Name: Olinger Hampden Mortuary, Cremation & Cemetery
Address: Denver, CO

I was so happy to see Bill again at URS Denver (in 2012), having returned to URS after nine years! He remembered me too, and it was great to talk with him in his same office about what we'd both been doing and how life was. I'll bet that everyone who thinks of him does so with a smile! Bill brightened everyone's day with his own smile and gentle encouragement. He is missed, and we will hold his memory forever.

I enjoyed working with Bill. He entered every meeting, no matter how serious, with a smile and left the same way. He took the time to explain, illustrate, and share. He made each of us feel special. In doing so, we are left to remember how special he was and to try to bring a little of that personal touch to our jobs. I will try to honor his memory by not taking myself so seriously and by spending more time doing the things I love. I send you my condolences for your loss and my enduring appreciation for knowing Bill....

I was fortunate to work with Bill for more than 17 years.  It was a pleasure to work on Bill's projects and he always brought out the best in me. I will especially miss his smile and sense of humor.  My deepest sympathies.

I am saddened to hear of Bill's death. I worked with him at WWC in 1989-93.  He was very nice and made our days at work brigher. Sympathies to your family.  Linda Baker

We will miss Bill so much!  He was my first contact at URS and the reason I was hired....I'm still here 10 years later.  My kids are similar ages to his younger grandchildren and we enjoyed talking about toddler mischief.  Bill always had a smile on his face and really seemed to enjoy people.  I'm grateful I was able to know Bill.

I was lucky to work with Bill on several projects when I was at URS. He was the consummate professional, unfailingly kind, and always had a twinkle in his eyes. He will be missed!

I am Michele Eaton's  friend from high school & although I did not know Mr. Eaton personally, my deepest sympathies go out to you & your family Michele.  We lost my Mother-in-Law suddenly this March. It was shocking and sad -- we are still missing her & grieving.  However while gathering together to heal, we have shared so many wonderful memories, photos & family stories. She brought us closer over her & turned a terrible & sad event into a cocoon of love I cannot describe.  Her final gift is that she lives on so clearly in our children. I see her face daily in my daughter.  I have no doubt that it will be very similar with your Father-in-Law.  I'm so very sorry.  You're on my heart & in my prayers.  Much love <3 <3 <3

I worked with Bill for many years.  I always had great respect for Bill.  He was very good to me and treated me with kindness and fairness.  I will miss you Bill.  Love, Laurie.

To the Eaton family and especially Barb:  I had the pleasure of working closely with Bill as Grad Students at UW Madison in the late '60's, early 70's.  Even then Bill was the gentle-hearted man others have described here, always friendly and always trying to be helpful -- even during stressful times.  One endearing attribute I remember so vividly (did you know this, Barb?): like a little kid anticipating recess, Bill absolutely LOVED the lunches I presume you packed every day!  When we'd eat together at his little desk, rather than just enjoying lunch he'd seem to be in total ecstasy until his repast was all gone.  And of course I remember his smile, just like the photo you've provided.  Darlene and I hope the whole Eaton family is at peace knowing you and Bill are in the minds and prayers of so many fond friends you've made over your lifetime.

I was so sad to hear that Bill had lost his battle.  What a perfect picture of him Barb. Bill was stollen from us too soon and will be missed greatly.  I hope that you find comfort in the years of good memories and times together.  You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Papa, 
From my oldest memories I know you as the bright eyed ball-of-fun grandfather who was always quick to laugh, smile, and pursue an adventure with. Who jingled the change in his pockets, picked raspberries and ate them with me before they even made it inside, who first thing through the door after work would lift me into his arms, was more excited for snow and christmas morning than even I was, that gave me my first driving lesson in a golf cart, shared countless milkshakes, cookies, and stories, and above all never failed to remind me that I was loved.
I consider myself privileged to have grown up with your love, and to call myself your granddaughter.

I love you, and will never forget the memories we share.

Britty

God Bless Bill Eaton the few times we ate, drank, and laughed together father Bill I do recall very well my only regret is that we didn't do it enough. Rest in Peace Big Bill and celebrate in the kingdom of heaven.

Dear Barb and Family,
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray that you will find peace in knowing he is no longer suffering, and comfort in the many wonderful memories you have.

Bill was one of a select group of only 17 PhD's who matriculated from my research group in analytical chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. 

We all were working on what at that time were horrifically difficult experimental problems, using and studying and building high voltage, high current spark sources. Bill distinguished himself by his approaches, the high quality of his work, his unflagging optimism, and his most remarkable persistence. Even in the face of attempt after attempt to reach some particularly difficult goal, he never became cynical or gave up. He was truly an inspiration to others in our group. 

To put this into perspective, this was before the advent of personal computers, before software to help with publication, like MS Word, and even at the time when the Wang calculator was considered advanced technology. All the time he was working in our group, the UW was going through riots and radical uprisings and grad student unionization, none of which made for an intellectual atmosphere.

I am glad Bill was one of my students and that we came to know each other, even if it was just for that brief time in his outstanding family life and professional career. The whole world is a better place because Bill Eaton was here with us to make good things happen.

A smile tells what your heart is feeling and there was never any doubt with you Bill.  As cousins growing up together, I use to wonder where your eyes went when you smiled!  We were like 9 and 10 years old. We were a big family of cousins and you will be missed so.  Barb and family, Bud and I send you our prayers and may you and your family find peace after this long struggle.  Love - Corky Robbins Backer

Dear Dad,
It is such a joy to be part of the family you started. Rest assured that your son is a good man - the very best. You taught him well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening your arms to me and my children and making us your family. I will never forget and never stop missing you. 

We will take good care of Mom. We love you.

Your daughter-in-law,

Michele

So sorry to hear of your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Barb and family.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  My sympathy and prayers to you all. 
 Judy Offner

Bill's yearbook quote reads-"Reason and judgement are the qualities of a leader."
Guess that about sums it up!  You left us too soon, but I wish you the best on your new journey.
Dorothy Bolton (North Lakewood, WA)

I am a former colleague of Bill's at Woodward-Clyde that had the good fortune to work with him on a project briefly last year.  It was great to talk with him again and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity.  At the time, of  course, I had no idea how short a time we had left.  Bill was a great guy and respected colleague.  My family's condolences and best wishes to yours.

As I look at Bill's picture, I can hear his laugh and it makes me smile!  What a perfect picture you picked Barb....
We send all our Love to you and the whole family.  Please take care.  Always, Nancy & Rod Olsen

You were not only my mentor, but a friend.  I will always treasure the inspiration you gave me with respect to my father and you will always have a place in my heart.  I wish the best to Barbara and your family during these hard times; you know how special Bill was and how much he meant to us all.

Heather Halderman, Denver, Colorado

Barbara and family,

Bill was never one to meet a stranger.  Whether be it in a cafeteria line or a business meeting, Bill would strike up a conversation, and you soon felt like you knew him.  I never got to know you or the family as well as I would have liked to, but we felt like we knew you from all the descriptions Bill provided us.  Over the years, he was a superb mentor and good friend.  I shall miss him.

Barbara and family, I will miss Bill.  I really enjoyed working with him on huge projects in the Denver office.  In fact, I thought I had retired in July 2002 and moved to Washington state.  Bill simply ignored that minor fact and found me on a ferry boat leaving Friday Harbor.  Obviously, "retirement" was never in his vocabulary. And suddenly, 2 months later, I was flying between Denver and Bellingham - and I loved it. "Bill-URS-good work" will always be synonymous for me.
Lila Emmer 
St. George, Utah

What a perfect photo Barbara used of you here - that grin that I remember so well and will dearly miss.  Jenifer Heath

Dad, words will never express the ways that you have contributed to my life and that of my family. You showed the path, led the way, and then let me stumble my own way into the wilderness. Thank you for the guidance and freedom, both were what I needed, whether I knew it or not. 

We all love you, and will think of you often and forever.

Dad, I feel very lucky to be part of your family.  Thank you for everything that you have done for my family.  We miss you and love you.  Rita

Diane and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bill and we offer our condolences to you Barbara, your family and Bill's friends.  With Loving Regards,
Dan & Diane Ottinger

I am so sad to hear this news. My prayers & thoughts are with you, Barbara & your family. I know you will be looking down from heaven watching over all of us. Rest in Peace.

Rest in Peace, Bill.  You will be remembered as a good friend, a good husband and father, and a good man.  I'm thankful that I had the privilege of knowing you.

OBITUARY

William Sidney Eaton

July 17, 1945 – June 29, 2013

Olinger Hampden Mortuary, Cremation & Cemetery

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