William Trussler Obituary

William "Bill" Trussler, was born in Paso Robles in January 1928 to Fern and Art Trussler, and passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, at home with his family by his side. He grew up in Paso Robles, untilÂ his family moved to San Jose, Calif., during his high school years. It was on the beach at Santa Cruz where he met his soul mate, Lorraine "Lano" Traikoff. She was 16 years old, he was 18. They married a few years later in 1950 and spent 56 wonderful years together. Bill graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor''s degree in Business Administration. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for three years. When he was discharged, they moved back to Paso Robles, where Bill and his dad started a charcoal manufacturing business. After a few hair raising experiences, they sold that business. In 1965 Bill and Lano moved to San Luis Obispo with their two daughters, Leigh and Martha. Bill and his father, Art,Â started San Luis Paints. Bill was involved in many organizations, including the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Vice President in 1972. He was a board member of the National Paint and Decorating Association from 1988 to 1992 and Â president of the San Luis Obispo Rotary Club from 1991 to 1992. He also served on the board of Achievement House, and for 19 years headed up a benefit golf tournament and auction to help raise money for the organization. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed sports. Bill is survived by daughters Leigh Ann Cronin and Martha Miller-Dale (Gary Dale); grandchildren Sandy and Michelle Cronin, and Matthew and Brent Miller; great-grandson, Grayson Cronin; brother, Jerry Trussler; friend, Dorothy Coates; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lano; and parents, Fern and Art Trussler. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his cat, Taz. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), 11245 Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo. In lieu of flowers,Â donations may be madeÂ to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South St. Ste. R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Oct. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for William Trussler

9 Entries

Millie Hiatt

November 3, 2010

I had the great pleasure to work for and get to know Bill Trussler during my 12 years at San Luis Paints. He was a very special man and someone whom I admired a great deal. I feel privileged to have known both Bill and Lano. I hope the family can take some comfort in knowing that Bill and Lano are once again together and now for eternity. My heartfelt condolences to Leigh, Martha and your families. I will always have the fondest memories of your Dad.

Iris Ripper

October 31, 2010

We met Bill when we bought our house in 1987 on Stratford in Pismo. He was a wonderful neighbor, and gentleman.

Donald and Iris Ripper

Jack Rouleau

October 30, 2010

Oct. 30, 2010
In the 1940's when Bill's dad Art moved the Trussler Paint Co. to San Jose, my dad joined the company and I met Bill and Jerry. Later Art sold to dad and partners later to sell to me and my partner. We all got our first exposure to the paint business working after school and later full time. Bill was graduating from Lincoln High as I was finishing my first year there. I still have a picture in front of me ,in our home office ,of Art and dad in front of the old Trussler Paint Co. in San Jose. Good memeries of of good people. For a few years Art's cousin Dick Trussler was my partner in the corporation. Rest in peace Bill. Fondly, Jack Rouleau . El Dorado,CA.

Al Priestley

October 28, 2010

I became acquainted with Bill about a year ago through my mother, Dorothy Coates (formerly Dorothy Brooks) in Paso Robles. They were childhood friends that stayed in contact a lot this last year. What a fine, fine, man he was with a wonderful family. I enjoyed spending time with the two of them. It's always tragic when someone like this passes away but their legacy will live on. Rest well, my friend, and all the best to Leigh, Martha, Sandy, and Michelle. And to all those in his family I never met.

Jason Seymour

October 28, 2010

I met Bill while just getting started in my insurance business back in 1988. He was one of the nicest gentleman I have encountered. I was 27 at the time and his thoughtfulness and kindness has stayed in my thoughts ever since. He loved his wife, family and life with a purity that does not grace very many people. I trust he will be remembered with great fondness by many for years to come.

Good Bye Bill,

Jason Seymour

Jim Holloway

October 28, 2010

Bill was in a way like an older brother to me and he treated me that way, too. His parents were great friends of my parents and his brother married my cousin. Bill was always fun to be around. I will miss Bill but am happy for his reunion with his beloved Lano and the rest of the family.

October 28, 2010

I worked for Bill years ago. After leaving his company. I would see him on the street and as alway's he had a smile on his face. And alway's some wonderful to say. He moved into one of the Associations my company now manages and became a board member. It was great to see him again. His smiling face and great personality will be missed. Thanks Bill for beleiving in me. Lisa Ferson-Zavala - SLO, CA

Art Bourdon

October 28, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Bill was a wonderful client and friend and I know he will be greatly missed.
Art Bourdon

Charlie Hollwoay

October 28, 2010

Jerry, Was saddened to hear of Bill passing. I tried to see him anytime we were in the SLO area. He meant a lot to our family and was very kind to me as a young kid still in high school in giving me a job. He remained a part of our family, as do you, though time meant that we did not see each other often. To his Daughters, I never knew you, but your dad was the greatest kind of a man. Honest, loyal and a true gentleman. So sorry for your loss. Charlie Holloway

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