WILLIAM HENRY SCHOFIELD III

William Henry Schofield, III September 15, 1920 - December 28, 2010 After ninety years, Bill left this life peacefully surrounded by the love and affection of his assembled family. Bill was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in Orange, NJ. He attended the Brothers College of Drew University in Madison, NJ and earned his B.A. degree from New York University. He later earned the equivalent of a Masters Degree from the graduate program in Hospital Administration at the University of Toronto. Bill married Nancy Foster in 1949 and they moved to Oswego, NY where he was appointed Executive Secretary of the Oswego County Health Association. During the 1950's and '60's he worked as a hospital administrator at the Kessler Rehabilitation Institute in West Orange, NJ, the Hyde Rehabilitation Hospital in Bath, ME, the Cottage Hospital in Woodville, NH, the Arthur R Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle, ME, and the Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital in Cape May Courthouse, NJ. In 1966 he became the Executive Vice President of the Hospital Utilization Project in Pittsburgh, PA, retiring from that position in 1985. Soon after retirement, Bill moved to San Rafael (Marinwood), CA to live with his sister Beverly Williams and her husband Jack. After Jack's death in 1994, Bill provided much needed companionship for Bev. In more recent years, Bev was able to return the favor by caring for Bill as his health declined. Bill enjoyed the warm California weather and settled into his new home quickly. He became a member of St Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael, was an avid gardener and was an officer in both the Peacock Gap Garden Club and the Chrysanthemum Society of Marin. He also served as a Judge for the National Chrysanthemum Society, Inc. which entailed traveling to and evaluating various shows throughout California. Marinwood was not the optimum location for growing mums, but for a number of years Bill's great friend Jane Morehouse assisted him in his endeavors by providing a backyard blessed with a warm sun and her friendship. Bill had a remarkable memory, especially for names and faces. Family members of all ages often consulted him regarding details of recent events as well as those long past. When there was a fact in doubt, the cry would go out "Bill will know that" - and he always did. He was an avid tennis fan and you could count on him to be glued to the set during Wimbledon and the US Open. He also enjoyed following football at both the college and professional level. Another love was music, especially jazz. As a young man he would make his way into New York City to listen to the popular Big Band groups of that era. In more recent times he could be found at the Margaret Todd Senior Center on Big Band night. Movies were another interest. Saturday nights became "dinner and a movie" night when brother Jerry and his partner Joy would join Bill and Bev for an evening of entertainment. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Nancy and their son, Richard C. Schofield. He is survived by his sister Beverly S. Williams of San Rafael, brother Gerald K. Schofield of Novato, sons Christopher B. Schofield of Boulder Creek, CA and Derek F. Schofield of North Versailles, PA, daughter Anne S. Hunt (Jno) of Wexford, PA, grandchildren Matthew L. Schofield (Ashley) of Santa Cruz, CA, Brendan S. Hunt of Wexford, PA and two great grandchildren, Christopher R. Schofield and Riley T. Neely. He is also survived by loving nieces Adrienne Williams Phalon (Jim) of Novato, CA and Lynn Schofield Clark (Jon) of Golden, CO, and by nephews John L. Williams (Elizabeth) of Clayton, CA, Jeffrey S. Williams (Sherry) of Concord, CA and Robert D. Schofield of Clarence, NY. Many of his eight grandnieces and grandnephews (John, Scott, Katie, Victoria, Matthew, Andrew, Jonathan and Allison), loved and thought of "Uncle" Bill as a second grandfather. Family gatherings will not be the same without him. Bill made this earth a brighter place and he filled the air with his cheerful whistle. He was well loved by his family and friends and will be missed more than words can say. A memorial will be held in his honor on January 2, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Sutter VNA and Hospice, 4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 190, San Rafael, CA 94903, or to a charity of your choice.