William Alexis Malila

It goes without saying, Bill was the kindest, gentlest, most soft-spoken man I know. A unique scientist with a quiet sense of humor, Bill never uttered an unkind word in the face of obstinacy and stupidity; he accomplished much by being persistant and creative. His lectures for ERIM training programs in Nepal and elsewhere were clear and exactly right. With Eida and others, we shared many good times long ago. I and many others miss Bill.

My apologies for the tardiness of my message. My family has known Bill and Elida Malila since we attended Peace Lutheran Church when we first moved to Ann Arbor in the 60's. Since then they have been a recurring positive presence in my life. Bill was a consumate researcher, persistent teacher and excellent human being. On behalf of Nancy and I our condolences to Elida and the rest of the Malila family. A life well lived.

It is with a heavy heart that I just learned we lost a very dear, kind hearted, generous soul. Both Bill and Elida have been extra special to me and I have so many fond memories of family gatherings to cherish! Bill taught me how to ride a bike! It's comforting to know that Betty and so many others were waiting for him with open arms at the pearly gates. Love and Prayers to Elida, the girls and their families!

Janet and I knew Bill and Elida for about 50 years. Bill and I were Research Science Engineers at the U of M Willow Run Labs and the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan. I retired on the last day of ERIM on February 28, 1997. We were neighbors in the Hollywood Park subdivision of Ann Arbor for about five years. Then we were members of the “Volleyball Group”, a group of adults that played volleyball in local gymnasiums, parks, and back yards. We also celebrated holidays and...

Elida,
We were so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. We enjoyed getting to know both you and Bill while on our church tour of the Holy Land in 2013. May the many wonderful memories of the past help you in these difficult days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sending God's peace and love.
Kitty and Larry Adkins

Some of my best memories with Bill were on some field trips early in my career at ERIM. We spent nights in the desert and evenings eating wonderful meals at LA area restaurants. I always appreciated his gentle spirit and his cogent technical comments. We'll miss you Bill.

Bill was a gentle man/gentleman. A good husband, a good dad, a good grandpa, a good friend to my parents over many years. The world has lost a Good Man.

I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I was a coworker and fellow golfer at ERIM. It was always a pleasure speaking with Bill, especially on the topic of photography, which he loved.

Paul Forshee