William McNeil Crawford

William McNeil Crawford Of Piedmont, CA, died in the company of his family, March 19, 2008 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born February 29, 1936 in Bukidnon, Philippines, on the Del Monte Plantation. As a child Bill was interned with his family at Santo Thomas University in Manila during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines for much of WWII. He attended Brent School in Baguio, PI; Thacher School in Ojai, CA; and the University of California, Berkeley - Go Bears! While a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, he met Kate Abernethy and they were married in 1959. Bill was a devoted father to Neil, Hugh, Katherine and Sarah, and an amazing Papa to seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Anita Thomas and James McNeil Crawford, and his sister, Joan Crawford Hodge. He will be missed by his brother, Jay; and his nieces, Anne, Beth and Audrey; and their children. Bill was a consummate host, a master chef, and his home was a welcome place to all who knew him. He was a font of knowledge both useful and bizarre. He loved to travel the byways with his wife and faithful dog. A dedicated volunteer, Bill shared his time and talents with many organizations including the Episcopal Church, The Guardsmen, E. Clampus Vitus, Scouts, and any group in which his offspring were involved. He was Northern California director of the Western Military History Association and member of BACEPOW (Bay Area Civilian Ex-POWs). Memorial Services will be held Monday, March 24, 6pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls. org; or St. Paul's Episcopal Church.