William R. Olds

Bill Olds died on September 30, 2016 in his Bloomfield home, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's Disease, surrounded by and enfolded in the love of his family. He was born November 26, 1934 in Willimantic, the son of Henrietta (Corbeil) and Willard Olds. Surviving him are his wife Astrida (Rose) Olds, his daughter Laura Tate and her husband Philip Tate, and his daughter Lisa Heath and her husband James Heath, who lovingly cared for him at home his last two years. Surviving him also are his grandchildren Anna, John, and Susan Tate, and his sister Mary Meikle and her husband Bob Meikle. Also mourning his death are many friends and numerous relatives in the United States, Canada, and Latvia. He was predeceased by his parents and his stepmother Rose (Wrana) Olds. Bill grew up in Mansfield and graduated from Windham High School. In subsequent years he achieved a Master's degree and a Doctorate in law related education from the University of Massachusetts. In his early adulthood, Bill worked as a sportscaster at WILI Radio in Willimantic. After that he was the first Executive Director of the Windham Area Community Action Program (WACAP). Later, he had a twenty-five year career as Executive Director of the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union. The Hartford Courant once dubbed Bill "Mr. Civil Liberties." Bill was a friend to the marginalized, an ally to the vulnerable, and a champion of civil liberties for all. Under his direction, the CCLU improved access to health care for low-income women, cleared the way for the first woman firefighter in New Haven, secured religious observance rights for inmates at the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution, fought against forced sterilization of children with mental disabilities, and sought equality in education. With clarity and conviction, he eloquently defended the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech, including for groups with which he strongly disagreed. In Bill, freedom found a champion of consistent principles and unwavering certitude. His devotion to equality and justice was evident to all who knew him, and he gracefully shouldered his mantle as a constant civil liberties ambassador. Bill enjoyed entertaining children, especially his grandchildren, with his many ventriloquism puppets. To the utter surprise and delight of many, his puppet "Wally" was a "guest speaker" at his retirement dinner. The family would like to thank all of the friends, physicians, and caregivers who provided invaluable support throughout his journey, and especially the staff of McLean Hospice for their loving care and devotion to Bill and his entire family. Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to McLean Hospice of Simsbury. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. He did go gently into that good night, and his light will forever shine.