William Thomas Eppard |
| Posted 2022-04-23 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, December 1, 2021, p. A-5 William (Bill) Thomas Eppard passed away peacefully at home in Wickenburg on Nov. 27, 2021 at the age of 96. Bill is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Laurie, sons Eric and Dale, daughter-in-law Eve, and two granddaughters, Erin and Jillian. Bill was born in Pasadena, California on Aug. 5, 1925. He graduated high school there and joined the merchant Marines during WWII. One of Bill's early passions was motorcycle racing. In 1950, a deal was struck between Bill and a young woman (Nancy) that he would teach her how to ride a motorcycle in exchange for horseback riding lessons. They later fell in love, married, and had a daughter and two sons. Bill and Nancy owned Kim Lighting, a landscape lighting and custom fountain company, which they rapidly transformed from a home-based manufacturing facility to a company with international sales. Bill was highly regarded for his equitable and no-nonsense approach to running the business and his high moral standards and ethics in all of his dealings. In 1969, Bill brought his family to Scottsdale after they sold the lighting business. It was in Scottsdale that Bill and Nancy started to transition into retirement as their kids all graduated from school. Bill liked to work hard, play hard. During these years, there were adventures centered around dirt biking and water ski racing. Bill, a long-time pilot, learned to fly helicopters and then built his own personal helicopter. He also continued to fly his T-28 to various events throughout the US. By 1980, Bill and Nancy decided to relocate to Wickenburg, AZ. Bill served on the Wickenburg Town Council and spent a good amount of time keeping fit by bicycling and windsurfing (in San Diego, California). At their new home they discovered the joys of gardening and home grown harvest which they continued throughout the years. Up until around 2012, Bill could often be found bicycling with friends at Wickenburg Airport on the weekends. Although there will not be a public memorial, Bill will be missed by his family and many close friends. Those that were fortunate enough to really know him will carry his memory and spirit with them. |
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