William L. Cavanaugh

Highlands Ranch, Colorado

William Lawrence Cavanaugh, 87, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado passed away October 27, 2016 at his winter home in Sun Lakes, Arizona with family at his side. He is preceded in death by his wife Carole Ann (Fox) Cavanaugh (2011). Bill and Carole raised their family of three sons in Elmhurst, Illinois, W. Michael Cavanaugh, Mark Peter Cavanaugh and Philip John Cavanaugh. Bill was born September 21, 1929 in Rockford, Illinois to William G. Cavanaugh and Blanche L. (Cook) Cavanaugh, their only child. He grew up in the Rockford area excelling at baseball, ice-skating, golf and school. He graduated from West Rockford High School in 1947. While still in high school, he was highly recruited by the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and New York Giants as a pitcher. After much consideration and persuasion by his parents, he instead attended the University of Illinois – Champagne Urbana where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 3 ½ years. After graduation in 1951 he served in the Army for two years as a C.I.C. Intelligence Officer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he met his wife Carole. Bill and Carole married July 18,1953 and shortly afterwards Bill began employment with Sears, Roebuck and Co. in their Management Training Program. While living in Milwaukee they started a family, blessed with children Michael (1954) and Mark (1957). In 1963 Bill’s career with Sears brought the family to Elmhurst, Illinois and the family grew with the addition of Philip (1964). Bill was a loving and devoted husband and father active with the three boys and their many activities including coaching one or more baseball teams for over 10 years straight, scouting, camping and traveling. He loved to discover new things and places with Carole and “the boys”. In 1988 Bill retired from Sears and moved to Colorado to be near his sons and grandchildren. The grandchildren became a big focus of their life, attending school programs, sporting events and celebrating special occasions and holidays. While in Colorado, Bill and Carole enjoyed skiing, golfing, dancing, reading, attending professional hockey and baseball, collecting art, and attending performing arts shows. He also worked with son Philip at his printing business many years. Through golf at Pinehurst and Columbine Country Club they made many friends and honed their golfing skills, collecting several championship trophies. When the snow arrived in Colorado, most years they would take off for warmer weather to enjoy the change of scenery and golf in Texas or Arizona. Bill is survived by his three sons, Michael of Kittredge, CO; granddaughter Kaitlin, and great granddaughter Cassidy, Mark (Valerie) of Littleton, CO; granddaughters Alison and Hilary, Philip (Amy) of Highlands Ranch, CO; grandchildren Joseph and Sarah. Family, friends and neighbors remember Bill as a generous and gracious gentleman with a ready smile. A memorial service is being held November 12, 2016 at 11 am, Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.