William D Kalt III

Born on June 7, 1948, in Tucson, Bill spent his life deeply connected to the “ancient and honorable pueblo” of Tucson and the Sonoran desert he loved. He was a star football player and part of Palo Verde High's first graduating class in 1966. Bill earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and a master's degree in Education from the University of Arizona before dedicating 30 years to teaching special education. With an extraordinary ability to reach some of the toughest students in the Tucson Unified School District, Bill became a father figure to many who lacked a supportive family.

A hearty and gregarious soul - and a true child of the 1960s - Bill embraced adventure with an open heart. He had an insatiable thirst for human connection and exploration, hitchhiking in his youth across Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico in search of new experiences.

Bill found wisdom in Native American traditions and lived with profound intention, always striving to "suck the marrow out of life." Whether traveling the world with his sweetheart, enjoying a round of golf or cheering on the Arizona Wildcats, he approached every moment with enthusiasm and purpose. A man of principle, Bill despised bigotry and small-mindedness and always stood up and fought for what was right. He cared deeply about nature, justice, and politics, values that shaped his life’s work and interactions with others.

In retirement, Bill found passion and purpose as a historian and civic leader. He played a vital role in preserving Tucson’s rich heritage through his leadership with the Corral of Westerners, The Pathfinders, and the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum. With exuberant, vivid language and droll humor, Bill authored three historical books; Tucson Was a Railroad Town, High in Desert Skies, and America's 1890s Parachute Queen, along with numerous articles and short stories that brought to life the spirit of the Southwest.

Later in life, nothing filled “Abuelo Bill’s” heart with more joy than reading, hiking, laughing and goofing around with his seven grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Richardson Kalt; sons Ben and Damon Kalt; stepsons Ryan and Greg Richardson, siblings Joe Kalt and Kristy Dial; and grandchildren Madison, Noelya, Miles, Genevieve, Avery, Zach, and Eliana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marge Kalt and William Damon Kalt Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum (414 N. Toole Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705). In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the museum.

Bill’s legacy lives on through his family, students, writings, and contributions to Tucson’s historical preservation. May his memory continue to inspire those who knew him.