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BORN
1942
DIED
2009
William Vogel Obituary
Bill has been a member of the Sonoma Wings Hang-Gliding Club for over 30 years and recently won a national hang gliding competition.
Bill is survived by his wife, Cathy and his son William Scott Vogel, US Navy Diver, of Seattle Washington; daughter Laurie of Kentucky; daughter Joyce of Arizona; sister Pat May of Broadway, NC and sister Marianne Munro of Seattle, Washington.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 26th at the Ukiah Player's Theatre, 1041 Low Gap Road, in Ukiah, California from 1-3PM. Guests are encouraged to write or share their favorite memories of Bill. As for religious affiliation, Bill was baptized Lutheran--he held God in his heart and spirit in the countless ways he assisted others at virtually every opportunity.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the V.F.W., Veterans of Foreign Wars, at
http://www.vfw.org.
A previous article inaccurately reported that Bill died of a heart attack, and this is not true. It was an extremely unfortunate accident-Bill had the energy, heart and soul of a teenager and left this earth doing the very thing he loved the most. Fly high, Bill…you will be forever missed.
Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.record-bee.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Vogel
Sponsored by anonymous.
Frank Lind
September 25, 2024
It's difficult to believe that it has been 15 years since Bill's passing.
Cathy
September 19, 2024
Fifteen years ago today, Willy. I still miss you every single day, and will continue to miss you until I can finally join you. The love of my life, and I lost you. See you soon, love.
Your loving wife
Cathy Vogel
September 19, 2023
Fourteen years ago today. Fourteen years ago today I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my rock. Will miss you forever, Willy. Forever.
Cathy Vogel
September 19, 2013
Billy, Four years ago today you left us. This is always a hard day for me. I just came back from visiting the spot where you died, and just sitting there with your spirit for a little while. I no longer feel you there, but it's an important journey for me to make. I was so lucky to have found you. We'll be together again soon, sweetie. All my love, forever
December 9, 2009
Cathy,
We were shocked when we heard about Bill. We were so busy moving out of state we didn't get a chance to contact you. Know that ever since we heard about your tragedy, we have been keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers. ..and will continue to do so. We were privileged to get to meet you and Bill, and will never forget his spirit of life and adventure. Jesse & Debbie (previously of Portland, friends of Alan & Lindy)
Lindy Batdorf
November 30, 2009
Our family misses you so much, Bill. It seems that you are just about to come visit, or that we should be getting ready to come visit you. Things will never be the same again without your wonderful stories to take the BOR-ing out of family get-togethers or your companionship on group shopping excursions. We celebrate your life, all that you are to us and will always be to us.
(Our prayers are with my sister Cathy, and I ask that others keep her in your prayers and send her your love during this difficult Holiday season)
We miss you and love you, Bill--and we always will.
Love,
"Sis" Lindy
Doug Mumaw
November 27, 2009
I had the advantage of having Bill as a mentor when I joined Xerox in 1966. Between Bill and Jim Aduddel, I learned the ways of a great Tech to last me the next 35 years. Too many fond memories of those glory days for so little space, but I will always remember Bill with a smile.... Doug & Dianne Mumaw.
October 11, 2009
Cathy
From the moment I came in contact with you and Bill I felt a kinship that is rare in long distance relationships. I know that hearing... "He died doing what he loved, and He's in a better place" are empty euphemisms when dealing with such a loss. There is much love sent to you and yours.
Bob & Jeanne Emmert
October 4, 2009
Bill & Cathy, Cathy & Bill. These words always bring a smile to our hearts. We will always have warm memories and giggles of our times together at the Safari Rallys. We will miss you Bill and will give Cathy our Love & Support.
Paul Skoog
October 2, 2009
I worked with Bill in the 70's and early 80's. I always enjoyed his attitude and friendship. May Bill rest in Peace.
Linda Kruger
October 2, 2009
I worked with Bill at Xerox in the 70s. Lots of memories! Just recently he had found me through Classmates. It was so nice to hear from him. Our 'get back in touch time' was short but treasured. I will miss him. I will always remember his laughter and winning smile... and how he loved getting presents, sailing free and flying high.
Lindy B. Batdorf
October 2, 2009
Bill, you were truly a brother to Alan and I. Words can't express the depth of our loss, or the joy and adventure you brought into our lives. We are determined to celebrate all that you ARE (because we know you are not gone, just flying higher than we are for a time...). We are also determined to continue your legacy of living life to the fullest. We intend to never give up, never stop laughing, never stop really living--that's what you would want us to do. To have known you is to have known a great man who brought countless gifts via every facet of his personality--from your laughter, to those passionate views on politics (and man's stupidity) to showing us by example that it is possible to age yet never grow OLD.
This world won't be the same without you Bill, but because of you we can all see life as a wonderful adventure. We all know that each life is fragile, but when a powerhouse like Billy Vogel is suddenly gone, we are reminded that each moment we had with you and with other friends and loved ones is a moment to be cherished.
We will never forget you Bill, or what you meant to us. God bless you and keep you in his loving arms until we meet again--somehow I know you'll have some great stories for us when we get there...
Ron Kostanich
October 1, 2009
I worked with Bill at Xerox in the late 70's and early 80's and always liked his energy and fun personality. He was a great guy and may he rest in peace.
Frank Lind
October 1, 2009
Just last week I was telling some friends about the sailing trips we used to take to the San Juan Islands during the 70's. He was my one time boss, one time neighbor and long time friend. It saddens me to hear this news of an old friends passing. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family during this time of sadness.
Norma Clark
October 1, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. I knew him when he worked for Xerox. I got to know him when we went on a President's Club trip to Palm Springs. He was a good and patient man.
steve clark
October 1, 2009
Thanx dude for your early involvment in career at the big X. Bill was my first contact with Xerox; he was the trainer for us new bloods getting out of the service. Later he was my manager and the go to boy for great partys. Great memorys,thanx! steve clark
Ryan Coppola
October 1, 2009
I didn't know you or even get to fly with you even though we were neighbors; but I feel a loss. We are all brothers in life,and even more so within this sport. I feel sorry for your family, but they can be assured that you had an incredible life, and that you died doing what you loved.
Gail (Harmon) Chilton
September 28, 2009
Didn't know Bill that well, but what I do know was ALL good. Cathy my heart goes out to you and his children. Apparently it was his day...I am glad he was doing something that brought him so much joy. Take care and stay strong.
Roger Butler
September 28, 2009
Bill it was a pleasure to know you. I am happy that you followed your adventurous spirit through this life, not many can claim that. Happy flying, I'll miss seeing you.
Jon James
September 28, 2009
Thank you Bill for the many years and the many flying adventures we shared. With Cathy, we followed our love of the sky all around the west. Bill was a great friend, on the ground and in the air. We are blessed to have known him and shared all those wonderful years of life.
Ralph Hyde
September 27, 2009
We will miss our good hearted friend. Still so hard to believe you are gone. We shared many good times for so many years.
Scott Vogel
September 27, 2009
Thank you on behalf of the Vogel family for all your support and it was nice seeing so many of you I had only heard about through Dads Stories.
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