Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
William Forsythe Obituary
William (Bill) Forsythe Jr.
December 2, 1946 - November 11, 2024
NAPA - William (Bill) Frank Forsythe Jr., 77 years old of Napa, CA, passed away on November 11, 2024.
Born on December 2, 1946 @ St. Helena Sanitarium & Hospital to William Frank Forsythe & Hazel Louise (Boyd) Forsythe, Bill was raised in Napa along with his two sisters, Carol & Shirley. Growing up, Bill played football at Napa High School and played trumpet. He was a talented musician who continued to play music well into early adulthood.
Bill graduated from Napa High in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Conow, in 1965. They were married 44 years before Carol's passing on December 28, 2009. Bill and Carol raised sons Brad and Barry in Napa eventually moving to Lincoln, CA in 2002 to enjoy their retirement years. During this time, Bill and Carol adored being grandparents to Barry's children, Hendrix and Lily.
Being a stellar coach was a role Bill will be remembered for most. He coached his sons along with their peers on baseball and football teams. He was a father figure and mentor to numerous players throughout his coaching career. Bill served as a line coach at Vintage and Napa High for years making many lifelong friendships with fellow coaches and their families. One of Bill's proudest moments was coaching his son, Barry, and his Vintage High Crusher Football team to their 1986 MEL championship win.
Throughout his life, Bill had various careers, eventually settling on special inspection and materials testing. He founded his business, Forsythe Engineering Consultants, in 1985. Bill proudly collaborated with his sons at their special inspection and testing companies in Napa and Chico until his retirement.
Bill had a knack for storytelling and making people laugh. Friends, family and colleagues always enjoyed catching up with him and everyone who knew him has a memorable "Bill story" that stands out in their minds.
Bill is survived by his sons Bradley William of Chico and Barry James (Stacie) of Napa; grandson, Hendrix William and granddaughter, Lily Isabella.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Forsythe
Harley Detwiler
January 8, 2025
Sending my condolences to the entire Forsythe family. Coach had a presence about him I try to emulate each and every day. He made Men out of us and taught us more than just football. He taught what it meant to be leaders, great family men and mentors to others. Thank you coach
Harley D.
Mary Pieratt
January 3, 2025
My condolences to Bill and Carol´s family. I went through Napa Schools with them, Carol was my best friend very early on at Redwood Jr High. They loved each other so much and made a lovely family.
Denise Horn
December 4, 2024
Sending your whole family all of my love!!! - Denise
Janet Bell Campbell
December 3, 2024
I´ve known Bill in many different places. Little Brother to Carol & Shirley, at school at Mt George Elementary in Napa, his parents built a house across the street from Mt George. At some point in my childhood I went to youth church groups at his parents home. Then as I went to high school I didn´t see bill until I was watching football games me brother was playing in and saw Bill again then in mid 60´s.
Then loosing track of him we met again when my son and Barry played baseball together in high school at Vintage. Vintage had a great baseball team that year. You will be missed by many and your family. Great memories Bill.
Jeannie Canepa
December 1, 2024
Thinking of you, Barry, as you mourn your dad´s passing.
Chris Ritz
November 30, 2024
I guess what I can say .. when I was just little man the Forsythe family always welcomed me into there house and family! My deepest sympathy to Barry and Brad and their family!
Jodi Baker
November 30, 2024
May your dad rest in peace Barry and Brad. Thinking about you and your family.
CAROL ANN WIELDRAAYER
November 30, 2024
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing He is now with Carol.
Stacie Forsythe
November 30, 2024
Love you, Bill
mike sunnafrank
November 30, 2024
He was a good man---smart, witty, loyal. Many laughs shared and memorable adventures from our high school years. I trust he is reunited with the love of his life, telling stories to all who have gone before, bringing laughter and even some of his music to the pearly gates.
Tom and Jeanette Bennett
November 30, 2024
To Brad and Barry, we have many fond memories of great times with your mom and dad. Our condolences to both of you. Tom and Jeanette
Karen Bridewell
November 30, 2024
"Pick up Betty or Lucille"!!! so so many awesome memories and laughs!!! RIP dear friend!!! You will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in William Forsythe's name
Memorial Events
for William Forsythe
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Forsythe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
