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William Romans Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Romans
Sponsored by Bob Romans, His son..
Steven Lee, Singapore
October 23, 2021
Time Flies....But never Forgotten...Always In Remembrance.
Bill Pollak
October 23, 2021
I just reread each and every one of these wonderful tributes to a very special person, and I smiled as I remembered different aspects of his personality and character! Bill is truly not forgotten. I can still see his wry smile and hear him chuckling about some story he just told. He will live in my memory forever!
March 21, 2014
This is late in coming, Bill, but it wasn't due to lack of love and respect.
I went to work for Bill as a Sperry representative to the United States Marines in 1977. I had only been with Sperry for about a year. This "semi-permanent" assignment-designed to last only eighteen months-lasted more than twelve years in the field and continued for several more in Phoenix.
I learned so much from Bill, and listened to hours of great stories! You ARE deeply missed my friend.
Rest in Peace,
Kevin Brennan
Robert Romans
October 25, 2007
It's been a year since you left us pop... you will live in my heart forever. I miss you.
Christine Karie
August 8, 2007
Dear Bill: It's been a long time. I miss your soapbox emails, your zany sense of humor, your shoot- straight-from-the-hips personality. Today I looked up at the sky trying to find you. I know you're way up in the heavens, giving everybody up there a run for their money. I will always miss you. What a guy! Friends, forever . . . "Christie."
Kris Ganase
December 1, 2006
Bill you were an inspiration for me. I remember those wonderful evenings we spent together at the AIEM and AMC Conferences re-doing the world. I particularly remember when you stood up for me at the AMC in Vancouver, (even though we were competitors), because you said it was the right right thing to do ! You are a gentleman !
Barbara Rippstein
November 13, 2006
I worked for Bill for many years. I don’t think that I knew a more intelligent, gentle, and generous man. When Bill became my boss, he spent years teaching me the technical part of the job. Then he told me to grab as much authority as I could handle and when I needed him, he would step in to help. He also taught me to read and write complex legal agreements. He was a great mentor.
Bill told great stories, about his younger years, his family, politics, the aviation business, and government or lack thereof. He was fun to be around, respected by his co-workers and admired by his employees. He will be missed. God bless, Bill, rest in peace.
Clint Langford
November 10, 2006
Bill was a friend for 45 years, we worked well together and I'll miss him. Respects to his family as I am sure he will be missed. He was, I believe the best Customer Suport person I've ever known. Thank you Bill.
Mona Romans
November 10, 2006
Dad
I miss you so very much, I have always felt honored that as your daughter-in-law, you treated me as your very own daughter and that didn't change after I was no longer married to your son. I love you and I alway will. I will always have the times that we shared to hold close to my heart. Thank you for letting me be your daughter and loving me.
P. M. Ramchandra Ex Air India Executive
November 10, 2006
I worked for Air India for 33 years And was actively connected with the Instruments Overhaul Division for most of my tenure. I came in cotact with Bill Romans during one of the Avionics Conferance & I felt warmth of his nature from the very first meeting.Another reason for feeling friendly was that he loved Indian Spicy food. He always gave me an impression that he is customer centric and always went out of his way to help solve airline technical problem.
Air India had purchased a Sperry Automatic Test Equipment which developed some problem after a few years & no spares were available as in terms of fast developement ATE was heading for obsolesence. I spoke to Bill & he arranged to pull out spares from the working ATE of Sperry & sent to me & requested me to send back unseviceable spares back to him to repair & use at his Sperry ATE. Later he also helped me to find a person in England who stocked old spares of the kind of computer used in Sperry ATE.
From what I know of Bill I can only say prayer to the God Almighty-- Lord Please confer Eternal peace to his pious soul. If you send more people like Bill , You will make our Earth more habitable so please do remember this prayer . As for the children & grand children of Bill We offer our sincere condolences in their bereavement as also a fact that not only them but a number of people all around the world will miss a good friend & noble soul in the demise of Bill Romans.
Loretta Cox
November 9, 2006
Goodbye dear friend. You will be missed so very much. Thank you for allowimg me to call you "friend". So many wonderful memories are "tucked away" inside my memory box. Rest in peace now with your lovely wife free from all your pain.
Charlie Yang
November 9, 2006
He was the best boss and mentor any field engineer could ever have and I will miss him dearly as a friend.
Robert Romans
November 8, 2006
The first thing I feel that I must say is, as I read the words of kindness, sincere respect and high regard that everyone has bestowed upon Mr. Romans, it gives me an overall picture of what kind of man he was in the business world. I have been overwhelmed by the words of praise that are written here. As I read, I find names that are familiar to me through the many hours of stories I had listened to him tell. There is very little I can add that can project the kind of man he was in both his business life and his personal life. I can say that he was as great as a husband and father as he was a boss or co worker. He was always there for the life advice that was needed to raise good children. He was always there if the need to get out of a bit of a jam arose. I have to agree with one of the statements I read in this book…. He was THE BEST. He was the best friend I could ever have asked for. He was the best mentor I could have ever asked for. Above all he was the best Father anyone could ever ask for. I know this because I had the honor and privilege to be one of his sons for 53 years. Reading the kindness in this book has made me one of the proudest people one can be just by knowing I was able to share so very many aspects of my life with him. I will miss him so very much. I know he is finally soaring with the eagles, free of the pains and confines of the world. Thank you all for lifting our spirits by showing us how respected he was. My final wish for him is….. Dad, I will miss you dearly, as a father, friend, advisor and mentor. Be with God, have eternal peace and rest. In Jesus blessed name, Your very proud son, Robert L. Romans III, May I never tarnish your name and always be worthy of having been your son. Thank you Dad.
Julie Scott
November 8, 2006
I worked with Bill at Sperry/Honeywell and what a pleasure and honor that was. Those were the good old days! Thanks for all the wisdom and knowledge you gave to those you worked with. God Bless
Nicholas & Kara Romans
November 8, 2006
It has been an honor and privilege to be part of the Bill Romans family as a grandson and daughter-in-law. Bill was the greatest, he was admired and loved.
Thank You for being a wonderful, thoughtful and caring grandfather and dad.
You will be missed. Rest in Peace, we love you.
Neal Speranzo
November 7, 2006
Bill was involved in hiring me over 25 years ago. On my interview day he picked me out of a crowd in the lobby of the Hacienda Hotel in El Segundo Ca. Stating that I was the only person that looked like somebody Sperry would hire. His stories were legendary and he always made us laugh. Throughout the years of working together, I developed the up most respect for Bill. His contribution to Sperry/Honeywell and the industry were unprecedented. As busy as Bill was, he always made time for you. I know we will all miss him, but his legacy lives on through the many people that he mentored. I feel honored to have worked closly with him and to have been his friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family. Rest in Peace Bill
Steven Lee
November 7, 2006
"A great man, boss, mentor, friend and customers advocate.You will be missed & remembered in the Avionics world."
Ron Smith
November 7, 2006
Bill was indeed "one of a kind". He was one of the most respected people, if not the most respected person in the avionics support business. Those of us who were privileged to work with him learned so much from him -- everything from the perils of drinking water, to how best to support customers, to how to live each day to the fullest. He leaves us with many great memories, and wonderful "Bill Roman stories" that we can relate to those who are following him in the avionics industry. My sympathies to his family. Bill's was a life well lived and it will be well remembered by those he touched along the way.
Tom Bowman
November 7, 2006
Bill and I first crossed paths in Long Beach during the days of Fleet Team conferences. His knowledge of the industry was highly respected among everyone present, which did not take me long to figure out why. I have fond memories of his direct and passionate exchanges with the customers, saying to myself “Boy, I wish I had the guts to say that!” Unfortunately, like Bill, those days are done, and they will be missed. Bill, rest peacefully knowing you have positively affected many, many people during your life, including myself. Your memories and stories will echo among the offices of the old Sperry-ites for years to come. Thanks for those fond and timeless memories.
Don Lau
November 7, 2006
When Bill interviewd me for the Sperry CSE position he did almost all of the talking, for over an hour! He more than impressed me as a very forthcoming and knowledgeable professional. Over the years from my contacts with him out of SWSC and Long Beach I started to know him as the best in the aviation industry. When he spoke in private and at the airlines conferences one could not help but be impressed by his expertise and his dedication to technical support. He set the standard for us. Bill, I truly admire you and it is a great honor to have worked for you. I celebrate your life not only for what you have given to me and to those who have worked for and with you and for making the aviation world safer. I will always remember you and keep you in my prayers.
Nasser Ansari
November 7, 2006
I got to know Bill fairly well as I had the opportunity to travel with him quite a bit; this allowed me to get to know him much closer. I found him first of all as being a very genuine person, professional, knowledgeable, with strong willingness in him for assisting others so, we ended up becoming good friends. I always saw him well respected when interacting with other members of the industry; Bill was an excellent mentor to me during my years of working with him here at Honeywell. Thanks for every thing, goodbye and God bless your sole Bill!
Patrick Babin
November 6, 2006
I knew Bill Romans Sr. for 14yrs. He was many things to many people. This is very evident as to what has been written about him. The only thing that I can say about the man is "I WAS PROUD TO CALL YOU MY FATHER" You be missed by your daughter and myself. I love you DAD
Desi Stelling
November 6, 2006
Back in 1987 I started working for Bill and Abbas as a TCAS System Customer Support Engineer. Within a very short time I began to realize the tremendous Customer Support knowledge and industry respect Bill had. I soon gained the highest degree of respect and admiration that is rarely earned in any lifetime. In my career, I think of Bill often and will truly miss him. He was a great man.
Desi
Duke Schiefelbein
November 6, 2006
I have fond memories of Bill and the many good things he did for Sperry/Honeywell in promoting customer service. Indeed, he did many good things for our customers. His expertise, hands on, get-it-done methods, spoke volumes to our customers of Bill's faith in the product line. God's Speed Bill... you will be missed.
Susan Camacho
November 5, 2006
It is to my regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Romans Sr. I only got to talk to him, but from those times that I did I knew that he was caring, loving and had a heart of gold. Mr. Romans Sr. was a light to all of those who's life he touched. My condolences to Cheri & Patrick Babin, Bill Jr., and Bob. May God bless you all.
William Rash
November 5, 2006
We send our deepest regrets of your lose. William was one of the most charming people I have ever met. He will be charished in heavan.
The Rash Family.
Don Crist
November 4, 2006
An unforgettable man, who truly cared for his customers and co-workers. Bill’s energy towards providing excellent support for Sperry/Honeywell’s customers knew no limits; he was absolutely tireless (as many might remember if they needed to leave early!). There likely will not be another coming down the pike who has his breadth of experience or devotion to the airline industry. Rest in peace, Bill.
Bill, Larry Knott, Wolfgang Hundt, No we didn't forget you 56th Birthday. Swissair 25th AIEM Oct. 1984
November 4, 2006
Bill W/Larry Knott at British Airways 24th AIEM Sept. 1983
November 4, 2006
Bill at Sabena 23rd EAEM Nov. 1982
November 4, 2006
Peter Schulz (via Bill Pollak)
November 4, 2006
It is with a heavy heart that I say Auf Wiedersehen to a very well-respected member of our industry. During the many conferences that Bill and I attended he was always looked upon as being very astute, very caring, and very knowledgeable. He was always very honest in his dealings with the Air Transport industry - never pulled any punches - and always tried to help us out. He will be very fondly remembered by me and my fellow colleagues at Lufthansa and the other European Airlines.
Wiedersehen, Bill. Gute Reise!
Bob & Jackie Ramsey
November 4, 2006
Just his name - Bill Romans - brings fond memories of many years of shared experiences, both on a professional and personal level. Bill was always the teacher whither it be in regard to avionics, customer relations, or hard learned life lessons. There were many times in my thirty one years at Sperry/Honeywell that Bill listened, advised and supported. It is hard to fathom how many lives he touched, blessed and forever changed during his lifetime. Bill will be remembered as a "class act"! Bob Ramsey, Mesa AZ (formerly of SWRO)
Mike Faulkner
November 4, 2006
If it was not for Bill my 30 year and counting career at Honeywell would not have been. When other saw me as a looser he saw the winner in me and sent me on a four year assignment to Germany and Holland which was the most educational and exciting time of my life. It was a life changing experience thanks to Bill. I will always be grateful for Bill support, understanding and knowledge he bestowed on me. It was such and honor to work for and with such a great man.
Marion Netherton
November 4, 2006
Bill was a true gentleman who always took the time to listen and offer suggestions in an effort to resolve issues. He was always kind and supportive. May he rest in peace?
Ron Bucholz
November 3, 2006
I first met Bill at Nasa Ames when he was assigned to support the Engineering Research programs that we had going on there in the early 1970's. But I really got to know Bill after he was promoted to supervisor in Phoenix. His expertise in working with the airlines was so very important as we worked through the many problems on the MD-80 DFGS. And having attended a few airline maintenance conferences with Bill, it was clear that he was held in high regard by the entire airline industry. But there was a personal side to Bill too that made it a pleasure to work with him. And the stories. He had a wealth of experiences that dated back to when commercial aviation was growing up and things were not so well defined. Bill will be missed.
Charollette Smith
November 3, 2006
I was Bill's administrative assistant at Sperry/Honeywell for several years. He was a great boss and friend. Bill was always ready with a good story. I especially enjoyed the ones about his youth in the mid-west, little league and various of his travel adventures. Bill was highly respected in the aviation industry and attended meetings worldwide to represent Sperry/Honeywell. He had a special regard for all the Field Engineers on his staff. Bill was a special person and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Cheri and his sons.
Raymond Cox
November 3, 2006
Bill Romans, and his lovely wife, Hazel, were our friends for nearly fifty (50) years. We consider their daughter, Cheri, to be our daughter. She kinda adopted us. She lived with us, off and on, for nearly fifty (50)years. She comes to California to visit us, from her home in Arizona, whenever her Arizona duties will allow. Thank you Bill and Hazel for allowing us to share your daughter. We will try very hard to fill the void, in Cheri's life, brought about by your death. Ray & Loretta Cox
Phil Schwartz
November 3, 2006
I have very fond memories of Bill and it all started when I came down from Northern Arizona University to interview with Sperry for a Field Engineering Position. During the interview with Bill and I thanked him for spending all day with me and he told me that he would not have spent all day with me unless he was going to make me an offer. Needless to say I accepted the offer and I was impressed with him from the first day that I met Bill. Bill sent me to Air Canada, because Bill had a feeling that the Field Service Engineer (FSE) there supporting an engineering program was going to leave. Bill was right and the FSE did leave. Next I was sent to Brazil for seven years and got to spend lots of time with Bill when he attended the Latin American Airline Purchasing meetings (CCMA). No one from the company took these meetings seriously and Bill was the only one who did. Bill had such a gift of seeing the big picture and doing what was right for the customer and the company. I enjoyed listening to Bill’s stories about his mail delivery company, little league, flight test, AMC, hot peppers, etc. and theories about the economy. I enjoyed hearing how well informed and well thought out his case was, when he was going up against a system.
Joe Youssefi
November 3, 2006
Bill, you were an inspiration to many who worked with you. I always admired your strength of character and your energy. Your spirit will stay alive through the rest of us. God Bless.
Chris Babin
November 3, 2006
I did not know Bill even though he is the father of my sister-in-law Cheri. Most of us past 40 years of age, have experience the loss of a close family member. It's never an easy thing to go through and always reminds me "life is short". I feel your pain Cheri and Pat. Take comfort in God's glory.
Don Green
November 3, 2006
Very sad news about a very great guy,just reading the guest book entries says it all.REST IN PEACE BILL
John Watts
November 2, 2006
I will never forget my interview with Bill Romans for a field engineering position. Having been summoned to Peter Hayward's office I new I was in trouble. Bill eventually broke the silence in the room by saying "you are looking at your new boss". From that day forward my chartered course in life changed and it's all thanks to Bill. I will remember Bill as a man who earned respect, having a big impact on all our lives, who set standards for our industry that we will follow. Thanks Bill, you are not forgotten
Jack Hynes
November 2, 2006
I first met Bill in the early 70's when he held my hand on visits to the United engineering department on the Flight recorder project. I have often recalled that he also introduced me to the US version of our British"yard of ale", a "foot of martini" at,I think, Charlie Browns near SFO airport. He was internationally respected for his professional contribution to the airline industry.After all this time I can still remember that distinctive voice, and that I was proud to be associated with Bill.
Phil Wagstaff
November 1, 2006
Bill, the Avionics world will miss you. You were a mark of the era. When I first joined your group from far off shore your welcome to Phoenix set a most important and very career satisfying experience for me. Always a wealth of knowledge. The after hours chat sessions outside the Deer Valley trailer units. The Jalapeños and something to wash them down with!
A most memorable man we will not forget.
Kirit Oza
November 1, 2006
I got a call from Bill on a Friday afternoon for a job some 22 years ago. It took him five minutes to put me on his payrole and get me transferred from another department within Honeywell. Such was his style. A man whom the entire airline industry of the world will remember for his honesty, integrity and engineering skills. Bill will be in my heart for ever.
Bob Close
October 31, 2006
Bill had many friends in and out of the industry. He has left a great and lasting influence on many of us. He will be greatly missed.
Al England
October 31, 2006
After
reading what everyone before me has written I can only state that you
have said it all and better than I could have. Every one is right,
Bill was one of a kind.
Paul Simison
October 31, 2006
Bill was the go-to guy for many things, and I went to him many times, never disappointed.
Alan Bruner
October 31, 2006
I was raised on a ranch in Kansas, earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and went to work for Collins Radio. With a year of hard core hardware design work on the B757/767 EFIS under my belt a friend convinced me to submit my resume to Sperry Flight Systems. To this day I am not sure how I ended up with an interview with Bill Romans. After all I could integrate, differentiate, solve second order differential equations in my head and was expecting to interview some hardware design group at Sperry. At that point in time Field Engineering translated into building barb wire fence for my Dad on the ranch. Bill, in his trade mark fashion, which meant that I had to agree to go to work for him or I would never get out of his office, convinced me to change my career path and go into Field Engineering. A few months later he ask me if I would like to go to an airshow and of course I said I would love to. He said "good, I'm going to send you to Farnborough." I replied " That's wounderful, I can't wait, where in Arizona is Farnborough?" I can still see him shaking his head to this day. That opened the door to many wounderful adventures and opportunities that most people can only dream about. My boss, my mentor, my friend, a simple twist of fate,you changed my life and I will see you again someday.
Julian Shearer
October 31, 2006
Sad news indeed. I worked for Bill from the late 70's and through the 80's. A wonderful boss, friend and mentor.
Tom Sawyer
October 31, 2006
I was going to say Bill was one of the best, but that would be wrong. Bill Romans WAS THE BEST. I worked with Bill at NASA, Phoenix, Europe and Singapore and without a doubt he was the most respected person in the aviation industry. My heart felt condolences to Cheri and his sons for having to say goodbye to Hazel and now Bill. God Bless
Tom and Kathleen Sawyer
Jim Coulter
October 31, 2006
Bill was a remarkable, caring man. He cared about his work, our industry and especially about people. He cared enough to often take the time to help me even though he was already very busy and really didn’t have time there was always that quick smile and a helping hand. I guess he felt it was the right thing to do. Thanks, Bill, you taught me a lot about more than just avionics.
Chuck Chidester
October 31, 2006
Bill was a legend in the avionics industry and he was known across the World as a representative of Sperry/Honeywell at the Avionics Maintenance Conference. I am honored to have known and worked with such a knowledgable man. Rest in Peace Sir!!!
Paul Nef
October 31, 2006
I worked with Bill in the early days of our corporate experience in China. It was an exhilarating experience then and my association with Bill in later years has always been memorable. I have valued his friendship over the years. He was one-of-a-kind original.
Dick Schmidt
October 30, 2006
Bill:
The stories of his time as a Sperry rep at United Airlines were never ending and of an era that fit him. He was recognized as a master of his profession by many in the avionics industry. He will be missed and not forgotten. It was a pleasure to know and work for him.
Raymond Tan
October 30, 2006
Bill,
Was one of the first persons I met when I first arrived at Honeywell. It has been a great honor to have known Bill.
Bill Pollak
October 30, 2006
It was a pleasure to know and work with Bill throughout the years at Sperry and Honeywell. He was a highly respected spokesman for our company at many industry conferences. He taught me so very much, for which I am truly thankful. My sympathies to his family who should rejoice in knowing that Bill was such a tremendous influence in the aviation industry, and was always a true gentleman! May he rest in Peace!
Darcelle Ioli
October 30, 2006
One of my first assignments at Air Transport was to work with Bill on negotiating a Product Support Agreement. I have fond memories of that experience because he taught me a lot and was a real pleasure to work with.
Dana Larsen
October 30, 2006
It was a great pleasure for me to know and work with Bill over the years. Bill was so very repected in the Aerospace industry and always sacraficed his time and knowledge to the betterment of all. I will always remember him fondly .
Darwin Huber
October 30, 2006
Of all the people I worked for, and with, Bill Romans stands out by far as my mentor of learning Avionics and most importantly the subject of Customer Support. It was Bill who called me while I was in college to come to Sperry for an interview - I am very glad I did. Bill had a reputation in the industry that was second to none - he was the best.
Darwin Huber
Mike DiNieri
October 30, 2006
Bill was a mentor and friend. I was one of the priviallage few who had the oportunity to work with Bill first at Sperry and then with Honeywell. He gave this industry so much. Not many names are as well know in the industry as Bill Romans. We will keep them flying for you Boss!!
David Fisher
October 29, 2006
Bill had hundreds of friends in the aerospace industry, and I hope that he counted me as one of them. I was proud to work with Bill at Sperry and then at Honeywell, and I am very sorry to read of his passing. My sympathies go out to his family.
Lydia Z
October 29, 2006
Bill,
Will be greatly missed. A great mentor to many; a thoughtful and caring man. My heartfelt sympathy to the family. Peace my friend.
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