William Randall Bohn

William Randall Bohn

Feb. 17, 1950

Aug. 16, 2013

To say Bill Bohn lived life with inspired enthusiasm would be an understatement. William Randall Bohn was born in Missouri on February 17, 1950. After his father passed way he relocated to southern California. When Bill headed to college he was determined to become an architect. But the innovative freedom of industrial design drew him instead to the Art Center College in Pasadena, where he secured a degree in transportation and product design. Somewhere in our lives we have probably been influenced by Bill's creativity: he worked for the Airstream Corporation, designing interiors for their iconic trailers. Bill then embarked on a career many of us would call a dream job. He spent the next 18 years working for Walt Disney's WED Enterprises as an imagineer. His varied projects included design for Disneyland, Disney World, Epcot Center, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo DisneySea. He went to become the senior industrial designer for Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, CA, working on such large-budget projects as the Indiana Jones Adventure rides and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

His many design contributions to Disney projects were numerous and full of familiar names, but his loftier passion for design was for smaller settings. The finite spaces of yacht and airplane interiors presented a particular aesthetic challenge which appealed to Bill. He was commented in an interview that "aircraft and yachts are the pinnacle of environmental design." Combining large-scale with small projects, Bill's consulting business spanned even farther into the realm of transportation, working on hybrid electric trams, light rail projects, taxi design, and more. His love for the efficient use of space fueled a very imaginative career; his love of fuel and asphalt spurred his vintage auto racing. And a desire to explore the space above our heads motivated him to pursue his pilot's license.

Bill and wife Eileen spent many hours exploring their cherished Tahoe environment, enjoying many miles on cross-country skis, bicycles, kayaks, and taking hikes with their dog Levi. Bill was involved in many social events in the Tahoe area, including the Lake Tahoe Summerfest Board of Directors and Sierra Nevada College Community Outreach Board. Bill fervently encouraged everyone to pursue their passion and to think outside the box. His energetic passion for his work and his appreciation for the gorgeous world around him made you want to spend more time with him.

Bill passed away Friday, August 16, 2013, in a small plane accident. We would never want to miss a minute with this wonderful husband and friend, but we are so grateful he was doing something he loved, exploring space. Bill is survived by his wife, Eileen Bohn; brother Jeff Bohn (Jan); sister Suzie Mills (Terry); daughter Gabrielle Fueyo Aura (Ryan); and cousin John Bohn (Rhonda). He is predeceased by his parents, William Kasper Bohn and Donna W. Weeks.

A celebration of Bill's life was held in Incline Village. In lieu of flowers, please remember Bill by donating to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed in the Book of Memories at www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.