William Lincoln

William Lincoln What a life! William Lincoln (Bill, Willy, Chief, and W.W) was born of Alva and Anna Marie Lincoln April 16th 1916, and lived on their homestead ranch in Ravendale, Lassen County. His childhood adventures began in Oakville on the Lincoln Ranch where he grew up farming, ranching and working for his dad at Lincoln Brother's Tractor. The adventures continued while earning a degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in Aeronautical Engineering. With a reputation of being able to fix anything, he and his buddies built their own airplane, had the privilege of servicing Amelia Earhart's airplane, and proved a chicken could fly. Upon graduation, in 1937, Willy was hired by Pan American Airways and sent to New Caledonia. Later he was transferred to Midway Island and served as Chief Mechanic. It was there he witnessed a huge fleet of ships headed toward Hawaii, and contacted Pan Am in New York who immediately contacted the White House. He received a two-word answer back, "Thank You". In 1944 he received his diploma from Pan Am as a Flight Engineer and commenced on a 35 year journey as a clipper ship pioneer. Using a sextant out the back of the plane, Willy navigated the present day routes of the commercial flight. Barbara Dempsey met Bill on Treasure Island and was married February 19th, 1944. Eighteen years and ten kids later, they bought the Lincoln Ranch. Now the adventures became 10 fold, and all things were repaired with gray tape, bailing wire, and grapes were picked. In 1976, Bill retired from Pan Am with a total of 60 trips around the world equaling an hourly log of 5 years in the air. With adventure always on the horizon, Bill started Lincoln Farm Equipment with his son Bill jr., Win Horn, and Jerry Smith. For the next thirty years Bill lived a full and adventurous life running his vineyard, traveling with friends, and telling amazing stories. His extraordinary life completed its final chapter September 22 when he died in the arms of his granddaughter on the Lincoln Ranch. He is preceded in death by his parents Alva and Anna Marie and his daughter Barby. He is survived by his sister Alita (Lincoln) Moore, his wife of 66 years Barbara Lincoln, his children Ann (Dan), Bill (Carol), Beth (Jon), Dee (Stu), Mary (Phil), John (Bev), Jim (JoAnne), David (Denise), Lynn (Kirk), 20 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren with one on the way. Donations can be sent to: Cal Poly Memo: Barbara Lee Lincoln Memorial Award Cal Poly Planned and Major Gifts San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0444 Family and Friends are invited to a Visitation Wednesday September 29 at Morrison Funeral Chapel, from 5pm until 8pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, 402 Rutherford, Thursday at 12 noon. Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, St. Helena. The family is being cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel, 975 Vintage Ave., St. Helena (707) 963-3536. Online Condolences may be sent to morrisonfuneralchapel.com