professional life began as a Customer Service representative at the Burbank Daily Review/Glendale News Press. In 1972 he joined Autologic Inc., in Chatsworth as the Manager of Computer Operations for the Font Development Department. Looking to advance, in 1974 Bill joined Auto-Graphics, Inc., first in Monterey Park and continued to advance when the Company expanded to their Pomona location. Maintaining the scheduling of the departments as a Project Manager in the Text and Bible Division, he handled multiple tasks for all the Departments completing the massive production of computer typesetting projects such as Collier’s Encyclopedia.

As the company direction changed in 2001 and anticipation of marriage, Bill decided to join the newly created TSA – as a Transportation Security Screener/Officer in 2002. Training began at LAX and subsequently he was assigned to the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. Serving until 2008, Bill acquired several awards and recognition for his Customer Service to the US Government Agency but began looking more for a Part-time job.

“Mr. Bill” as he became to be known, found the perfect place – he became a Crossing Guard for the Alhambra Police Department. It was not only an important job, but the best he could have asked for. Of course his love for Disney helped and with Kathi doubled their collections. The families and kids of Northrup Elementary enjoyed Spirit Days and how they were always celebrated at his corner. He had to sadly retire in 2019 for a knee replacement but the school had a special graduation Good-bye celebration just for him. A special bonus was getting to know the APD K-9s and their handlers who visited often and re-ignited his wish for a dog of his own. New Years Eve 2023 he found a new “friend” through the Amazing Dog Rescue Program and her name is Mickey [short for Michelle.]

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoyed teaching his nieces billiards, playing pick-up basketball, then switching later to bowling leagues while continuing to support USC football and the Dallas Cowboys. Of course, he was a Dodger through and through and Sandy Koufax was his favorite, his last birthday he got a Koufax jersey to go along with his World Series bats. Bill attended an amazing 32 straight Opening Day games until it was difficult to get tickets.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kathi, his sister, Lynn Prine, three brothers-in-laws, two sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the country who mourn his loss.

Celebration of Life scheduled for February 26, 2026 at Pierce Bros. Turner & Stevens, San Gabriel at 10 am followed by a Reception. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills at 3:30 pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Alhambra Police Foundation K-9 Program, 211 S. 1st Street, Alhambra CA 91801 or the Ronald McDonald House, 763 S. Pasadena, CA 91105 in Bill’s nam