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1937
2017
WILLIAM JOSEPH ANCELL, Sr. P.E., D.E.E.
1937-2017
Following a courageous battle with a devastating illness, William Joseph Ancell, Sr. died at his home in Boise with the assurance of his salvation through Jesus Christ.
Bill was born October 17, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Marion Sylvester and Linda Elizabeth (Walker) Ancell.
He was known as a man of faith and integrity in every facet of his life. He never failed to live his life so that others could see Christ in him and proclaimed the same by daily wearing a cross in his lapel.
He graduated from Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana with a degree in Civil Engineering. While living in Lansing, Michigan he earned a degree in Business Administration.
His early career included Assistant County Engineer for Monroe County, Michigan; County Engineer for Muskegon County, Michigan; and Assistant Director of Public Works for Lansing, Michigan. He found such pleasure in the challenge of creating a well-run organization then wanting to move on to a greater challenge.
In 1972, when Boise had a population of only 70,000, he moved his family from Michigan to become the Director of Public Works for the City of Boise. Boise was a perfect fit for him due to the rate of growth that it sustained over the years. He often said he did not have to move on because there were always fresh challenges that came with the growth. He maintained a lifelong dedication to the service of the people of Boise. He loved Boise and the recreational activities it offered as well as the pleasure he took in his position.
As a Registered Professional Engineer, he served as President of the Idaho Society of Professional Engineers, served on several American Society of Civil Engineers Peer Review teams, and on numerous other boards, both local and national. Serving under six mayors, he implemented and administered numerous forward-thinking design, construction, and environmental projects. He remained Director of Public Works until his retirement in 2003, at which time he had served the people of Boise for over 32 years.
After his retirement, Bill chose to give back to his profession in many ways. One of these was his commitment to service on the Idaho Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors and the Dispute Review Board for the State of Idaho.
Growing up in Chicago, he became a devoted Cubs fan and was elated to watch them win the World Series with his sons in 2016.
He married Judith Anne Weeks on October 1, 1961, recently celebrating their 56th anniversary. Together they raised three sons; William Joseph II, Brian Eugene, and Mark Edward, all of who he was incredibly proud.
Two of his greatest joys were his grandchildren; Kimberly Alexandrea (Ancell) Wood and Brian Jacob Ancell. Every time he saw them, he made it an adventure. Much of their time together was spent at his and Judith's home in the Boise foothills, or at Lucky Peak, where he shared his love of boating, water skiing and camping with his beloved grandchildren.
When time allowed he enjoyed traveling with Judith. For their 50th Anniversary they fulfilled one of Bill's lifelong dreams when they took a cruise through the Panama Canal.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Mark Edward Ancell, who died March 27, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Judith, his sons William Joseph II and Brian Eugene (Laurie) of Boise, Idaho, and his grandchildren Kimberly Alexandrea (Matt) and Brian Jacob (Julia) of Boise, Idaho.
The family would like to thank Bill's friends who visited him over the past 2 ½ years. Such visits were extremely important to him, contributing much to his happiness.
Only a private family memorial will be held. It was Bill's desire to have his ashes scattered in front of their condo on the Oregon Coast. In lieu of flowers or cards, please drop a donation in a Salvation Army kettle as it was through a Salvation Army Church in Chicago that he received Jesus as his Lord and Savior while a young boy.
We will miss him immensely.
He has left a loving and faith-filled legacy for his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
Judith Ancell
October 17, 2019
Judith Ancell
October 17, 2019
Judith Ancell
October 17, 2019
Judith
August 5, 2018
Judith Ancell
Spouse
February 14, 2018
Bill Ancell celebrating 25 years of service to the City of Boise. July 1997. The Public Works Employees gave him a perfect celebration! He always appreciated the amazing individuals who made up the department.
Family
February 7, 2018
Laurie Ancell
January 16, 2018
January 15, 2018
Judith Ancell
Spouse
January 3, 2018
Judith Ancell
Spouse
January 3, 2018
Judith,
My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. It is times like this when your faith in God and Christ will step up! Saw your recent post to me on LinkedIn before Christmas but did not respond as Marilyn informed me of Bill's passing. Lucky Peak, one of my favorite places also. I look often at the Book of Remembrance that you compiled years ago about the Weeks family tree.
Art Weeks
January 1, 2018
I enjoyed Bills company as we spent time through the years visiting as I gave him numerous haircuts. He was such a kind soul and a true gentleman. I feel very lucky to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pam Beckwith
Friend
December 30, 2017
I shall always remember Uncle Bill's kind heart and beautiful smiles!I treasured his visits. I shall always remember when he came to visit my small, college apartment. He was innocently sitting on the couch, when my cat came running full speed from the bedroom, jumped with a flying leap, planted all 4 paws on Uncle Bill's chest, and then bolted full speed back to the bedroom!I am happy to know he is now at peace in the presence of Jesus!
Karen Rook
December 29, 2017
Family
December 29, 2017
With a grateful heart, I share a short message and memories of Bill. When I became an employee at the Boise Public Works Department, Bill was the much-respected Director. Over the years I became more acquainted with this giant of a man. Bill had many well-defined sides to his persona. The professional side (which we saw daily) included suits/ties/ and his much-loved lapel cross, directness, fairness, intelligence, forward-thinking, and respect for others. His private persona included a quick smile and laugh, care for others, and love for his family. You can say that he wore his religious persona on his lapel and always shared a Christ-like respect for his fellow-man at all times. Bill was a well-rounded person and example to many. His memory is kept alive by the name of the Ancell Conference Room in Public Works as well as Ancell Street that leads to the largest and most advanced WWTF in Idaho. This incredible facility was built while Bill was Director and will forever stand as a living monument of Bill Ancell. I send our family's sincere condolences to the Ancell family at this sacred time.
Janine Renberg
December 26, 2017
My deepest condolences to your family during this most difficult time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is in God's memory, because those who pass on are precious in his eyes. - Psalms 116:15.
MJH
December 25, 2017
Judith please know that I am thinking of you & praying for your family. Love you!
Sharon Johnson
December 22, 2017
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