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William Davila Obituary
April 25, 1931 –
February 14, 2014
Bill was born in Los Angeles, California, to Salvador and Amparo (Polly Lopez) Davila. He was an only child. He attended Mt. Lowe Military Academy in Altadena before graduating from Polytechnic High in Los Angeles.
Bill began his career in the supermarket industry sweeping floors at Vons, where he met his wife, Dorothy. Dorothy and Bill were married in 1952. After serving several years in the U.S. Air Force as a drill sergeant, he returned to Vons as a produce manager, eventually moving to the main office to work on the company newsletter. Bill was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Vons in 1984, where he served as the company spokesman. After briefly retiring from Vons in the early 1990s, he returned as President Emeritus from 1992 through 1998. He also served as a director on the boards of Hormel, Home Depot, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Wells Fargo and on the foundation board of Arcadia Methodist Hospital. Additionally, he was a former president of the WAFC.
Most important to Bill was his family. Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy, their five children, David (Anne) Davila, Diane Davila (Craig) Jones, Lisa Davila (Ken) Franklin, Bill Davila and Deborah Davila (Brig Gen Michael) McGuire and 12 grandchildren (Alyssa Jones, Bryan Jones, Allie McGuire, Sarah Franklin, Danielle Davila, Hannah McGuire, Katherine Franklin, Robby Jones, Will Davila, Matthew Franklin, Nicolette Davila and Maggie McGuire). He is best remembered for his great sense of humor, his generous spirit and his belief that anyone can accomplish anything they put their mind to. He will be deeply missed.
Donations in Bill's name would be gratefully received by the William S. Davila Scholarship Fund, which offers financial assistance for college education to employees or children of employees in the food industry. William S. Davila Scholarship Fund, c/o Scholarship Management Services, One Scholarship Way, Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082. For information on services please contact John Cabot at Cabot & Sons, Pasadena, California.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Davila
Jim Zahyna II
March 7, 2014
To the Davila Family,
Hearing of the passing of your father was sad to hear, and brought back many enjoyable memories of the times my father (Jim Zahyna of SWS) had with Bill and Dorthy over dinner. My dad always spoke highly of Bill and what he stood for. I am sure the two will be catching up on old time soon.
Prayers to the family.
March 1, 2014
Dear Family; I'm a bit in shocked as news of Bill's transition from labor to God's Presence just reached me. I pray that The Precious Holy Spirit will encompass you all and speak words to your hearts that will strengthen you for the days ahead and restore peace to your Souls... even as The Lord fills your hearts to overflowing with Loving memories that will remain forever.
I worked with him when the main office was in El Monte, and was there when he retired. I will never forget the positive synergy that seemed to radiate from him, and the unpretentious & gracious way he always received me. I shocked a few folk by walking right into his office without fanfare or aires-a reminder to all that everyone was a valuable member of the team. It was that attitude that endeared him to many at Vons.
May The Lord continue to bless your family as you carry on his legacy.
Saluting a life well lived,
Evg. Martin
Christina Bruno
February 26, 2014
Dear Davila Family:
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Davila and pray that God will bless all of you with His comfort and peace during this difficult time. I occasionally worked with Mr. Davila during the late 70s and early 80s and will always remember his wonderful humor and warm personality. It was truly an honor to work with him. My family and I extend our sincere condolences for your loss.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Christina Bruno
James Bruno (Father)
Virginia Giancanelli-Alvarado (Aunt)
February 22, 2014
Always upbeat with a smile.Great to be around.Both pleasure and business.He will
be truly missed.
Everett Dingwell
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February 21, 2014
Dear Dorothy and family. John and I wish to express our sincere sympathy in the loss of Bill. We have know your family for many years and remember that our boys played soccer and possibly baseball together.
We remember Bill as a very vibrant and involved person and extremely giving. Heaven is a better place since he arrived. Our prayers are with you and the family. Sara & John Goodno
February 20, 2014
Mr. Davila gave me my very first job as a box girl at Von's when I was very young. I was very good friends with son Bill in high school. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. My heart and love goes out to the family
Dave Samarzich
February 20, 2014
Without question one of the nicest men ever to grace the streets of Arcadia if not the United States. What an incredible upbeat, positive thinking man whom always had a smile on his face. Bill will be missed. God Bless him and his family during this trial and tribulation. We lost a good one !!!!
Barbara Organ
February 20, 2014
Bill: You will be missed. The room would light up when Bill Davila walked in. I will always remember how caring Bill was to everyone.....always asking you how you were and how your family was doing!! We were all blessed to have known you and worked with you at Vons.
Frank Woodard
February 20, 2014
You Will Be Missed Bill!
Michael Burckhard
February 20, 2014
My prayers are with his family. He will be truly missed. I had the honer to work with Bill when I first started my career with VONS. RIP Bill..
February 20, 2014
Bill, was a wonderful man and a great friend. Bill will missed by all. Our prayers go out to the family. Bill, also inspired myself while I was in the office and also inspired my wife Carline. Vons was never the same after he left. RIP Bill.
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