Bill was such a wonderful man and a true gentleman. His loss is felt by so many. We have very fond memories of our time with he and Jennie.  Gwen and George

I got noticed today on Facebook that it was Bill's birthday.  As I prepared to send him a birthday wish,  I saw that he had passed. We were so busy preparing to move back to California, we were unaware what had taken place. Jenny, our hearts go out to you. We're so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.😪 may you find comfort in the memories you had with him.

Jenny,
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing.
He was such a caring and kind gentleman, and we will never forget how he helped us when my mom passed.
May you rest in peace, Bill.


I am so saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was such a huge advocate for mortuary students. He always made me feel like I had a special gift to give our profession, and encouraged and supported me all through school and beyond as a new funeral service professional. I was honored to receive the scholarship in his name, as well as the SCI scholarship he was so passionate about.  I could always count on him for advice, recommendations, and professional support. He will be greatly missed. 
Karoline Davidson 

Jenny, we just heard about Bill. We are so sorry for your loss. 

He was such a great guy with a terrific sense of humor. We so enjoyed all the times we spent with you two over the years. 

Sending you and your family much love.

Many years ago Bill won Wild Bunch Catering’s “Free Lunch for 12”.   Bill was having his family over for a birthday celebration, I think.   Several years ago, I was walking our dog Bubba and passed Bill on the sidewalk.  I didn’t recall he name at the time but after a little research (ok I called Judy at sunland).  Each time we passed going forward we said Good Morning.   I’ll think of you on my daily walks.

Jenny and family. Words cannot express how sad we are of the news of Mr. Bill.  He was a good friend and a avid leader in our profession of funeral service. The best way I can say this is, he was what we call a Southern Gentleman, that is a high complement where we live.  God bless you and your family and we look forward to being with you in the future.  Bob and Beth Rosson 

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Bill. He was such an amazing influence to our Mortuary Science class and I am truly honored to have known him. Our thoughts and love are with his family.

A Prince of a colleague:

So sad to hear of Bill's passing--a lovely gentleman, a true Funeral Service Professional, and a good friend.
There's an old proverb that is most applicable here:
"Rich are those who called him friend, and richer are those who were privileged to have been called friend in return."
Sincerest condolences to Bill's entire family.
Henry Gutterman--New York City

Jenny -- So sorry to read about Bill's passing! I'm sure Scott was waiting to welcome him. I appreciate all you did for us eleven (!) years ago.  Stay safe! -- Mary Ann Igna

I feel blessed to have known Bill. He was a man of honor and integrity. He was also a dear friend. 
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.


Jenny-
My late husband, Tom Odette, had golfed with Bill a hand full of times & when Tom died in June 2013, I called Bill @ midnight & full arrangements were made w/his help at the Dignity/Surprise Funeral Home.  I had heard from others then that Tom’s Service was the largest since opening—with people standing in the hallway, reception area and outside.  What a tribute to my late husband.  Tom’s name was sometimes comically stated as the ad for--Tom Bodette from Motel 6.  As the Service ended Bill got in front of the crowd and said, “I’ll Leave A Light On For You, Tommy”.
Then about 3 weeks ago my dear friend Art Brown was in the process of passing & the “to be” widow asked me if I could help her out—I again called Bill and he so pleasantly said to call him day or night & he made arrangements for the family to come to make provisions.  A few days later Bill personally called the widow inquiring as to if he could help her w/anything else. Tiia spoke to me of how lovely it was for him to do so.
Bill was the epitome of a gentleman, poised, helpful and pleasant to all.  I feel honored to have known him. You lost a wonderful man.
God Bless you, Jenny.
   Dorothy (Odette) Higdon
   Sun City Grand

RIP BILL.   Will miss you my dear friend. 


Jenny and family, 
We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. It’s ironic that we are attempting to do what Bill spent a career doing - offering comfort going through life’s most difficult times. We continue to lift you and the family in our prayers.
Dale and Trudy

Jenny and family

We comfort you at this time knowing what a great friend and Mentor Bill was to many. He was especially a great friend and Mentor to me

I will miss having someone to reach out to with such great advice whenever I needed.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers

Todd and Melinda Noecker

Jenny and family I am some what taken back with the death of Bill. He was the energy bunny, always active and always a gentleman. He will be missed in funeral service as well as humanity. May his memory be for a blessing. Ed O'Sullivan

Fly high our dear friend!  Wrap your wings around your precious Jenny. Rest in peace.  The best neighbor we have ever had!!  Don and Karen

There are a few people  that have enriched my life by just knowing them.  Bill was  one of them.
Bill and I had a golf match in men's club about ten years ago.  He played so well, that he beat me hands down.  He was such a nice guy that he was upset by the way he won.  I will never forget that match.  It was a pleasure to lose to such a wonderful man.  May he rest in peace.

Sad to hear about Bill's death. He was kind and compassionate. Thinking of you all. Deborah and Richard Frusciano 

Joan joins me in sending our love and sympathy to Jenny and the Aaron family.  Bill and I have been friends for over 60 years.  Our friendship developed many years ago when we were working in neighboring towns and our funeral home ambulances served the same communities.  We have stayed in touch all these years.  I was honored to be present when he was installed as president of NFDA.  It was very meaningful to both of us when as NFDA president he came to North Carolina to install me as president of NCFDA.  I will cherish the memories of our friendship the rest of my life.  Jack Briggs, Denton, NC 

Jenny and family, I was really saddened to hear of Bill passing away.  He was always a kind, gentlemen and his sense of humor is memorable. We had many laughs through the years, and I enjoyed visiting with him every chance that I got. We were still kidding each other in Nashville at NFDA this past fall. He not only was great man but truly an ambassador for funeral service. All that he did and stood for was always for the right reasons. Funeral service will have a void without Bill, and I will miss my old friend. 
All my best to your family, 
Al Asta - 
Whitney & Murphy

I have so many wonderful memories of Bill Aaron. ........ 
We are absolutely heartbroken to hear about the loss of your loved one. He was such a beautiful soul and we cannot imagine the pain that your heart is feeling right now. Please accept this simple expression of sympathy, and know that you are loved.  Our prayers are with you.


Bill was a true southern gentleman.  Caring, compassionate and always helpful for anyone.  Bill and Jenny were fun and caring friends.  We will miss his humor.
Ellie and Jack Harschfeld

Jenny & family,
We were so sorry to hear about Bill.  It was so much fun serving on the NFDA Executive board together.  We had some good times together and he will surely be missed by all his family and friends.  
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time.
Gary & Jean Carlson,   North Dakota



So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a great guy and extremely helpful during my time of need. The four of us had many good happy hours  Together.  Prayers for the whole family in this  difficult time. He will be missed by anyone that knew him 🙏♥️

Jenny and all of Bill's sons and family: 

Bill is going to be greatly missed by us all.  What an incredible human being he was, I'll never forget him.



I am very fortunate to have crossed paths with Bill so many moons ago. Every time we saw each other I would enjoy his company and cherish the encouragement he would give to me. I enjoyed him reaching out on his annual treks to Myrtle Beach. May God’s Peace comfort you, Jenny, and family , as you remember this great man.  +

Bill will be missed by so many.  He was an asset to the funeral industry.  Will definitely miss his dry sense of humor. Condolences to Jenny and their family. 

I knew Bill early in my funeral/cemetery career while in Arizona. ( I was Shafer back then).   He was always kind, professional and a gentleman.   My condolences  to Jenny and the family.  

Bill and Jenny always made me feel special when we would cross paths. Always having time to stop for a chat, and to ask how we all were. We will miss you. Our dinner at your home the other night was wonderful. 
  Our love and prayers go out to all your family and friends who will feel your loss so greatly!

Bill was the finest example of a loving husband, gentleman, and all around wonderful person! I always admired him and his commitments to marriage and family. -Eileen Joy

Bill was the epitome of Funeral Service.  I always enjoyed his thoughts and humor as we sat together at NFDA and AZFDA meetings.  A native American saying states, 'No man dies until all of those he has touched die".  He will live on in us forever. 

I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  I truly enjoyed working with him when I was the Executive Director at AFCCA.  He was always so friendly and kind to me.  He often responded to my postings on Facebook up to his passing.    Jenny my heart goes out to you.   I know how it feels as I have also lost my sweet husband Glynn.  God bless you and your family.    Alicia Short 

Bill was and will always be an inspiration to us in the mortuary science program at Chandler Gilbert Community College. His passion and tenacity to push us to focus on scholarship opportunities and continue our education will continue to motivate the future class of 2022 in our endeavors. I will always remember your kindness and the poise you modeled for me and so many others, Bill. My condolences to Jenny and their sons.

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a wonderful man.  I had the honor of working for Bill when he first opened Surprise Funeral Care almost 11 years ago.  You will not find a more caring human being.  With greatest respect,
Joanne and Jim Hauncher

Many fond memories and laughs over the past 30 plus years. Thanks for each one Bill. My sympathy to Jenny and family. 

Jenny & family:  I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing!  Great sense of humor and a great friend!

RIP Bill.

Jim Eaton 

Dear Jenny and family,  Cindy and I are very sorry to hear about Bill. I had a nice visit with him at one of our last meetings. We were elected to the NFDA Bd of Governors together which became the Executive Bd. Many fond memories.Rest In Peace brother Bill. Bob Ellsworth, South Dakota 

On behalf of the Arizona Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Association, we extend our sympathies to the Aaron family.  Bill was an exemplary role model and friend to the funeral profession.  We acknowledge his strength and responsibility in making our purpose honorable and professional.  As a recipient of the William F. Aaron Scholarship, I was able to excel and succeed in my educational endeavors.  Though he will be greatly missed, we are all better having had him by our side for so many years.  Godspeed dear friend. 

OBITUARY

William "Bill" Aaron

May 31, 1935 – February 26, 2022

Surprise Funeral Care

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