Lover of history, travel, intricate details of all kinds--mostly of his making--avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, loyal brother to his Theta Xi fraternity men, gardener, landscaper, woodworker, limoncello maker, reader, classic rock follower, fiercely independent, courageous, brave, best big brother, devoted husband and partner....
Will was tall--not just in stature, but in goodness, graciousness, and dedication. He could be counted on for help whenever called. He gave his all to every and all undertakings, always proud of the work he put forth. His professional life/career was filled with a total mix of characters he met along the journey and those lives that he touched-- as a supervisor and as a project manager and analyst, were better for having him at the helm. His most enjoyable career stretch was working for the British company, LRQA. Along those travels, which were far and wide -- from Alaska to a cruise ship in the Caribbean -- and to most of the lower 48 states, his weekly stories of these assignments mesmerized his listeners. While traveling week after week was hard, he took it in stride -- earning those frequent flyer miles as well as enjoying the sampling of the local cuisine. His tales were so entertaining.
When it came time to retire and face "every day being Saturday," he dove headfirst into the resources that abound in Williamsburg. He constantly remarked how this was the best move in his 48-year marriage to Ellie. He so loved this area. One of the treasures he pursued with gusto was the continuing education classes through William and Mary. These sessions opened a new or old door to the past-- with history lectures, travel, NASA news and a parcel of other programs --one more enticing than another. He found his nirvana....
Retirement also brought out the gardener in Will again. He avidly potted hot peppers in pots in his backyard and, when ripe, crushed them into the most potent bit of flakes a nose could imagine! He made a lot of people very happy with those gift jars...and maybe caused some heartburn or two! His yard talents didn't end there, however. He devised a drip irrigation system to water the numerous plants, ferns, and bird baths. He saw to it that his feathered friends were well fed, watered and had greenery for security and nesting. He was a nature lover for sure.
When his small cell cancer was diagnosed and appeared the end of 2019-2020, he faced this new challenge head-on. In February 2020, his right kidney had to be removed. He battled back, reporting for chemo treatments and making sure his diet contained the proper amount of nutrients and supplements to combat this nasty disease. Then, in October 2020, the brutal villain struck again...this time claiming his bladder and prostate. That was a turning point-- bigger life-style changes, medical devices and equipment to take on. He stood tall, as only he can, and made allowances for all of this--with few people knowing the extent of his condition. By August of 2021, when he was presented with yet another surgery--Gamma Knife-- on his skull, Will bravely faced that hurdle and overcame the operation and had just began Gamma Knife radiation treatment when his body began to say, you've really suffered enough. He endured one more hospitalization and took his last breath Friday night, October 29, 2021
Will has left a legacy that anyone would be proud to have achieved. The Salvation Army could always count on him to remember them, as well as the Disabled Veterans. On most trips to Costco, Ellie and Will would be sure to pick up treats for the Bruton/JCC Fire Station in Toano, and many other organizations that met his criteria for improving the world around us, like Heifer International. He was a true humanitarian.
Will was a very special man. A modest leader and compassionate soul whose spirit will forever be missed by a host of people...especially his wife, Ellie, his sister, Nancy, her husband, Douglas, their sons, Doug and Dan and their partners, and scores of friends. Rest well, in peace. God Bess You ALWAYS.
