William Albert "Bill" Eaton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of William ""Bill"" Albert Eaton, who passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2011 in Santa Clarita, CA at the age of 44.

Bill was born on July 25, 1966 to Robert R. and Lynn Ann Eaton. After graduating from Harbor High School, Bill attended Cabrillo College and California State University, Sacramento where he played football and earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He later attended California State University, Long Beach where he was awarded his Masters in the same discipline.

In 1989, Bill joined the Los Angeles Police Department. He quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to Sergeant in 1996, Lieutenant in 2001 and Captain in 2006. Over his near 22 year career with LAPD, Captain Eaton was highly respected for his talents, ethics and leadership. He was a mentor and friend to many within the Department and the community. His final assignment was as the Commanding Officer of the Van Nuys Area. While Commanding the Van Nuys Area, he is credited with starting a Van Nuys Boulevard cleanup effort and greatly improving community relations. Captain Eaton was involved with many charitable organizations; one of the most cherished was his participation with the Special Olympics. He worked with the event organizers, often giving of his own valuable time in order to make the Special Olympics a success.

Even with his many career successes, he was never more proud than being a father to his sons James and Matthew. Bill always ensured that they were his top priority and loved spending time with them. Whether simply taking them to school or teaching them to trout fish in the Sierras, he loved them completely.

Bill is predeceased by his father Robert R. Eaton and survived by his sons James and Matthew, their mother Elizabeth Eaton Shepard, his mother Lynn Ann, brother Thomas and partner Siamone Bangphraxay.

Services in Los Angeles were held on January 25, 2011. Local services will be held on February 19, 2011 at 10:30 am at Holy Eucharist Catholic Community, 527 Corralitos Rd., Corralitos, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to the Special Olympics of Southern California http://sosc.org/, National TTT Society, Chapter M, 109 Roger Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or UCLA Santa Monica, specify cancer research http://www.uclahealth.org.