June 23, 1919 - April 25, 2014
Bill leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary; his devoted and treasured son and daughter-in-law, John and Joyce Gavin, and his adored granddaughter, Tedra Gavin. Also his niece, Nancy Sullivan and nephews, Jim and George Rear. Bill was a friend of Bill W. for 57 years. His devotion in life was to help others and in doing so, he made many friends and admirers. Bill is a plank owner of the USS Kendrick, a Navy destroyer which, along with its crew of “Tin Can Sailors” saw much of the world during WWII and was involved in all the major battles in the European-African campaign, leading to life-long friendship with sailors from the Kendrick.In 1972, Bill sold his business in San Francisco and retired to Carson City where he immediately went to work as bar manager of the Ormsby House and later worked at the Carson Valley Inn. He had a phenomenal memory and remembered practically everyone who came through those doors, regardless of how long it had been since he had last seen them. He was a charismatic gentleman and admired and respected by all who knew him. Bill will be buried at sea by the U.S. Navy. A Celebration of Life Event will be held on Monday, June 23,2014, Bill’s 95th birthday, at noon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, corner of Division and Telegraph in Carson City. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bill’s honor to St Mary’s Hospice, 429 Elm St. Reno, NV 89503. Walton’s Chapel of the Valley is in charge of the final arrangements.
