I met Bill when he was a handsome, tanned, young lifeguard at Lower Huron Metro Park pool. That Fall, he would begin his education at U of M. We dated for several months, then moved on to different paths. We reconnected forty years later on a class site and emailed a few times a year. At our 50th year "anniversary" in 2014, Bill invited my family to DC to join him for a weekend of Oct. fun, saying he never felt better in his life. I was unable to travel at that time and we postponed our in-person reunion. Recently, unable to reach him by phone, I guessed he returned to HI. Tonight, I thought about finding Bethany, whom I never met, on her business site to introduce myself and ask if her father had come home. It was there I learned sweet Bill had passed. He was a gentleman at 19, with high aspirations for a successful career, which he well achieved. I regret not seeing him and sharing life with him, one last time. Rest in Peace, my old, good friend. Your were very important to and loved by many.   Melanie "Rhonda"

I saw Bill's obituary in the Post this morning, and thought "it couldn't be".  I knew Bill back in the early '70's at APL, both at old 8621 and out at the main lab.  Bill was a mentor on the technical aspects of SSB(N) weapons systems when we worked together and travelled to DASO duty many times sharing the rental digs in Cocoa Beach.  We attended his wedding, which was quite a party as I recall.  Heady days for we young engineers!

Ace family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss.  I hope you find comfort in John 11 : 25 at this difficult time.

Bill was a good friend of mine in Honolulu. We rang big tower bells together at St. Andrews Cathedral in Honolulu. Our tower band truely regrets Bill's passing, as he was a good friend and loved the bell tower, even after he was too sick to climb those spiral stairs of the tower. I know Bethany will miss her Dad most of all, but the bell ringers are there for her if she needs anything in Honolulu. I am so very sorry for our loss, and he is in my prayers.

Bethany ... We are sorry for your loss ... Bobbie & I had the opportunity to have your father spend the weekend with us in A2 for his last M-football game ... and I talked with him about Michigan in mid-Jan ... he was a Michigan man ... please accept our sympathy and let us know if we can do anything for you ...

My deepest condolences to the Ace family.  I had the good fortune to work with Bill both at SSP and SUBLANT.  He was highly respected.  We will miss him.

I had the great opportunity to work with Bill while he was at SUBLANT.  He was well respected and liked by all who knew and worked with him.  You have my deepest sympathy. He will be missed.

My condolences to Bethany and the Ace family. I worked with Bill for many years; he was a thorough, dedicated professional

My most sincere condolences to the Ace family.  Bill was a great mentor and co-worker, but best of all he was a great friend.  I will truly miss him.  May God give the Ace family refuge during these sad and difficult times.

A sad occasion for the SSP family.  My condolences to the Ace family. I met Bill in the 70's when he was at COMSUBPAC the first time.  A true dedicated professional.  He will be missed.

My parents called Bill their third son.  That's how much the Heldt family valued his friendship.  We will miss him.

Bill and I worked together for decades at the laboratory, and he was one of my favorites through the years.  I was so saddened to hear that he passed away.
Dick Creswell

Bill was an outstanding coworker and friend for decades.  He will be missed.

My sincere condolences to the Ace family.  Bill was a great mentor to me at JHU/APL.  I was honored to have worked with him during my career at APL.

Our sincere condolences to the Ace family.  We will keep Bill's family and loved ones in our prayers.  May God hold you all in his loving arms during this difficult time.

Bill was my coworker, mentor, and fellow field rep in Pearl Harbor, HI. I send heartfelt condolences & aloha nui loa to Bethany and the family.

Even though I only knew Bill for a short time, I will never forget his love for and dedication to our Submarine Force.  Some of my fondest memories will always be of listening to his sea stories while enjoying a mai tai in Hawaii...I wish we had time for more.

Bill was a true Renaissance Man, patient to a fault as a mentor, great sense of humor, and maintained an extensive network of friends with the Navy and contractors making him extremely effective in his liaison functions with JHU/APL. I will miss our friendship which began at 8621 and our annual Michigan-OSU wagers.

Bill was a truly outstanding coworker that I enjoyed working with. He will be missed.

Bill will be sorely missed; a true friend and outstanding staff member for many years
Ron Wilson, North Carolina

Janice and I will miss Bill a lot. He was one of the first we both knew at APL and one of the best. We shared an MG love for many years. God Speed Bill.

Bill was a true friend and mentor.  We enjoyed great times together working and traveling for JHU/APL.  My wife Marty and I will always treasure our friendship with Bill and his family.  Our sincere condolences to Bethany and the family.

My sincere condolences to the friends and family of mr. William. May you all find relief in the God of comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Bill lived life large. A great host, a scholarly man, always a pleasure. He is missed already. Aloha, Bill, aloha.

OBITUARY

William Leonard Ace

January 1, 1945 – January 24, 2015

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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