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William McAllister Obituary

William Joseph McAllister

Resident of San Jose

Known by most as Bill, age 61, passed away at his home in San Jose, Sunday May 29. He was surrounded by his sons Joey and Nate and his younger brother Peter. Bill was an avid and active sportsman who enjoyed wind surfing, skiing, cycling, snow mobiling and fast cars, his latest being an Audi R8 Spyder that he loved to take through the hills east of San Jose.

Born, October 2, 1949 in Bishop, Inyo County, California, Bill was the second son of James F. and Florence W. McAllister, both of who preceded him in death. He is survived by his two sons Joseph William McAllister and Nathan Joseph McAllister, both of Truckee, and two brothers David James McAllister, of Morton, Illinois and Peter Franklin McAllister of San Rafael. He was married, and later divorced from Nadine Cocroft of San Diego.

Bill received an Associates Degree in Electronics from De Anza College. He worked for 30 years at Becton Dickinson, rising through the ranks from an assembler to a product engineer. Bill retired six years ago to pursue his first love, wind surfing. He regularly travelled to Maui or Baja California, when he wasn't catching the wind at Davenport Landing.

All who knew and loved him will miss Bill. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

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

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jun. 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by His buddy Mike.

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Mike G

March 8, 2013

I know you don't like the smell of blown out candles, but this one should stay lit.

Brigitte Sly

July 17, 2011

Bill, you were a wonderful man, father & partner for my mom & I wish I could have said good bye. You meant the world to us, I always loved being present in your free spirit attitude & as a mother now always appreciated how respectful you were to us girls growing up while you were dating our mother.. the memories I have of you snorkeling in the Seychelle islands, saving me from going off an olympic jump when I was skiing as a kid, bowling with you, Deirdre, my mom and the kids..the moment I heard you were dating my mom again in my 20s & then in my 30's all of these moments bring a smile to my face.. God Bless you and may you RIP..we love you Bill <3

Ernie Thurlow

June 18, 2011

Will miss you Bill

Bill was a good friend

Chris

June 17, 2011

Bill was a good buddy especially after we graduated from Palo Alto High School. We hung out at at my folks' place in Tahoe (see photo). My dad delivered his first kid. I always admired his technical skills. He used to explain what he was doing when fixing his Porsche, what the difference between "digital" and "analog" was (in 1970 !) and even made me understand how a B-D cell counter worked.

alex

June 16, 2011

Very pleasant guy, great attitude!
Bill, it was nice sharing this piece of paradise with you. Hope you're getting the perfect 5.0, head high peeling waves wherever you are. Be sure to save some for us though ...

Mike

June 16, 2011

Bill was friend and a pal. His passing is a real loss. He will be missed.

San Carlos

Carmen

June 15, 2011

It was always great to see Bill at the beach. He had a positive relaxed attitude, ready with a smile. He maintained this good spirit, even as his condition declined. Bill continued to enjoy his life despite his illness. His wavesailing sessions got shorter, but he was still getting on the water and having fun. We miss you, Bill.

mike

June 14, 2011

We'll miss you, Bill. But, hey, we got it when it was good.

Brian Landy

June 14, 2011

Bill will be remembered as a great friend to me and the Davenport Landing crew of windsurfers. I'll always remember his spot on forecasts and that you could count on him leaving his house "as soon as it hits 15 knots". When I would get antsy in the winter for a windsurf day he would kid me that on April 15 we'll get plenty of sailing in, and that he was heading to Tahoe for some skiiing.
Brian Landy

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