WILLIAM ANDRIDGE

William Andridge After a courageous and determined fight against leukemia Bill finally succumbed on November 16, 2010. Bill was born on June 22, 1944 to Esther and Theron Andridge in Battle Creek, Michigan. The first twenty years of his life were spent growing up in Battle Creek. In 1962 he graduated from Lakeview High School. These years laid the foundation for his sturdy Mid-West principles that would never leave him. In 1965, like so many others, Bill moved west and landed in Mill Valley. Despite those Mid-West principles this would mark a love affair with Marin County and the Bay Area. It was in 1965 that Bill met Tony Houston and this would be the beginning of a 45 year friendship of the strongest sort. Bill attended College of Marin and received his A.A. degree in 1966. Unfortunately he also received his draft notice that fall. From 1967 until June of '69 Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. The last 13 months were spent in Vietnam. In the fall of 1969 he started towards a Business degree at SFSU. After college Bill found himself working for the U.S. Postal Service. A few years later, Bill came to the conclusion that this wasn't for him. The decision was made to enter the business world. Software sales were first but soon he settled into his real passion: banking and finance. Here he found great satisfaction with his accomplishments. Bill's unflinching integrity made him the perfect Loan Officer for a loan and advice. Mid life crisis? Nope! Bill examined his life and decided to make some changes. He quit drinking and smoking. No 12 step program, just quit! What better reflection on his strength of character than that. Bill's passions and interests were many. Bill loved to hike the many trails of Mt. Tam and pheasant hunting at his Black Point Club. He loved to wet the fishing line while sitting on a dock and conversing with his friend Tony, jazz would be playing and the world's problems would be solved. Story telling is an art and Bill was an artist. Every one looks for a great sale but Bill was the master. When you went anywhere with Bill you always were able to park in front! For Bill's extended family they always thought of Uncle Bill when looking for that elusive parking spot. More often than not, it worked. He had many wonderful relationships; none as meaningful as his beloved Ruth Perez. Bill and Ruth spent many years of comfortable companionship. His devotion to his mother, Esther, was a role model for everyone. Tom Nowell, who was a father to Bill for most of his life, was a great inspiration to Bill and they spent many a happy day at Tom's cabin at Clear Lake. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Theron. He is survived by his mother, Esther, Thom Nowell II and his three sons, Tom III, Ronnie, and Dan (Sean) Nowell, and Beverly and Tony Houston and their seven children to whom he was always Uncle Bill. If you want to make a donation in Bill's honor please consider his favorite charity Warm Wishes (www.warmwishes.org). To all of Bill's many friends there will be a celebration of Bill's remarkable life. The date and location are pending.