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Our beloved father died on July 22, 2020 at his home in Tempe. Bill was a longtime resident of Tempe, a place he called home for almost fifty years. Bill was happily married to Charleen for over 42 years until her passing in 2010. Bill met Charleen on a blind date in their home state of Minnesota. While in the US Air Force and stationed in Germany, Charleen joined Bill for a month-long adventure that resulted in a marriage proposal under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. They were married in Burnsville, Minnesota a mere month after Bill's 1967 honorable discharge from the US Air Force. Daughter, Sheila, was born a few years later and after relocating to Tempe, Arizona for work, daughter, Audra, was born. Bill worked for over forty years at U-Haul, beginning as a welder, then moving through the ranks to become the long-time manager of the U-Haul redistribution warehouse (Kar-go) in Tempe. Bill was very proud to work for U-Haul, and was very dedicated to his career. Many of the processes and procedures he put in place over the years are still used today. Bill was loved by all, he would often joke that he had only acquaintances, not friends, but everyone of his friends knew better. He was the life of the party and wherever he went people were genuinely happy to see him and hear his stories. He had an infectious smile and a great full-belly laugh. He lived life on his terms with no regrets.
Bill will be remembered as his family's rock, their voice of reason, and their guide in life. Bill could be seen riding his bike around Tempe, and was a fixture at McClintock High School football & baseball games, swim meets, and Little League games. He loved the Minnesota Vikings even though they were quite often a source of disappointment. Bill was one of the most authentic and straightforward people in this world, and his honesty and wisdom will be missed. Bill is preceded in death by his beloved wife Charleen, and his parents, Warren and Betty Smith. Bill is survived by his daughters, Sheila (Steven) Sanders and Audra (John) Masche, and his five wonderful grandchildren Cheyn, Mathias, Kavin, Ava and Jack, his sister Judy (Paul) Kenady, his brother Bayne (Vicky) Smith and, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley as this was Bill's favorite charity. A private graveside service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Tempe Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Published in The Arizona Republic Jul.30, 2020.
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1945 - 2020 (74 years)
