Bill Hood Obituary

Bill Hood, long-time Chicagoan, attorney, philanthropist, husband, father, and grandfather died at his home in Palm Springs, California on Christmas Day at the age of 78.

Bill was born in Chicago in 1944 the eldest son to William Hood, Sr., and Margaret Hood (née Comstock). The family moved to William, Sr.'s hometown of Waverly, Illinois (Morgan County), where Bill and his sister Martha were raised. Bill was an insatiable reader and mowed lawns to save money for college. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he worked as a photographer at local newspapers to pay his tuition. He then attended Northwestern University Law School, class of 1969.

In 1968, Bill worked as the photographer for Illinois Attorney General William Clark's U.S. Senate campaign, where he found himself photographing people and scenes of the demonstrations and violence that erupted during the Democratic National Convention. Many of Bill's photos from then have been published in books and magazines profiling the convention. Bill began his career as a teacher and then worked as an investigative reporter for the Better Government Association (BGA). At the BGA, Bill met his wife, Vicki Vallen, who was then interning at the BGA while an undergraduate at Northwestern. Bill and Vicki celebrated their 50th anniversary in November 2022 at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), where Bill served as a member since 1967 and on the board since 1996.

After the BGA, Bill worked as a lobbyist for Continental Bank and LaSalle Bank. Bill was instrumental in the passage of legislation lifting restrictions on banks opening multiple branches. After LaSalle, Bill worked for years at American Airlines as managing director of government affairs, where he helped expand the company's presence in Chicago and enabled American to support many Chicago cultural institutions.

In addition to the MCA, Bill served on the board of many institutions in Chicago and Palm Springs, including as the chairman of the Columbia College Board of Trustees.

Bill was a fantastic cook and voracious reader. He loved French culture and cooking. He enjoyed watching sports and cheering and jeering his beloved Chicago teams. Bill is survived by his wife, Vicki Hood, sons Elliott and Tyler Hood, grandchildren Alden, Lincoln, Harper, and Michael Hood, and sister Martha Smith.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held in Chicago in the spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Hood

11 Entries

lisa ewing

February 8, 2023

So, so sorry for Bill's passing. Vicky, together, you and Bill have made this world a better place. Not only graciously in sharing the beauty and bounty of your lives with us/others, but also in allowing us to witness the boundless love amongst your extended family. Love never dies. And Bill lives on in all of you, in all of us. Our most sincere condolences during this difficult time to you and the family. Steve Mcguire and Lisa Ewing

Steve McGuire

February 7, 2023

You could not find a finer man, he was also generous and kind. He will be missed by so many people that he touched.

Merrilee Clark Redmond and Richard Redmond

January 9, 2023

Rick and I are very sad to learn of Bill's death. Bill was nearly a member of the Clark family going back to his days as photographer who traveled with Dad's 1968 campaign. Since then Bill went on to great achievements. Our memories of him will always bring a smile.

mary grant

January 8, 2023

Vicky,
I am so sorry to hear about Bill. Thinking of you and your family. Mary Grant

Dana Shepard Treister

January 8, 2023

Vicki, Elliott, and Tyler~
Sincere condolences from Michael and me.
Bill was such a special person - I think the Treisters and Hoods met originally through the old MCA Men's Council.
In time I know all the happy memories will comfort you,

Neil Goodman

January 7, 2023

Vicky: Very sorry about Bill. I remember wonderful conversations with him in the years that I would see him frequently at Struve Gallery. Thoughts are with you and your family!

Bonnie Phemister

January 6, 2023

Dear Vicky,
I was sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Ron and I fondly remember you both as good neighbors when we lived in Kenilworth. Of course, I remember you from our law school days, too. We hope you and your family are coping well with this loss.

Sheldon Holzman

January 5, 2023

Bill was always a gentleman and friendly. I knew him in his banking days and when he was with American Air. We lunched together many times over the years at the City Club of Chicago. May you only remember the good times with Bill and his laughter.

Liz Stiffel

January 5, 2023

Dear Vicky and family,
I was devastated to learn that your DEAR Bill died. Anything that I can say or do at a time like this will bring little comfort.
I like to remember all the many happy times that we had together at the Alliance, etc.
I know how proud Bill was of your many fine accomplishments.
You and your entire Family have my sincerest and deepest sympathy.

With love,
Liz Stiffel

Linda Dreffein

January 5, 2023

I worked with Bill at American Airlines in Chicago for a number of years. He was kind, thoughtful, and helpful. I was honored to work with such a fine gentleman.

My heartfelt condolences to your entire family.

Bill Griffin

January 5, 2023

Our heartfelt condolences to Vicki, Elliott, and Tyler. Bill was a true Renaissance man and I was so fortunate to be a friend. He was American Airlines Man in Chicago and Springfield, effectively and ethically advancing public policies that supported the company's growth and reputation among opinion leaders and lawmakers. At our frequent lunches, he spoke proudly of the achievements of Vicki and their boys. He loved his trips with Vicki to Paris and Palm Springs. We've lost a great and wonderful friend.
Bill Griffin and Leslie Fox

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