Bill Fitzpatrick

1938 - 2010

Bill Fitzpatrick

Bill was born in Redding, CA, May 25, 1938, as the second son of John and Marie Fitzpatrick. He died peacefully at home in Tucson, AZ, February 3, 2010 after a long illness.

Bill attended schools in Redding and graduated from Shasta High in 1956.
He was an adventurous young man and especially liked fishing. One of his proudest moments was carrying over his shoulder a large Salmon he had snagged in the river, with the tail of the Salmon extending below his knees. He became acquainted with the Fish and Game people during that period.

Bill went to the University of California at Davis majoring in Dairy Science. He then returned home and went to work at McColls Dairy, which was owned by his family. He worked various jobs at the dairy until 1966, when the Fitzpatrick Family was able to purchase the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Redding. Bill was appointed manager. He and his family worked hard to change Pepsi from being the number two bottling company in Redding to become number one. He managed Pepsi Cola from 1966 through 1986. In 1986 Bill decided to retire and sold his interest in the company.

His interest in fishing stayed with him and he purchased a boat to cruise the West Coast. He and his wife, Sherry, were always accompanied by many friends who were willing to participate in the adventure of cruising and fishing. With Bill as Captain, Sherry as Admiral, and their friends as crew, they cruised from Mexico south to Central America and north to Alaska. Later they enjoyed spending time inside Vancouver Island, with the gorgeous scenery and continued good fishing. They eventually retired to Tucson, AZ. Sherry says their last days together were very special. "We remembered all our friends that we have made throughout our 23 years together while boating, golfing or RVing. Of course, family and his early friends were always in his thoughts."

Bill leaves behind his wife Sherry (nee Thurman), daughter Lori Martin, step-daughter DebSue Hayden, and his brother John Fitzpatrick. Also left are grandson Jeremy Martin, Uncle Dave Fitzpatrick, Aunt Mary Fitzpatrick-Hervin, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by son Jeff and brother Jerry Fitzpatrick.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Redding at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org or to the American Red Cross.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com