William Patry

Tonto Verde resident William F. (Bill) Patry passed away March 15, 2014. He is survived by his wife Wendy, his two sons and daughter, and by Wendy’s two sons.

Bill was born in Baltimore, Md. in 1929.

Bill was the youngest of two brothers. His father was a prominent psychiatrist from Canada, who emigrated to the U.S. He met his first wife, Marilyn, in high school near Albany, New York. This union lasted until Marilyn’s untimely death in 1982. They had three children, Bill Jr., Dawne and Jeff.

Following Horace Greeley’s admonition, Bill went West to Marin County, California with his family to become a salesman with the Haggar Apparel Company of Dallas, Texas. Given Bill's sparkling personality and love of people, it is not surprising that he became Haggar’s top salesman. Upon retirement in 1992 his lifelong love of golf led him here, joined by Wendy, whose heart he had won in 1984. Her loving care sustained him through the lows we all face, and in her arms he lovingly departed.

Bill’s love of the desert was complimented by his earlier love of sailing. He was an avid sailor for over 40 years, an interest he shared with Wendy. He joined the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon where he won dozens of races and later served as Commodore.

Bill always sought out new challenges, not out of a competitive drive to win, but rather as a way to continually stay young. He remained young in spirit until his final day.

Bill had an infectious love of life and people. After spending five minutes with him, you felt better about yourself, about your day, about whatever lay ahead. Bill had this effect on others because he lived it himself; despite years of illness and setbacks, Bill always found the good in things, a reason to be thankful, a reason to feel blessed to be alive. As he often said, “If I wake up and see the ceiling, I know it’s a good day.” Bill’s victories didn’t come easily, but the beauty with which he faced them and the joy he felt to be with others will always live on in us. His legacy will also carry forth in his 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The world is better place for Bill having been with us. May we all honor his memory by being better to each other.

A memorial service was held March 24 at Community Church of the Verdes, Rio Verde.