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William Colston Obituary
WILLIAM T. COLSTON
Of Arlington, VA on January 21, 2011. He was the beloved husband of Kristen (Klein) Colston and devoted father of Noah and Ethan. An engineer by training, Mr. Colston was the Division Director for Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics at the National Science Foundation since November, 2009. Previously, he had been a Deputy Managing Director and then Director in the State Department's Bureau of Overseas Building Operations. From 1999 until 2003, he was with the Defense Department, serving in a number of roles including as deputy project leader for the Pentagon renovation project and as project leader for the Project Phoenix reconstruction following the September 11 terrorist attack. Mr. Colston was born on June 20, 1969 in Bronxville, NY. He graduated from high school in Denver, CO in 1987 and from the Coast Guard Academy with a civil engineering degree in 1991. He received a Masters degree in environmental engineering from Manhattan College in 1996. He served as a lieutenant in the Coast Guard from 1991 through 1996. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Colston was an accomplished bicyclist, triathlete, and hiker. In 2010, he completed the Ironman St. George triathlon in Utah. He was also a youth hockey and soccer coach in Arlington. He is also survived by his brother Daniel and his parents, Mary Helen and Donald Henry, all of Frisco, TX. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane in Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, (woundedwarriorproject.org) or to the National Park Foundation, (nationalparks.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for William Colston
Sponsored by Suzanne & Bob Reinhold.
Hon. Randolph N. Bennett
October 23, 2023
Will, it has been so many years and I still think of you often. In my role as Director of Residential Design and Cultural Heritage at OBO, we work closely together.
When you departed for other opportunities we all knew you would run that agency some day.
When we heard that your life was cut short, we all grieved for your family. The children were so young.
Bottom line, we still miss you Will.
Hon. Randolph N. Bennett
Former Director, RDCH
Suzanne Rechtin Reinhold
January 20, 2023
Remembering my nephew Will today and how terrible was his untimely death. Remembering, too, Mary´s calling to tell us of his upcoming TV interview on the PBS NEWS HOUR about the reconstruction of the section of the Pentagon destroyed on 9/11, which he managed. I was so excited hearing his flawless discussion. Fortunately, my nephew Dan, along with Julie, Caitlin, Laney and Brennan were
there for Mary and Don in Dallas, and shared their joy, which helped them through their devastating loss.
Suzanne Rechtin Reinhold, Mary´s sister and Will´s and Dan´s aunt
Julie Colston
January 21, 2021
How has it really been 10 years? I see pictures of you throughout your childhood at Mary's house and miss your smile, laugh, and you being in our lives. We especially miss you during this difficult time. Dan misses his only brother and feels more alone than ever right now, sure wish you were here.
RP
June 16, 2020
I miss you Elmo-C. 1991 feels like yesterday.
WILL, NOAH, ETHAN, DAN, CAITLIN, LANEY, BRENNAN, JANUARY, 2011
Suzanne Reinhold
February 4, 2020
January 23, 2020
I cannot believe it has been nine years since Will's passing. Will was a wonderful friend, father, husband and son. My thoughts remain with his family, in particular his children, Noah and Ethan.
January 22, 2020
A beautiful moment.
Suzanne & Bob Reinhold
Julie Colston
January 21, 2020
We miss you Will and the presence in our family. I can't believe it has been 9 years since you passed away. So much has changed in our families and our kid's lives. We pray often and wish we could change the past. We wish you were still here for all of us.
Mordecai Glicksman
February 16, 2017
I only knew "Will" as a fellow student in the Environmental Engineering program in Manhattan College, where we were classmates in some of our classes.
I learned of his passing while checking out some old memories, souvenirs of which had surfaced when I was preparing to move.
I'm unspeakably sorry to learn of our loss of him. He just plain was an all-around good guy, and the smile on his face in this book was the one I remember so well, having seen it so often, from 22 years ago.
May the memory of him be a solace to all his loved ones.
Ethan Colston
January 24, 2014
Daddy I miss you
December 20, 2013
In Memory of William Thomas Rechtin and
William Thomas Colston
1968, 45 years this year
our family stunned with loss
another life time
youth and hope went away
to be reborn in Will
your namesake
how joy could reappear
and stay with us for a time
until 2011
it is not easy to forget pain
Suzanne Reinhold, December 19, 2013
Mary Colston
January 21, 2013
1/21/2013 Dearest Will,
Today the 2nd anniversary of your death and the 9th month since your Dad died, I still struggle for wisdom to guide us, your remaining family, who still poignantly miss you both. The best guidance I have found has been: "Even in our sleep pain which cannot forget fall drop by drop on the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God." Aeschylus
The Book of Wisdom 4.7 tells us "the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest." And Ecclesiastes 3.1-4 assures us that "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under heaven...A time to be born, and a time to die...A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."
Although it is time for us to move forward, you both will be "Forever in our Hearts." My major consolation is that both you and your Dad rest in peace and I shall never again have to see the pain in your eyes. We are grateful that you both shared your love and were a part of our lives for so long. Auf Wiedersehen & Love always, Mom
Julie Colston
January 20, 2013
It is another January 21st in our lives and a day that is filled with sadness that you are not here with us. There are many stories that we share about you and think of you very, very often. We all miss you very much and wish you were here to share our lives together. You will always be deeply missed in our family and never forgotten.
SUZANNE & BOB REINHOLD
January 15, 2013
DEAR WILL: TODAY, JANUARY 15, 2013, IS THE BIRTHDAY OF YOUR UNCLE BILL RECHTIN, WHICH REMINDS ME, AGAIN, THAT YOU WERE THE THIRD YOUNG MAN IN OUR FAMILY TO DIE TRAGICALLY, FAR TOO YOUNG. BILL, A HISTORY PROFESSOR, AND FOR WHOM YOU WERE NAMED, DIED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT, JUST SIX MONTHS BEFORE YOU WERE BORN. YOUR GREAT UNCLE BOB RECHTIN, A NINETEEN YEAR OLD WORLD WAR II TAIL GUNNER, DIED OVER ITALY IN 1945, JUST AS THE WAR WAS ENDING. SUCH UNBELIEVABLE SADNESS.....AND, LAST APRIL, JUST FIFTEEN MONTHS AFTER YOU DIED, YOUR FATHER DIED. WHEN YOU DIED, THE GRIEF OF YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER WAS PROFOUND. MAY ALL OF YOU REST IN PEACE. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE JOY OF YOUR LOVE AND PRESENCE.
WITH LOVE, FROM AUNT SUZANNE & UNCLE BOB, JANUARY 15, 2013
Magali Gutierrez
January 8, 2013
I have recently found out about Will's passing. It's been a great shock and sadness for us. My husband and I became friends with Will when he was serving with the Coast Guard in Governor's Island. Will was strong, steady, always willing to help and had a wonderful sense of humor. We were very pleased to attend his wedding with Kristen in 1998, and to hear news of the births of Noah and Ethan. I know how much joy and pride they brought to his life. Last time I spoke with him, he had recently started the Anctartic project, and was very excited about his job. I am sorry that we let life's daily routines and demands keep me from being in touch with a good friend.
I am deeply sorry for the loss that his family has endured, his parents, his brother, his wife and children.
I will keep warm memories of Will. Please accept my deepest condolences, ans the second anniversary of his passing approaches. He and all his family are in my prayers.
Julie Colston
January 21, 2012
Will--This day has been so difficult on all of us and we miss you deeply. I can only imagine that every Jan. 21st will be hard for years to come. This one seems to be extra hard. We do enjoy talking about stories and memories that we all have with you but miss your bright smile and presence. I am so sorry you are not here--- Dan and your parents really need your strength and courage. We will all continue to pray and remember your spirit forever. You are deeply missed and loved.
Mary Colston
June 21, 2011
Happy Birthday, Will. Forty-two years ago yesterday you burst into our lives like a shooting star bearing love, joy, laughter, adventure and motion. You always were a devoted and loving son and brother who accepted nothing less than perfection from yourself and who never was mean or vindictive even to those who hurt you. You were so proud to serve in the Coast Guard, at the Pentagon and at the State Department. You were so excited by the challenge of the Antarctic Project. Your love and devotion to Ethan and Noah was endless but you needed peace---now you have it. We who love you will forever miss you. We are grateful that you spent your last days here in Texas when you told us many times how much you loved us… Auf Wiedersehen Love, Mom & Dad
Lissa Mirvish
June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011
Today remains such a important day in our lives--the one that brought Will into the world. His family was still reeling from the death of his Uncle Bill, for whom he was named; he made it seem possible to go on. At times of such a loss, it's easy to focus only on that loss, and forget what a wonderful gift his life was. He was such an incredibly loving father--Noah and Ethan were everything to him. Yet, he was somehow able as well to make incredible contributions--to the rebuilding of the Pentagon, to scientific research in Antarctica. His life as a loving father and consummate, admired professional, remains an incredible legacy to us all, but particularly to his beloved Noah and Ethan. Love, Lissa, Adrian, Ezra, Reva, Judah and Asher
Suzanne & Bob Reinhold
June 20, 2011
Happy Birthday Will. I, your Aunt Suzanne, will never forget the joy that your birth brought to our grieving family when you were born on June 20,1969, following our untimely loss of your Uncle Bill, for whom you were named. We followed your activities
and accomplishments through your Mom and Dad, to whom you brought such happiness. Attending your wedding
was fun. Whew! We tore down the Interstate to DC from Baltimore, to arrive just in time to see you exchange vows. It was so exciting to see you interviewed by Jim Lehr on the PBS Newshour about the Pentagon restoration which you directed, following the 9/11 attacks. Talk about proud! We will never accept your death at age 41, but must focus, instead, on the many beautiful moments that you gave your family in your short life. With much love, from Aunt Suzanne, Uncle Bob, and cousins Sarah and Elise.
Julie Colston
June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011--Today would be Will's 42nd birthday. Dan, the kids, and I miss Will every day and we cherish the good times and fun memories we had with him over the years. Our hearts are heavy today with sadness because he is not here with us. We remember Will's bright smile, laughter, and strength. Will was an exceptional man and we will continue to miss him for many days and years to come.
Mary Smaragdis and Haris Riris
February 12, 2011
We were filled with sadness when we heard this news. May Will's memory be eternal.
Charlie Wendt
February 10, 2011
I will remember Will for his cheerfulness, positive outlook, and professionalism. We worked closely together when he was at the Pentagon Renovation. I had lost track of him in the last few years, but was not surprised at the great contributions he made at OBO and NSF in that short period of time. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Janice Buffler
February 10, 2011
I just learned of Will's death. May the family gain strength from knowing that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people who came in contact with Will.
Bob Parker
February 7, 2011
It was with sadness I learnt of the untimely death of Will. My sincere condolences to his friends and family. Christchurch has been the base for the United States Antarctic Programe for over 50 years. This has led to a special relationship between the people of Christchurch and the people of the United States in particular those associated with the National Science Foundation. Will did an extraordinary job as Divisional Director for Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics at the National Science Foundation and he will missed by his Antarctic colleagues in Christchurch.
Bob Parker, Mayor of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Brooke and Andrew Fern
February 3, 2011
We are so saddened to hear about Will's passing. He was a wonderful soccer coach to our daughter Peyton. We remember his ever present smile and positive attitude. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Jenn & Kevin
February 2, 2011
We will carry Will's brilliant smile, boundless warmth and adventurous spirit in our hearts always.
Matthew Lazzara
February 1, 2011
From all of us here at the Antarctic Meteorological Research Center at the University of Wisconsin, please accept our deep sympathy with the passing of Will.
Dr. Matthew Lazzara
AMRC/SSEC
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jorge Vazquez
February 1, 2011
It was an honor to have known and worked with Will. His sharp mind was inspiring and his smile was contagious to all around him. Will, you are truly missed!
David Huebner
January 31, 2011
On behalf of Will's friends here at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Kristen, Noah, Ethan, and all of Will's family and friends. It was my privilege to know Will, and I am grateful for the life he lived and the lives he touched here in New Zealand.
Sincerely,
David Huebner
U.S. Ambassador
McMurdo Station Chapel
January 31, 2011
Dear Mrs. Colston and Family,
We share in your grief as you mourn the loss of Will. We are so grateful for his life and service to his country. A Memorial Service in his honor was held at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, recently. He will be greatly missed. May God's peace and comfort bring you strength and hope for the days ahead. We uphold you all in our prayers. ~Bill
Chaplain, Col William T. Yates, USAF
Program Director
ANG Antarctic Chaplaincy
Operation Deep Freeze
Will Smith
January 31, 2011
Although I haven't seen Will in almost 20 years, I still vividly remember the summer of 1988 when Will and I both attended cadet aviation training in Mobile, AL. I'll never forget his great sense of humor, playfulness, and overall congeniality.
Michael Lebsack
January 31, 2011
Will was a great CG Academy classmate and will be dearly missed. Our sincere condolences to Kristen, Noah, and Ethan.
January 30, 2011
We are so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person who brightened every room. Kristen, Noah, and Ethan, we will help you through this difficult time and will do whatever we can to make your pain a little easier. You are in our hearts. Love, Matt, Ilona, Gabby, and Aidan
Dan Hogan
January 29, 2011
Will was a good friend and excellent colleague. Never seemed to have a bad day, and always seemed to make mine better. I worked with Will at OBO and remember well the day he came into my office to tell me about the new job at NSF. It sounded like the coolest job in the world. He was a big part of what we were trying to accomplish at OBO and I really enjoyed working with Will on the many things we worked together, so I was sorry to see him go. But, somehow I always expected him to come back to us. He was one of those rare stars that succeeded in everything he did and made those around him better. I will miss him. We will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family. He was a good man who did his part to make the world a better place.
Amer Latif
January 29, 2011
I'd like to pass my sincere codolences to Will's family and friends. I knew Will at the Coast Guard Academy and had the privilege of knowing this great individual. His sense of humor and good nature will always be remembered.
Darran McLenon
January 29, 2011
My sincere condolences to family and friends of Will. A Coast Guard Academy classmate of mine, I'll always cherish the memories we shared over those four years. An outstanding indidivual who always had my respect. He will be missed and will not be forgotton.
Graham and Karen Holmes
January 28, 2011
To Will's Family,
We know you will miss this wonderful person so much. We send our love and condolences.
Walker Evey
January 28, 2011
It was an honor and a privilege to work with and to know Will. He was one of those rare individuals who had the ability to connect with everyone around him, to draw them closer and to inspire them to greatness. As an engineer he was superb. As a project manager he was inspired. As a person he was filled with humility. We will miss you, Will.
Nelson Litterst
January 28, 2011
Kristen,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Will while we were assistant coaches for my son's and Ethan's Mite Hockey team. I must say Will and I hit it off right away and I looked forward to our conversations during every game and practice. He was a such positive person and had such a warm personality that the kids on the team really took to him. You could tell what a great father he was as well. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know him. My heart goes out to you, Ethan and Noah and our prayers are with you all.
Kimiko Bowens-Knox
January 28, 2011
Kristen,
It was a honor to have worked in the same as office as Will. I pray for strength for you and the children. Will will always be remembered as a cheerful spirited person. God bless your familly with peace in this most difficult moment.
Katie Romp
January 27, 2011
Kristen,
My heart aches for you, your boys, and your extended family. Please know that I will be with you in thought and prayer on Saturday and in the days, weeks, and months to come. Take care of yourself.
Vivien Woofter
January 27, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Will when he was in OBO. It was such a pleasure and an honor, always a good friend/advisor. My heart goes out to you and your family, I know he will be sorely missed.
Vivien Woofter, OBO Historic Conservation Advisor
Rainey Astin
January 27, 2011
Kristen, I am thinking of you and the boys. I remember Will fondly from our days at Shaw Pittman. He was such a nice person with a wonderful sense of humor. A real stand up guy who I know has passed his best to your two boys.
Bill Prior
January 27, 2011
I worked with Will at OBO and I am proud to say he was my friend. He was a smart and personable guy, with a quick wit and a quicker smile. He was a pleasure to work with and will be dearly missed. I will always remember him as someone who brightened my day.
Kim McCabe
January 27, 2011
What a nice tribute. Although I never had the chance to meet Will, I could tell how happy he made you, Kristen. Such a tremendous loss for you and your boys. Sending my sympathy, strength and prayers..
Mike Staier
January 27, 2011
Will was a wonderful friend and Academy classmate who always brought a smile to any situation. The Class of '91 has lost a good one. Kristen, Noah, and Ethan...so very sorry for your loss.
Steve Ellis
January 26, 2011
I had the honor of being Will's classmate at the Coast Guard Academy. Will and I have been out of touch for many years but I can honestly say that he was that rare individual. Always friendly, always smiling, always laughing. I know I am am a better and richer human being for having known Will. Kristen, Noah, and Ethan you have my deepest sympathies and my prayers.
January 26, 2011
I had the wonderful privilege of working with Will at OBO. Everyone and I mean everyone loved him. We were all quite sad when he left the organization. Now we are truly heartbroken that he has left this world so early.
TMB
marlene salvatore
January 26, 2011
Kristen,
Words cannot explain how badly Nick and I feel about Will's passing. He was such an exceptional man, father, and great husband. Our prayers will be with you, as well as whatever support we can give you.
Marlene and Nick Salvatore
Diane & John Lechmanik
January 26, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasure running into Will in the neighborhood and catching up. We are here to lend our support in any way you need.
John, Diane, Jack and Joshua Lechmanik
Thom Banks
January 26, 2011
Will was such a stand up guy...the first to offer assistance, to reach out to include people with his warm, positive and enthusiastic personality. Will brought out the best of other peoples' natures in our vain attempts to elevate to his. I'm so sorry Kristen.
Margie and Irwin Macklow
January 26, 2011
Dear Kristen, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Jeanne Williams
January 26, 2011
What a wonderful person and friend! We will miss him dearly and remember his warm smile. Jeanne and Doug
Ted Wackler
January 26, 2011
To Will's Family: I had the great privilege of making my first visit to Antartica with Will in January 2010. It was an honor to get to know such a wonderful guy. His loss will be keenly felt in many quarters, most of all yours. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
Ted Wackler
D T
January 26, 2011
Will made a big difference and he will never be forgotten.
Robert & Nancy Scott
January 26, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by his many friends and family.
Chandra, Alan and TC Burnside
January 26, 2011
We are so sad for the loss of Will. You have all our love and prayers.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
January 26, 2011
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Robyn & Ben
January 26, 2011
We miss you so much already dear friend.
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