William "Bill" Richard Hogan

"l, William Richard Hogan, age 94, passed away on August 21, 2019. I was born June 26, 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri. I thought it might be interesting to write my own obituary. Left to someone else, they might have written some flowery piece about how wonderful I was, and how many good deeds I had done. I would rather tell you how fortunate my life has been to know all the wonderful friends I have made, and to enjoy a variety of life experiences. The most important organizations I have belonged to are: LODR (Loyal Order of Desert Rats); Luke's Men; and R&G Retiree Club. My life experiences include: Rode Model T Ford on Santa Fe Trail from Kansas City to Phoenix, in 1928; Lived in tent at foot of squaw Peak 1928-1929; watched shepherds move sheep across North Mountain — Payson to Glendale and back; Sold fireworks from stand at Dunlap and Cave Creek Road — age 11, 12, & 13; delivered newspapers by bicycle in Sunnyslope for 3 years; worked at Thunderbird Field #2 as aircraft mechanic at age 17; Enlisted Navy 1943 — 18th birthday in San Diego Boot Camp; trained as aerial gunner, but never saw combat — served at Opalacka Naval Air Station; flew as observer in search for Navy torpedo bombers lost in Bermuda Triangle; swam with Navy buddies and survived capture by rip tide off Florida east coast; discharged May 1946 — home to Sunnyslope and reunite with friends who survived WWII; Bob, George and I bought war surplus printing equipment — opened Sunnyslope Printery; July 1947 closed Printery took job in Circulation at Republic & Gazette; July 1950 moved to business office as rate clerk — met Sonja Brolin working in office; CEO Oakridge Holdings: owned rights to Pope Book; owned and managed two cemeteries in Chicago; lunch in Senate dining room with Jon Kyl; after President Reagan's speech at Ellis Island walked back to ferry with Bill Graham; had lunch at the White House with President George H. W. Bush when he appointed William Bennett "Drug Czar"; caught 124 pound halibut off coast of British Columbia. Bill is survived by many cherished friends, his poodle Amy, and his dear friend Maria Martin. He will be missed and loved.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, 11:00 AM at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ.