William Russel Earnshaw

William Earnshaw was born in Korea in 1956 to Alvin and Mary Earnshaw, and was raised in Cotati by his mother. He passed away on September 9, 2010 after a valiant four-year battle with cancer. He has been married for 35 years to Shelley, who was also his childhood sweetheart and neighbor. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Erin, who is a multi-lingual school teacher at a local middle school, and his son Jeff, who owns a furniture store in Placerville Ca, along with daughter-in-law, Amanda, and grandson Ben. Another grandchild is due in the Spring. William was very proud of both of his children. He also leaves behind his sister-and brother-in-law, Linda and Doug Stubbs, and their two grown children Michael and Becky, and her daughter Kaili. Willie was well known in the construction industry for his innovation, work ethic, and loyalty. Throughout his career he worked at Oak Grove Construction, Packard Paving, and for the last 25 years at North Bay Construction; most recently as vice president of Field Operations. Willie was an amazing mentor who would give or do anything for anyone. He will also be remembered for the many practical jokes he played on his fellow co-workers. William was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and diving for abalone. He was a member of the Petaluma; Valley of the Moon and Pt Arena trap clubs. He was a member Petaluma Elks lodge #109. William was a lifelong classic car and motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed participating in the Redwood Run and in many car shows. He also loved taking his Jeep on the Rubicon Trail with family and friends. William will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be interred at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, following a small family service. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at 431 Payran St, Petaluma, at 12:00 noon. Please bring any "Willie" stories and/or photos to share. Arrangements made under the care of Santa Rosa Mortuary, 1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, 707-545-3747.