My sincerest condolences to Helen Ann, Michael, and the entire McElhaney family.
I was one of many fortunate enough to have been able to work with Bill.  Working for an Ingersoll-Rand distributor in Southern California, we were supported by many of Bill's people (John, Jay, Tony, & Liz, to name a few), over the years, celebrating our success, and just as important, receiving Bill's help when things did not go as expected.
When problems arose, whether it was a "factory", distributor, or end user issue, Bill would get involved and help guide us to a solution.  In one situation, Bill met me at a new installation, located in one of the largest Postal sorting facilities in the country, to look at a vibration problem with the new 125HP type 40 air compressors.  Bill was in his suit & tie, but that didn't stop him from getting down on his hands & knees to show me how to identify the issue with the installation.
Bill's attitude was infectious, and when he became the Western Regional manager, he would not refer to it as the "West Coast", but as the "Best Coast".
We always looked forward to Bill's presence at national meetings or holiday parties, and Helen Ann always added a "touch of class" to the event.
I share your loss, and wish the best to all.

 
 

To Helen Ann, Mike and the rest of the McElhaney family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss.  Bill was an extraordinary person and someone that had an out-sized impact on others throughout his life.

I feel so fortunate to have had a person like Bill in my life. Like some others have already written, Bill was my first boss and to this day I have never worked for a finer leader or human being. Bill showed me that you can lead with equal parts toughness and compassion. He also taught me how to hold myself to a higher standard and to do the same with others so that they can grow and become better people.

Well after Bill had retired, he always made himself available to talk when I sought his counsel on various issues even during the last couple of years. He had such a gift for listening and guiding you in a way that allowed you to figure out how to solve the problem on your own. I will do my best to emulate as many of the many things that Bill taught me so that I can continue to honor his memory. 

Tony Wisniewski

I also worked for Bill in 1990 as an Application Engineer.  He was my  first leader in the adult professional world and taught me so many lessons that I carry with me to this day.  
1) Bill took me to lunch on my first day and gave me his first lesson - invest more in your 401k than you think you can. You won’t miss the money and you sure will appreciate it when you near retirement.  Well, it’s now 30 years later, and Bill you sure were right!  My retirement self is thankful that Bill started my investments early.
2) One day he came to the office with some pictures from his weekend and said “you’re never too old to try new adventures”.  Rollerblading for the first time for a 22 year old is terrifying. I couldn’t imagine starting at 56! Bill’s photos of his rollerblading adventures inspired me to continue to take risks at any age.  I started running at 49 and following Bill’s lessons, ran my first marathon the weekend of my 50th birthday.  What fun these risks have brought to my life!
3) Bill took our team out one evening, and on the way told us the story of why he and his family drove Volvo’s. He detailed the terrible accident that his family member walked away from because they were driving the safest car on the road.  He said “you’ll never regret spending money to keep your family safe”.  I remembered that lesson, and when my children were getting their licenses, I insisted that they all only drive all 5 star safety rated cars.  Shortly after, my 16 year old son was in a horrific accident, rolling his car on the freeway at 75 mph. He walked away from that accident due to Bill’s wise advice.

I lost touch with Bill and now wish I had passed along the impact of his lessons. He was the best first boss anyone could have!

My deepest condolences to Helen Ann, Mike, and all of Bill's family.  

Bill was my first boss after leaving the Army in 1991. I knew virtualy nothing of corporate America and thanks to his mentorship and guidance it was a great introduction. I started as an Applications Engineer in the Los Angeles office of Ingersoll-Rand and he and Jay Welu really helped my transition to the civilian world.

It's hard to put into words the tremendous impact he's had on me in my professional career. Bill was a one-of-a-kind boss, the kind you never forget because he made you want to do the best you could for him.  He believed in and acted on the philosophy that a leader's job was to do everything they could to knock down hurdles and give you the tools you needed to be successful. And he did this with graciousness, a positive outlook, and great sense of humor.  Fundamentally, he believed in you.  When you needed correction, as we all do, it was in private and with kindness. Bill was and will continue to be a huge influence on me.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou

I'll never forget Bill.

Bill has been a great friend since high school.  We treasure the many memories we have shared with Bill and Helen Ann over the years in CA, NC, MA, AZ, Corning, Keuka Lake, and Alaska. Rafting with them on the Mendenhall Glacier is a fond memory! He lives on in our hearts.
Sincere condolences to his beloved family.
John and Velva

We will always smile when we think of Bill.  He was such a fun and loving man.  Our prayers are with you all.  

Meg & Family,

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad.  

Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers and hope the many happy memories provide comfort to you in the difficult days ahead.

Love,

Michelle & Carl, Cullen, Nolan and Kailey

Heaven gained an angel.  Such a wonderful husband, father, and “Grampy”.  My boys will always treasure their time spent with him.  Whether it be fishing on the cape, playing monopoly or bocce ball in the yard, candlestick bowling, or having Grampy cheering at sporting events, he made the boys feel important and loved.  He was the only grandfather figure for almost all the boys’ lives  and he excelled in that job and filled the void left by my dad’s passing. Precious memories will get us all through this difficult time.  We are comforted by the fact that he enjoyed life to the absolute fullest and was surrounded by love, laughter, and friendship his entire life.  He will be greatly missed.  Rest In Peace Bill.  

OBITUARY

William James McElhaney Jr.

August 18, 1934 – March 9, 2019

Doane Beal & Ames

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