RETHERFORD, William Stewart

The Arizona Republic April 6, 2004 William Stewart Retherford, 85, passed away on April 16, 2004. He was born on March 28, 1919 in Muncie, Indiana and moved to Phoenix, Arizona as a youth. He was preceded in death by Elaine Higgins Retherford, his wife of 49 years. "Stew" attended Phoenix Union High School, Ashville School for Boys and Yale University. He served as First Lieutenant in the 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a resident of Paradise Valley, Arizona and Charlevoix, Michigan. He is survived by his children: Lee Higgins Retherford, Lynn Bleakney (Walter), Jessie Johnson (Ken), six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His career included: marina owner in Pompano Beach, Florida; owner of KBUZ radio station, Mesa, Arizona; part owner and founder of the original Phoenix Roadrunners hockey franchise and Charolais cattle rancher/breeder, Hillside, Arizona. He was a member of the Paradise Valley Country Club and served on the boards of the Belvedere Club (Charlevoix, MI) and the national Charolais Cattlemen's Association. Services in Charlevoix, MI. Family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Charlevoix Area Hospital, Lakeshore Dr., Charlevoix, MI 49720. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.