William "Bill" Bristow Jr.

1926 - 2017

William (Bill) Taylor Bristow Jr. of Oak Brook IL passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2017. Bill was born on July 11, 1926 in Chicago IL to William Taylor Sr. and Grace (nee Pearce) Bristow. He was very close to his only brother, Robert Alexander Bristow (deceased) throughout his life. He served during WWII in the Pacific theater aboard the Destroyer USS Franks DD554. His ship was in the first flotilla to secure Tokyo, Japan in 1945. Bill graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1950. He then began an exciting career with Harza Engineering that spanned over 40 years, working on significant national and international hydroelectric projects. Bill was the loving and loved husband of Jean (nee Bethig) for 63 years. He was the father of five sons and one daughter: William Taylor Bristow III (deceased), Brent (Anita), Bryan (Heather), Joy (Mark Larson), Reid (Bonnie) and Troy (Jen). They have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Bill's family was his pride and joy; "family togetherness" was his favorite way to spend his time. He was an avid leader in his church, Evangelical Covenant Church of Hinsdale, Boy Scouts of America Troop #8, American Legion Post # 250, American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), Habitat for Humanity. Bill volunteered his expertise and time to design and build a hydroelectric power plant for a remote mission hospital in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire) Africa. He was active in the annual USS Franks Reunion (his Navy family) until his death. Bill was a man of strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. He was honest, hard-working and his word was his bond. He had friends worldwide because he held people with the highest esteem. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Bill's life on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Evangelical Covenant Church of Hinsdale. 412 South Garfield, Hinsdale at 11:00 am. A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial gifts in Bill's honor may be directed to: Evangelical Covenant Church of Hinsdale, 412 South Garfield, Hinsdale IL 60521; Boy Scouts of America, Troop #8 412 South Garfield, Hinsdale IL 60521 or Samaritan's Purse - "Operation Heal Our Patriots Project" P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 (This ministry blesses and strengthens the marriages of military couples). Arrangements made by Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale, 630-703-9131 or www.powellfuneraldirectors.com.