William "Bill" Hamilton Wheeler

90, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on March 19, 2013. He was born in San Diego, California on August 11, 1922 where he developed a love for water and sailing. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and completed his officer training in the V12 program beginning in Flagstaff, then graduated from Annapolis. During that time, he married Jaynie who would be his wife for 68 years. After the war, he received a civil engineering degree from San Diego State and in 1953 moved with his wife and son to Arizona. Bill's professional affiliations included several major engineering firms in Tucson prior to launching a civil engineering/consulting firm, Wheeler, Petterson and Coffeen. Seeing the importance of water in the future of Arizona, he joined the water resources committee at the Chamber of Commerce. Water work became his passion. He represented Tucson on the Central Arizona Project Association (CAPA) in the late 1950s, then joined the CAPA board in the early 1960s. He was on the Arizona Water Commission from 1971-78 and the chairman from 1973-77. By the time he retired in 2003, he achieved Executive Director status at CAPA and the library at the headquarters now bears his name. Other professional and civic activities included Arizona-Mexico Commission, City of Tucson Water Advisory Council and the Arizona Reclamation Association. In his retirement, he loved getting together with his favorite group, "The Water Buffalos." He lived a great life and will be truly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Survived by son, Bob, daughter-in-law, Linda, granddaughters, Carrie & Stephanie, great-grandson, Wilson. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 4 at 3 p.m. at Mountain Shadows Golf Club. A private family service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Valley in his memory.

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