Bill Montee Opie

Opie, Bill Montee 1932 ~ 2013 LOS GATOS, CA -- Bill Montee Opie passed away July 30, 2013 at The Teraces of Los Gatos in California. Born to Albert Lee and Mary Elizabeth Montee Opie, in Sandusky, Ohio. Bill attended Sandusky schools, until he enrolled at Bowling Green University majoring in business. His education was interrupted by 2 years in the Army where he served in special services before returning to complete his studies. After graduation, married to Mary Louise Knight, Opie settled his family in Detroit. Within a few years, his father's illness required him to return to the family business, O P Craft. In Sandusky. Bill expanded the small company into a burgeoning plastics enterprise. He held many patents for his creative efforts. He was an ardent golfer and a collector of presidential memorabilia, which he donated to the Smithsonian Collection. When the business was sold Bill moved his family to Poway, CA. He became active in real estate. Divorced, in 1983 he married Selma Zarakov a professor at Palomar College. A past president of the San Diego Board of Realtors, a prominent member of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club and an office holder in every organization to which he belonged, Bill's love of people contributed to his success. Bill and Selma established scholarships at UC Riverside, Sandusky High School, The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club, and Palomar College. They were active member/supporters of the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. Bill loved to play games and duplicate bridge in particular. Other interests were painting, writing poetry, and travel. Bill's last nine years were spent at The Terraces of Los Gatos where he and Selma participated in community life. Bill leaves his wife of 30 years, Selma Opie, two brothers John Opie (Sue) of Pennsylvania and Oregon and James Opie (Cathy), of Portland OR, a daughter Catherine Sue Opie (Julie), of Los Angeles CA and a son Robert Lee Opie of Escondido, CA, children of his first marriage to Mary Louise Knight Opie Valentine, of Poway CA, two stepsons Milo Zarakov of Pleasant Hills, CA, and Eric Zarakov, of Guatemala, two grandchildren, Oliver Opie and Kayla Opie, and two step grandchildren Adam Zarakov and Daniel Zarakov. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 17th at The Teraces of Los Gatos at 1:30 p.m. Donations in the memory of Bill Montee Opie can be made to the Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Ave., San Jose, California 95124.