William John Pflum

Bill Pflum possessed so many amazing qualities. He had an enthusiastic zest for life that was contagious. He exuded strength and his tenacious personality served as a solid, unwavering foundation and support for his family and friends. He was exceptionally intelligent, yet warmly approachable. He was intuitive, decisive, deliberate, and curious. He was a thorough planner, never leaving a stone unturned. His generosity and kindness were God-given. His love for his family was steadfast. Upon meeting him, it was apparent to all how much he adored his children, and they him. They were his everything, as evidenced by how his life intentionally and deliberately revolved around them. The solid principles Bill employed in everyday life were also used to guide his children. He taught them to live purposefully, laugh early and often, to take pride in personal responsibility and to reach goals through delayed gratification. Watching Dylan at Westlake High School wrestling matches made his heart happy. With his daughter, Taylor, he would share how she mesmerized him with her "social schedule". He proudly watched her perform as a Momentum Dance Company dancer and attended all her performances in the Nutcracker Spectacular. He was always involved in some capacity, whether it was on the mat, cheering in the audience or advising the refs. Bill personified the term "being of service to others" and donated much of his time to the homeless. Bill took great delight in entertaining family and friends at his home and pontificated a lot on fiery subjects. He appreciated the quietness of the ranch, the open pit fires, the stillness of the open sky and the brightness of the stars on a cold night. He was a self-professed master of cleaning and enjoyed experiencing the game of golf with his son, nephews, and brother-in-law. He also loved to give financial advice and was very passionate on helping others with their savings. In 1983, after graduating from College of Holy Cross he began a career with Sun Microsystems as their number one sales professional. Bill had a long career in sales working with major companies like BEA, Google, Oracle, and SalesForce. Bill inspired and motivated so many, yet he had so much more to give, to live and to lead. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by many, but most of all by his family. William (Bill) John Pflum was born in Jamesport, NY and was preceded in death by his father John William Pflum. Bill and his family moved from San Francisco to Austin in 2004. He truly adored and embraced his large, extended family. He is survived by his two greatest achievements, his children: Dylan, 15, and Taylor, 12; their mother, Margo Pflum; his mother, Jeanne Pflum; his sisters, brother and their spouses: Janice Bays of Jamesport, NY, Amy Ellwood of Las Vegas, NV, Jeff and Jodi Pflum of Wrentham, MA; his in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews (with whom he loved to be the playful uncle), and many dear friends. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 9 at 3:00pm, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, with The Reverend Bill Clark officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to honor Bill through the National Alliance of Mental Illness which serves a greater good and a higher purpose, all which will continue Bill's "service to others" vision. www.namiaustin.org 4110 Guadalupe St. Bldg. 781, 4th Floor, Room 419 Austin, TX 78751