William Hogan "Bill" Aydam

Lakeway resident William Hogan "Bill" Aydam, 86, was peacefully called home to his Heavenly Father Dec. 20, 2012. A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy is Monday, December 24, 2012, at 12 noon at Emmaus Catholic Church in Lakeway, TX. All of Bill's family, friends, and all that knew him are invited to attend.

Bill was born in Houston on Feb. 24, 1926, one of three children of Garnett Emile Aydam, Sr. and Ellen Josephine Hogan Aydam. Bill is survived by his brother, Garnett E. Aydam, Jr. of Houston, and sister, Mary Ellen Aydam of Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Bill married his devoted and loving wife, Lakeway resident Marie Ann Tamborello Aydam, on Nov. 11, 1949 in Houston. The couple spent 63 wonderful years together accomplishing their dreams of raising a beautiful family and building a successful business. They resided in Houston where their four children, Patricia Aydam Freeland, Ginger Aydam Mitchell, Bill Aydam, Jr. and Valerie Aydam Decker were born. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Patricia (1950 – 2011).

Bill and Marie frequently enjoyed bringing their children for extended visits to Lake Travis in Austin, where the young family would join friends for boating and fishing, a life-long favorite pastime. They loved the area so much that they moved to the Lakeway Resort in 1987, where Bill spent the rest of his long and fun filled life with Marie. He often described his wife as "perfect" and "the best" and named his boat "Lucky Me." Anyone in their presence could observe the love and special bond the couple shared until the last day of his life.

An enthusiastic and savvy entrepreneur, Bill began a successful real estate development career in Houston, with his wife and children by his side. He was a longtime member of the Houston Apartment Association, serving in many capacities, and as its President in 1980 and 1981. He continued building and developing in Austin, and completed many projects in both cities. His influence as a dedicated, quality builder deeply touched his children, who have followed his legacy in the business.

Bill and Marie have been blessed with eight grandchildren who loved and adored their grandfather. Granddaughters Hannah Wilchar, Ellen Aydam, Madelyn Decker, and Frances Decker, and grandsons Glen Paul Longoria, Will Wilchar, Hogan Aydam, and Chris Aydam spent many happy times with their grandfather.

Bill attended Sacred Heart Parish and graduated from Sacred Heart Parochial School in 1939. He graduated with the Class of 1943 from St. Thomas High School in Houston. He played the clarinet in the school band and was an avid player on the school's ice hockey team. He attended University of Texas and University of Houston.

Remembered as a travel adventurer, Bill was a member of the United States Navy and participated in the in European Campaign in 1944. He earned his pilot license in 1978, and enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane.

Bill will always be remembered by his family and friends as a happy and fun-loving man who was generous with all his many gifts.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Emmaus Catholic Church 1718 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, Texas, 78734.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Lee Decker, John S. Mitchell, Bruce Wilchar, Will Wilchar, Hogan Aydam, Glen Paul Longoria and Chris Aydam.