William W. Wadsworth

William W. Wadsworth of Fountain Hills left this world two weeks before Christmas 2016.

Bill was born in Oakland, Calif. to Harry and Elizabeth Wadsworth. He graduated from Oakland Tech and entered the Navy during the Korean War. His specialty was radio communications and he received an honorable discharge as Electronics Technician, II Class.

Upon leaving the Navy, he took his knowledge and established a marine electronics business with offices in San Rafael and Sausalito, Calif. During this time he married and had two children. Bill was a member of the Loch Lomond Yacht Club for many years and taught marine classes from time to time for the local Power Squadron.

One rainy Halloween night in 1983 Bill met Marsha Hague at the Red Rock Regatta event in San Rafael, Cal. Together they shared 34 years until his death. All Wadsworths in the US are related because two brothers arrived from England four years after the Pilgrims. In April of 1987 Bill and Marsha travelled to Boston, Mass. to visit her relatives, all of whom were alive. Bill visited his relatives, all of whom were dead. He is related to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the poet, and Benjamin Wadsworth, eighth president of Harvard College, 1725 to 1737.

Bill and Marsha decided to seek a warmer climate and moved to Fountain Hill in December 1995. Bill Wadsworth became the first president of Mirage Heights Condo and served on the board for many years. He also served on the Lakeside Village HOA, which was the master association for 831 homes located in 16 residential properties surrounding the Fountain. Once completely built out, this association was dissolved.

In addition, as a 13-year member of Noon Kiwanis, Bill earned his 13-year pin for perfect attendance. Bill was named Kiwanian of the Year, 2009-2010.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Kim Egide of Petaluma, Calif., and his grandchildren, Brendon, Bryan and Connor; his son, Steven W. Wadsworth of Sun City West; Frank Paquette of Ranch Palos Verdes, Calif, a close friend of many years; and Marsha Hague, his partner and love of 34 years. And let’s not forget – Maxy Doodle, the cat.

A service to remember Bill Wadsworth will be held at Messenger Mortuaries, 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m.