Bill and I met in July of 1990, when we were both lieutenants in the Air Force.  As two young men from Hamilton, we found that we had many much in common.

His love of animals and history was infectious and I loved to hear about the latest fish added to his aquarium or most recent book, usually multiple, added to his library.  Bill and I also shared a love of the NFL and we met regularly, at various cities across the US, to watch a game, visit the local aquarium and enjoy a weekend together.

Bill Glenfield was intelligent, thoughtful and funny but most importantly, he was steadfast in his loyalty and upright of character.  He was blessed to have found a partner in Debbie, whom he respected and loved deeply and I was blessed to count Bill as one of my dearest friends

We will all miss you very much

I was so deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing.  All who know him at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center were so very fond of him. Well, except for maybe Earnest the Swainson’s hawk.  He and Bill had a long-standing dispute over the attentions of a certain dark feathered beauty named Mel.  Bill could not pass Earnest’s enclosure without receiving an angry fly by or at least a hiss of disdain.  It always seemed so odd that such a kind, gentle person as Bill would get such a strong reaction from one of the raptors.
Bill was so fun to work with.  He was filled with passion for the birds, had a very gentle nature and the best sense of humor.  It was such a great day when he graduated from volunteer to paid staff.  He was a great leader, teacher and friend to all.
In the days since we learned of Bill’s passing, there has been lots of sadness, but also joy in the sharing of memories and stories.  And are there some stories!  But most of all we are grateful that we had this wonderful man in our lives.
Debbie, our hearts are with you!  And when you are ready, there is an owl who would like to carry your messages to Bill on its wings!

Diana Miller
Raptor Center Director

I first met Bill through work in the early 1990s.   We ran into each other often after that.  Once we both had retired from the Canadian Forces we got together for five days a year for ten consecutive years at the IndyCar races in Saint Petersburg.   He knew his racing.  But he was interested in many things including football, history, and of course, birding.  Each year the trips became a little less about the racing and a little more about everything else.  What really made them special was just being around Bill.  

He was self-assured and deeply read and I never saw him angry.  He could sometimes get irritated, but even when irritated Bill was fun to be with as it never lasted long and he had such a warm and original sense of humour.  He was a genuinely kind person.    

When I was with him, he would get a call from home every evening.  No matter how great a day we had at the track or birding along the waterways, catching up with home was always the real highlight of his day.  

My deepest sympathies to Debbie,

Jean
Ottawa, Canada


I always enjoyed spending time with Bill on Sundays at the Raptor Center. Bill would always have something exciting for me planned out. I considered Bill as one of my instructors and mentors in the field of animal care. He taught me some very important raptor rehabilitation, and animal husbandry techniques. Bill even helped me get to where I am today in the animal care field.  I recently started my new job at an (AZA) or Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility here in California as a bird keeper. I couldn’t wait to tell Bill about my new job and how it was going. I even recently just left him a message. I wanted to tell Bill all about the new animals I get to take care of. But most of all I wanted to thank Bill again for everything he taught me. Bill may you Rest In Peace, and thank you for everything you taught me so I could become a better animal care professional. My condolences go out to Bills wife, family, and friends. 

Sincerely,

Alex Dwight 

I met Bill at his and Debbie’s wedding, and I knew instantly they were two sides of the same coin. Each complementing the other, making them a couple to envy and totally committed to one another. As the years went by I got to know him better and was impressed by his passion and dedication to animals - all - and his profession, as I even got a chance to work a visit for his office to my organization. It’s hard to find the right words as we all struggle with losing him, so I’ll just say I am happy and honored to have known him. Debbie, I wish you all the healing thoughts I can muster. 

I had the pleasure to meet Bill through my brother John and I remember Bill as such a friendly and kind person.   

I was so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing and send my sincere sympathies to you Debbie in this time of sorrow.

Kathryn Kading (nee Guignion)



I met Bill thru Deb with whom I served in the USAF.  I loved his sense of humor.   My favorite stories were always about the animals he loved working with so much.  He shared stories with me about the eagles,  hawks,  and other raptors with such love and caring about their recovery.  And he felt so deeply any loss. I will miss him dearly. 

Deb- I'm so sorry for yours and the world's loss.  All my love.  Geri 

"...I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly..."  

Dearest Debbie,
Katie and I are just heartbroken over Bill’s passing, and we want to offer you our deepest sympathies. There aren’t words enough to express how much we are going to miss him. He was my best friend.

There are so many memories that have been coming back to me this over the past several days: attending college together, standing up at each other’s weddings, but mostly I have been reminiscing on the fun and good times. Do you remember the year the four of us were returning to the hotel following the 500 and a water fight broke out in the car? Or getting stopped by police in Kentucky on our way to the airport after the Formula One Grand Prix because I was “mildly” exceeding the speed limit? Or the on-going dispute over who was actually responsible for the Jamaica debacle?

He was a dynamic individual and I will miss him greatly.


I shall forever miss my amazing brother-in-law Bill.  I will always remember his love for my sister and their many furry, feathered and finned children; his passion for European motor sports and Starbucks; and his kindness and compassion.  A life lost way too soon, but I am truly grateful for the 2+ decades that he was part of our lives.

Bill, you will always have a place in my heart.  

Carolyn Elam

We are so sorry for your loss.I did not have the chance to meet Bill but he was married to our cousin Debora,I was aware of the work and dedication to the Military and his work and dedication to the Raptor Rescue
Our condolences Debora
Danny and Connie Elam
Abilene Texas.

OBITUARY

William Mitchell Glenfield

May 19, 1963 – July 17, 2021

Mountain View Funeral & Cremation

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