William "Bill" Wirt

1928 - 2021

William "Bill" Wirt
April 4, 1928 - September 11, 2021
Sacramento, California -
Our Dad, Husband and Friend, William "Bill" J. Wirt passed away peacefully on September 11, 2021, at the age of 93. It is always sad to lose anyone, especially such a gregarious loving man like Bill. However, we all take comfort in knowing that he lived a long, wonderful life and that, as a man of strong faith, he is now happily with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Bill was a doer. He was President of his class, both at Alameda High (Home of the Hornets! We heard that a lot) and College of the Pacific (now UOP). He learned the Title Insurance business and once he had it figured out, he started Camelia City Title, which he later sold to Chicago Title, and helped his good friend Leo French launch Placer Title Company.
Bill was also a "helluva athlete" (his words) and starred in basketball for his beloved Alameda High and the College of the Pacific. He had an offer to play in the NBA, but in the early 50's the pay wasn't worth the effort (He'd think twice about that decision today!). He loved golf, all you had to do to know this to be true was to look in his garage at the six sets of clubs and the one on order. He liked to think that golf problems were because of the tool not the operator. Bill also played high school baseball against Billy Martin, had a very short stint as a boxer in the army and also enjoyed tennis.
Bill married another College of Pacific graduate. Celia May (or may not) Wilson and together they had three children, Bruce, Bryan and Shelley. Bill was a wonderful and supporting father to all of them. He was always positive and encouraging his kids in their activities and careers.
Bill also had a lot of nicknames, some he called himself from time to time. He was Billy, Big Dipper (golf), Happy Hooker (basketball), Twinkle Toes (he loved to dance), and Billy Balls (don't ask). Bill was also a clothes hound. He had more suits, sport coats, and ties that could fit in just one closet. He wasn't quite like Imelda Marcos, but he would have given her a run for her money.
Above all, Bill was a people person. He loved visiting with clients, friends, fellow workers and strangers. He always had time for them and always remembered something unique about each person he met. Bill was always positive, the glass always half full. He thought worrying was like paying a debt that might never come due. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was never jealous of anyone's success, but rather celebrated it and supported that person's success.
In 1996, he married his Southern Belle, Vivian Anne Daley, who he fondly called "Vivi". He loved and adored Vivian and she returned that love and adoration. Together they enjoyed traveling, entertaining and laughter. Vivian was an incredible loving partner through Bill's very difficult final year. She was truly his angel on earth.
Bill is survived by his wife Vivian, sister Pat Flannigan (Don), sons Bruce (Toni) and Bryan, daughter Shelley Cody, six grandchildren and 1 great grandson, who he got to meet 1 year ago.
We will celebrate Bill's life November 2, 2021, at Del Paso Country Club on Marconi Ave from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and as he would insist, it will be filled with positive thoughts and memories along with everyone looking forward to a bright future. We will all toast this wonderful man and at his request we will celebrate. Until then, Cheers Billy Balls to an incredible life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gathering Inn in Roseville or the charity of your choice.