William B. Trevillian Jr.

William B. Trevillian Jr. William B. Trevillian Jr., 74, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Friday, January 28, 2011, at his home, Covey Up.

He was born on November 16, 1936, in Charlottesville, Virginia, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Trevillian Sr.

Bill attended Lane High School and went on to graduate from the University of Virginia with a BS degree in Psychology in 1959. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and conducted a live radio show for four years. After graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and was a 1st Lieutenant in the Ranger program. After an honorable discharge he worked as a salesman for Oven Air for eight years. He then joined Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company where he was salesman for 33 years and established Compensation Planning Corporation.

Bill was a loyal member of the Albemarle Rotary Club and highly regarded by his friends as an avid sportsman with an intense love for the outdoors. In the Winter and Fall months he was a passionate quail hunter and dog trainer. While he respected the talents of Pointers and Brittany's alike, his passionate regard for his beloved Llewellyn Setters was inseparable. In one of his short stories he writes, "Darkness seeps into the air and spreads over us. Warm and cold night breezes flow against the dark sky; they find this quiet place. It's time for a warm truck ride to a waiting fireplace and loving people to tell our day to. Just a moment more, though. A moment more to run my fingers through his coat, to hear him sigh. He knows my hands. We are one. One moment more."

In the Spring and Summer months, he was either fishing the flats in Key West with his wife Patsy, surf fishing with his buddies for Drum or Cobia at Hatteras, North Carolina, or sailing his boat on the Rappahannock River.

Alongside Bill's love for birds, kite flying and car racing at VIR, was his intense passion for writing. After retiring from Mass Mutual in 2001, he devoted more time to exposing his soul through written expression. His creative talents resulted in many short stories and poems. At times he could be seen entertaining enthusiasts at local bookstores, coffee shops or First Night Virginia. Nary was there ever a family social gathering without a mandatory attendance involving the fervent reading of Robert Frost's Birches or The Death of a Hired Man. In 2001, he authored his first book entitled Goat Bell Still and Sweets. Read it.

Rarely was Bill without a camera. His fascination with photography was evidenced by his unique ability to enshrine the innocence of his prey in a photograph. His aptitude would later attract the publishers of the Photographers Forum where in 2002 and 2004 his works were published in the Best of Photography Annual.

Bill Trevillian's expanse for knowledge across multiple fields of study often bewildered a few and astonished others. He just seemed to know the answer. The strength of his spirit; while intimidating to some, compelled him to live life like he meant it. Within him was born a depth of courage that commanded the respect of giants and remains immortal in all of us with whom he touched. I miss you and can't wait for our next covey rise.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patsy, of 50 years; his son, Will; his daughter, Patsy Trevillian Wallenborn and her husband, Abbot. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Faris and Abbot Wallenborn.

The family gives their heartfelt thanks for the compassionate support of our caregivers, Carolyn Deane, April Martin, Karen Crawford, Gina Martin and Sheryle Morris. We are also most grateful for the loyal support and counsel of Mr. H. Daniel Winter, Lucius Bracey and Keith Shaner. Special thanks and appreciation are also offered to Mr. Wayne Harvey for his friendship, loyalty and continued support. We also wish to thank Hospice, the University of Virginia Medical Center, Tom Garland at the Commonwealth Event Company and Sandy Motley Catering.

A memorial service will be held at the family's home 2 p.m. Saturday February 5, 2011.

NOTE: Parking will be at the Olivet Presbyterian Church at 2575 Garth Road (not at house) and shuttle service will be provided. Casual dress is desired and "Hunting Attire" is preferred.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.