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William Elgan Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
ELGAN, William WILLIAM A. (BILL) ELGAN William A. ( Bill ) Elgan passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8, 2008. He was 57 years old. Bill's passion for life and adventure was exceeded only by his love of family and friends. Born on November 27, 1950 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Bill was a graduate of Georgia State University. Following graduation Bill entered what was to become his life long career in the hospitality industry. First joining the staff at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, GA. and then ultimately becoming a charter associate at the Marriott-Orlando World Center Resort in 1985. Bill became the hotel's Director of Convention Services, a position he held for many years. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Arthur E. Elgan, Jr., and his mother, Betty (Packard) Elgan. Grieving family includes sisters Nancy McGrew and her husband Michael, and Jane Thomas, of Social Circle, GA. Brothers David Elgan, and his wife Susan of Suwanee, GA. and Richard Amsberry and his wife Barbara of Newnan, GA. Other family includes his uncle, Robert Elgan, Sun City AZ. and aunts Margaret Warren, and Mary Anderson of Omaha, NE. A major focus of Bill's life, and among those who will miss him most are his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and associates nationwide. Interment ceremonies will be held at Arlington Memorial Cemetery, Sandy Springs GA. on Saturday, November 29th at 2:00 p.m. followed by a "Celebration of Life" gathering for all family and friends at the Marriott Hotel in nearby Alpharetta, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be considered to The Alzheimer's Association (in memory of Bill's mother), Make-A-Wish Foundation, or a charity of your choice in Bill's memory.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Elgan
Sponsored by Michael and Nancy McGrew.
Nancy McGrew
November 12, 2021
I can´t believe it´s been 13 years since you´ve been gone. I can still hear you laughing, teasing, advising. I can imagine the things you´d say about the past couple of years.. I´m sure the jokes would be priceless.
I still have your emails from your last year and I treasure them.
You are still missed and loved by so many. The hole that you left in our hearts will never heal. I love you!
November 12, 2020
Thank God you dont' have to wear this mask I can hear you now! Miss you more than you know Bill, forever my dearest friend & always in my heart! Love you, really mean It...... xoxo
Jessica
November 9, 2011
Add our favorite "memory". That's impossible.....it would be favorite "memorIES". So many times that I think of you and laugh. At Universal recently. Thinking of Mardi Gras and waiting for your car. Of another car trip with you and Julie. To a holy event that got pretty hysterical. A fun night at my house after someone's going away party at KOS- when you opened up random Christmas Gifts that were under the tree. I often watch my going away video just so I can see you and be reminded of how wonderful it was to have had you in our lives. Love you, mean it!
Diane
November 8, 2011
Bill it's still hard to believe you are gone and three years at that... Thank you for "Blessing" me with so many wonderful years of friendship, good times and awesome memories; YOU are always close to my heart and miss you soooooo much!
Till we meet again dear friend, I Love you lots, really mean it! xo
Diane
JUNIOR SENIOR PROM 1969
Susan May
December 28, 2008
Dearest Bill...
My most favorite next door neighbor at Cambridge Court Apartments. Driving to Cross Keys High School together you make me laugh harder than ANYONE else.
Was I the only date you ever had when I was responsible for the Junior Senior Prom as president? You took me, looked like you stepped out of GQ Magazine. We doubled with Billy Adams and Frances Plavanicky. Then you made us go bowling in our formals and tuxedos at Northeast Plaza. You laughed so hard you were spitting. Then you sang the whole score to West Side Story.
I love you and thanks so much for all the laughter and all the memories.
Love you, mean it
Susan Spielholz May
Nancy McGrew
December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas my wonderful brother Bill. Thanks for the laughs and all of the memories. You will be in my heart forever. Nancy
Wendy Earley
December 4, 2008
You are certainly one of a kind and I can't stop thinking about you every day. You're probably saying "Oh, please...get over over it", but there are so many things that remind me of you.
I am extremely proud to say I was your assistant for over 7 years. You would always refer to me as your right arm. Others viewed our relationship like husband and wife. Heck...we did go through 2 pregnancies together.
You were my mentor and dear friend, always there for me. You taught me all you knew to succeed not only in my personal life, but to be an outstanding Event Manager like yourself.
Thank you again for being such an influence in my life. Going to miss you so much! Love ya...mean it!
Wanda Griffin-Dukes
December 1, 2008
Many years ago in 1970 at Cross Keys High School Bill became our friends. We had so much fun together during those few short years of our lives together. Alice Barnett Folsom and I always smile when we think of Bill and the memories we share.
Kirk Bergsma
November 28, 2008
28 years ago Bill and my paths crossed. I, moving to Atlanta GA. to work at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, taking the Peachtree up on their offer of temporary housing while I located housing in the Atlanta area. I wasn’t the average Intern arriving to start their career, and in that short year I was there I learned that Bill wasn’t average either. Bill was as true a friend as one could ever hope for, a truly special person. Who else would take home some new intern’s German Sheppard and dog sit him while the new guy looked for housing? Atlanta was a special time, a time that wouldn’t have been without knowing Bill. My condolences to the family and all those that will miss him.
Connie Le Elgan
November 21, 2008
Oh dear, words are sometimes hard to find at a time like this. I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that Bill is gone. Especially since we will not see him again in this life. It does not seem right or fair that someone like Bill, who loved life and family, and friends won't be around. If my memory serves me correctly I don't remember a time that Bill did not attend a wedding, funeral or any family affair that was going on. You could always count on him for a laugh, or a listening ear. There are so many stories that keep coming to my mind. Bill always made a "Grand entrance" and everyone looked forward to just looking at him or listening to what he had to say, even if he made it up! Many tears have been shared between our family. We as a family were so blessed to have Bill born to us. You could not "explain" Bill to anyone, you just had to meant him for yourself. I love you Bill, and I will miss you so much. Love you forever and hug Mother and Dad for me, and all of our family..I am looking foward to seeing you again, they say in a better life??? I know that is probably true but hard to understand without you. Love, as you always said, from your favorite cousin Con. xoxoxo P.S. I am so sorry Diane and I missed you in New York.
Diane Towns
November 19, 2008
Bill,
Well leave it to me to mess up my entry. As I'm sure YOU know, I wrote a message then uploaded a photo I found of us when we went to DC with a caption...only to see the photo from Universal, not the one from DC there with no caption, listed as anonymous!!
In my message, I wrote that I missed you terribly. I wrote that I was mad at you because you arranged a trip for us to meet in Atlanta at the airport, you were arriving at 8:00 a.m. and I was arriving just before 9:00 a.m., you listed the places we were going and the things we were going to revisit. That we would surprise everyone at Jane's house on Thanksgiving because I was going to be a surprise. That you and I were going to sit at the "kids" table. You had rooms at the Marriott Downtown Atlanta for us. We were going to go to 50 Mt. Zion Road (our old apartment)...I'm mad because I had to cancel my reservations...only to make a new one to meet up in Atlanta, only this time, it would be different...I would be there only to tell you goodbye...I'm mad at you Bill because it wasn't suppose to be this way! You were always doing such crazy things to me but this time...you just weren't very funny.
I'm going to miss you more than you know. I'm going to miss the things we talked about, the advice you always gave me and the support we gave to one another...thank you for all the memories. I'll still be talking to you sweetie, it's just now, I won't be able to hear your reply. Now...THAT...I do not like. I love you and I'm so proud of you and everything you were to so many and always will be.
Love,
Diane xo...your cousin...not your wife like you told all our neighbors because we had the same last name...you knucklehead!
November 19, 2008
Bill, forever in our hearts! You will be missed!
Love,
Michele and Steven Santangini
Cheryl Schmidt
November 19, 2008
Bill....or should I say Willie D as my dad often called you as he thumped your head.....having been friends & neighbors since grade school, you were undoubtely one of the most fun and interesting people I have been fortunate enough to know. Your contagious humor always lightened everything and everyone around you. I know we drove our sitters crazy, our parents to drink, and our neighbors to shake their heads as they watched our "talent shows"! And what a memory.....you could always remember phone numbers from years ago, people who came and went, and the words to all the crazy songs we sang. I remember the accordian you started playing (that was almost bigger than you), playing down in bone canyon, dirt clod and snowball fights, aunt Frieda & uncle Henry. Having been an only child, I always considered you, David, and Nancy my adopted siblings! Our families were so close...and then as time happens...we drift apart....but it was wonderful seeing you and Nancy last month for a while...remembering the good old times. You will be missed by everyone. I want to thank you for lighting up my corner of the world!
November 19, 2008
Gladys Monje
November 19, 2008
Bill was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by his many friends and family. All my visits with him were filled with fun and laughter. My sincere condolences to his family and others who loved him
Kimberly Anderson-Felga
November 19, 2008
Bill,
Brogan wrote this poem and I believe it says it all. It is a tribute to you. We both thank you for the love and laughter you brought to the both of us on each of your visits to DC and through the years.
LOVE
As time moves gracefully
My heart bleeds endlessly
It bounds deep
With endless sorrow
My mind is blank
My thoughts had all sank
I wonder when I will ever find this word that describes
When I and myself cries and cries
Love that's what it is
Is that the word?
I think and I say
Everytime, everyday
With heaviness in my heart
Why do I cry with this deep depression?
My heart is black with the devils guard
Love is not a word
Love is not a figure or a person
Love is what is inside of us.
Brogan Felga 13 years old
Love and laughter this was your true gift to us Bill. Thank you.
Miss you always, love you always,
Kimberly and Brogan,
gloria elgan
November 19, 2008
OK, Bill, I would like to think that this is just one of your jokes and that you are going to make one of your GRAND, SURPRISE entrances on November 29th like you have many times! My dad and family were so honored that you surprised us in May by coming to Texas for his 85th birthday. You always made everyone feel special with your giving, caring ways and you never wanted or accepted anything in return. You would just holler "oh, pleeeease". It's your fault that we showed up at your door year after year because Sean, Brandi, and Ashley didn't want to go anywhere but to Bill's for vacation! I think they enjoyed going to the grocery store with you more than going to Disney! They would tell everyone how you would walk down the aisles and flip Ding Dongs, Twinkies, and of course, Angel food cakes into the basket along with many more junk foods! Then along came their spouses and then their children and guess what?!! They also love you! We all love you and thank you for being " Bill". Thank you for being such a blessing to all of us! Miss you.
Love,
Gloria
Joan Balmer
November 18, 2008
I met Bill many years ago while working for a Philadelphia Meeting Planning Company. He was the best I have ever worked with. He made everything fun ( it was not unusual to have chocolate milk shakes at out daily meetings) and nothing was too hard for Him. I miss Him already...Joan Balmer
Missy and Brad Boitnott
November 18, 2008
Uncle Bill: Everyday I think of all of the wonderful times I was blessed to spend with you since I was a baby. You were like a dad to me and you will forever be in my heart. I treasure every moment that I was able to spend with you. I am so thankful that I was able to talk to you a few weeks ago, I really enjoyed our conversation. And I am holding onto the emails we sent back and forth the day you passed away. You were giving me and Caitlyn (not Jon-Benet) a hard time about being out of work and school all week and told us to get well and get back to work where we belonged. Thank you for coming to see us everywhere we ever lived with the military--it meant alot! We all love you so very much and will forever miss you, our WONDERFUL UNCLE BILL!!!
WE LOVE YOU---MEAN IT!!!
Love, Missy, Brad, Austin, Tyler and Caitlyn Boitnott
Melinda DePaolo
November 18, 2008
Uncle Bill,
I hope you can read all these wonderful entries about you. Of course, knowing you, you are saying, "oh please". Clearly you have touched everyone in some way. You were like a Father to me and I'm so glad you gave me away at my wedding...wouldn't have had it any other way! I love and miss you very much and I'm so glad we had a special weekend together!
Your favorite niece (as I always liked to say),
November 18, 2008
Thermy Crites
November 18, 2008
I am glad I had the opportunity to worked with Bill from 1998-2000 at OWCM. He will be greatly missed by so many!
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Jon Anderson
November 18, 2008
I too remember Bills wonderful since of humor and laughter at the OWC during the opening days. It was my first Job after taking big steps and moving to Florida in 1986 and even though I did not directly work with him he often offered support during a very uncertain time in my life. Even though I have not seen or spoken with Bill in over 20 years it was with saddness that I saw this obit. God Speed Bill! I'm sure the heavans are full of laughter these days! May God bless those who mourn his departure.
Palma and Mark Makas
November 18, 2008
As everyone has said, thanks for the laughs, we thank you for bringing us all together thru work, family and friends. Bill, a wonderful (gentle)man, mentor,friend, and the greatest family guy. You showed us the way many times without us even knowing it. We will carry on your good deeds. Will never forget our trip to NY.
Love ya,
Jessica Conant
November 18, 2008
Bill, our world will be more boring without you in it! However, our lives are forever more enriched for having known you. We are left with memories that will bring smiles to our faces and keep joy in our hearts forever. You were one of a kind....and seriously, did you ever tell me that you put mashed potatoes in your pockets? With much love, Jessica
Marlene Kidd
November 18, 2008
As brief as it was, knowing you was the highlight of my beginnings in Event Operations at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Thank you for the laughter, Bill. I know I'll still hear it on the convention floor during our craziest and busiest days and nights!
Cheryl Maze
November 18, 2008
Bill, You will be missed dearly. You were always laughing or joking with someone and always took time to say hi. I will miss seeing those bright color shirts you always wore. OWCM will not be the same without you. God Bless..
Jane Chaney
November 18, 2008
To My Dear, Wonderful, Exciting, Caring, Loving, Fun, Cherished Very Best Friend! (Yes, I am talking about you, Bill!). I love you with all my heart and always will. I cannot stop laughing and crying whenever I think of you. You took a big piece of my heart with you and you were so good to leave me with some of the most wonderful memories a girl could ever ask for! You will be in my heart forever! I love you, Jane (Chaney and Annie the Wonder Dog love you, too!)
Diane Dumas
November 18, 2008
"Forever in our Hearts" Bill!!! Thank you for the kindness, laughter and wonderful memories we will treasure forever! Our "LOVE" & "MISSES" ALWAYS!!! XXOO
- Diane, John, Dani & Bill, Mike & Becky, Dad & Family
adriana v dunlap
November 18, 2008
Thank you for the laughs & great memories.. you will be missed by all !
Jamieson Asselta
November 18, 2008
Bill will be missed by so many! I crossed paths first with Bill when I was a kid and always remembered the way he made me laugh. 20 years later, I am fortunate to work with Bill and he still made me laugh. We will miss you Bill and thank you for the all the laughs!
Dan Earley
November 18, 2008
We will miss you and always love you you will always be known in or home as "Uncle Tickle Bill" love always Wendy, Dan, Steven and Timmy
Walleska Vazquez
November 18, 2008
Bill with the "belly" I will miss you! and your great choices of cologne that always made the office smell so good!
-Love you mean it-
Scott Peavey
November 18, 2008
Bill, thanks for the laughter and the many memories that you have left behind for all of us whom you touched; to share. The World is a little dimmer now, but Heaven is a lot brighter. I was glad that I called you the week of November 1st and got to speak with you. We spoke for 30 minutes and I couldn't get you off the phone. You had me laughing so hard, with your antics and latest "stories" which is what I will miss the most. Your Minnesota trip still has me laughing to this day when I think about it. You were infectious to be around and everyone wanted to hear a "Bill story." Work stopped, when Bill started talking. You were also the person to go to if you were having a bad day or needed a "pick me up." I always left your Office with a smile or a grin on my face. You will be forever remembered for all the good that you did, and for all the camraderie and fun you brought to so many people. I am sure that "Grease Day" at the World Center will not be the same for many years to come. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to your entire family, relatives near and far, and to the vast network of friends and professionals you have left behind. You will be forever in our hearts.
Glenn Gray
November 18, 2008
We will all miss you. You were one of a kind!!! RIP my friend!!!!
Wendy Henderson
November 18, 2008
Thanks for the laughs!! We will love and miss you Forever !!!
XOXO
Wendy, Brian, Cole, Molly, Shelby & Shane
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