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William Harold Bentley

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University of California| Berkeley University of Southern California

William Bentley Obituary

William Harold Bentley In this city, August 30, 2008, William Harold (Bill) Bentley died in his sleep at age 46. A fifth-generation San Franciscan, Bill graduated from Cathedral School for Boys, St. Ignatius High and the University of Southern California. At USC he was captain of the golf team, and president of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. His early business career was as a sports agent, managing professional golfers. When he returned to San Francisco, he began a financial career with Newport Asia Ltd. Fund. Bill was a member of San Francisco Golf Club and the Pacific Union Club. Survived by his wife, Vicki Vigo Bentley; his mother, Barbara Bentley; his brother, Howard Bentley. He will be missed by his family and his many, many friends. Services will be private. Contributions in his memory may be made to the William H. Adams Foundation for ALS Research, c/o Lisa Walsh, Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown, 101 California Street, 46th Floor, SF, CA 94111; Cal Women's Golf, UC Berkeley, c/o Nancy McDaniel, Strawberry Canyon Center #4426, Berkeley, CA 94720-4426, or the charity of your choice.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 3 to Sep. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bentley

38 Entries

August 30, 2009

Dear Vicki, Mrs. Bentley, Howard and Family,

I continue to think of you often and hope you all are doing well. Bill too remains in my frequent thoughts, with treasured memories of our friendship.

Warm regards,

Dave Batson

Bill McCausland

February 18, 2009

Dear Vicki Bentley,

While reading the Sig Ep Journal yesterday, I learned of Bill’s passing. I am saddened by the loss of a great man and friend, and my heartfelt condolences go out to you and to Bill’s mother and brother.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill in 1983 when I was working for Sigma Phi Epsilon and spent four months living at the USC house. I quickly became good friends with Rich Brown and Bill, and the three of us worked hard trying to improve the chapter, and we also had the opportunity squeeze in a little fun. We even drove together to/from Texas to visit my friends/family.

Bill always called me “Cujo” because we were both so scared after seeing this movie that Bill started calling me this nickname. It is a nickname I always enjoyed and will always remember. In fact, my wife also knew Bill well from our visits to him in California and his visits to our homes in Texas and Colorado, and when I told her of the sad news, she said “didn’t he always call you Cujo?”

I had not seen Bill in a few years as we all get busy with our adult lives, but I thought of him often. I will always hold Bill in the highest regard and treasure my memories of him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Trudy Tobler-Hilti

December 31, 2008

To Mrs. Barbara Bentley & Family.

Sadly I did not stay in touch with you over the years and I regret it
very much.
I still cherish the memories of the 16 months in your house at Filbert Street.
Looking to a cute and lovely little boy Billie aged 4, he used to take my hand saying, “Trudy, let’s go to touch the boats”. Then we went down to the marina and were able to touch the boats from the sea promenade.
He was so happy and it made me happy too.
I loved this smart little boy full of energy.
Every year on the 4th of August, I remembered his birthday.

Now by accident yesterday, I was on Google for the first time of my
life with my son Peter, searching for Filbert St. and we found this
shocking message of Bill’s passing away so young.

I know how terribly sad it is for you and I wish you a lot of strength.

Bill must have been a wonderful beloved young man.

My thoughts will always be with you, dear Mrs. Barbara Bentley, Bill’s
wife Vicky and his Brother Howard.

God bless you.

Principality of Lichtenstein.

Trudy Tobler-Hilti

December 31, 2008

John Andonian

November 3, 2008

Dear Vicki and Bentley Family:

My deepest condolences on your loss. Bill was my Sigma Phi Epsilon Big Brother at USC. He was an outstanding gentleman and it was a great honor to know him. Sadly I did not stay in touch with him over the years and regret it. I still cherish the memories of those days. May God comfort you and your family at this time.

Nora Spiess Grabar

November 3, 2008

Dear Vicki,

I am so sorry to hear about the Bill's passing. I knew him at USC. He, Rich Brown (deceased), Bridget Haigh and myself hung out a lot. We were all associated with the Sig Ep house and Bill was instrumental in insuring that both of us were Sig Ep little sisters (and that we always had a cocktail in our hands). We all got even closer when Rich Brown died during our days at USC. Bill was such a strong force in making sure that we celebrated Rich's life. Now the two of them can look down from above and toast good times.

He also visited my family home in Davis and had Moose salami. You can imagine his comments about that! I have a few pictures from our days at college and if you or any family members would ever like them, I am more than happy to pass them along. It is awful to think that we have all lost touch but time sure does pass quickly and sometimes our best intentions of getting together and reconnecting just don't happen.

Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family.

Chuck Cramer

November 3, 2008

Dear Vicki,

Bill and I were roommates at USC, Sig Ep, during our freshman year 1981. He was not only a good friend but a great guy, and I am very saddened by his sudden passing, and your loss. Ï think back fondly to our frat days. Bill was always practicing his wedge shot in the hallway, which left huge divot marks in the walls. We stayed in touch for a few years after SC, then lost touch. Your husband was well liked by everyone in the house and he will be sorely missed. I'm very grateful that I knew him, very sad that he's gone.
Chuck Cramer

Kym Michal

September 13, 2008

Dear Vicki,

Jim and I are so saddened by the news of your loss, we were on vacation and only found out last night when we were walking Boo (Otis's mini bulldog friend).

We both met Bill once, but not together. Jim met him one early morning when he was walking Boo. Bill said, "Is that Boo?" and Jim confirmed that it was Boo. From what Jim told me, they talked a bit more afterwards, but the neatest part was that Bill was such a nice person. My one experience meeting him was another early morning walk where I was walking Boo and he was walking Otis. It was a Sunday and he said he was getting ready to fly to China - he was as friendly as Jim had described and I could see that the two of you were soulmates.

Whatever we can do to help, please let me know. We'd love to have Otis stay with us as well if you need a doggy sitter (Boo loves Otis).

Kym (and Jim) Michal
T2/3G

Gordon O'Neil

September 12, 2008

To the Bentley family:
I had the tremendous fortune of becoming friends with Bill (but he'll always be Bentley to me) back when he was working with a player based in South Florida. Though I am saddened to say it's been a few years, throughout our friendship I was continually impressed and inspired by Bentley's incredible passion for life...and ALL things San Francisco. Fortunately, we had many similar interests and I always looked forward to and enjoyed Bentley's SoFla visits, whether business or pleasure. Speaking for all of us down here in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, my condolences and prayers to all of his family.
I hope, in honoring Bill, we can all attempt to embrace each day with even a sliver of the joy and vigor with which Bill did each and every day.
He will be missed.
Gordon O'Neil
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Andy Bower

September 12, 2008

I knew Bill going back to my freshman year in high school 30 year ago and have not had a better friend. A special guy - maybe the best storyteller I have ever known. So many blanks from the stories that will now never be filled.

While geography kept us from seeing each other often - he always remained a close friend. A pen pal in college, best man in my wedding. My heartfelt sympathies to Barbara and Vicki, not to mention a world full of friends of a great guy, Bill Bentley.

Bill - thanks for all you did to enrich so many lives - RIP my buddy.

Rob Goulet

September 11, 2008

To Vicki,

I was deeply saddened by the news of Bill's untimely death.

Bill was a very dear friend.

Always witty, charming and most notably, always a character! His love of life and capacity to unfailingly reach out to his family and friends is how I'll remember him.

Bentley, I miss you my friend.

Respectfully,

Rob Goulet

mark hazelwood

September 10, 2008

Bentley Family:

So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Bill. We had a great time together in high school at St. Ignatius. He will definitely be missed. All the best.

Jim Kelson

September 9, 2008

First, Let me begin by expressing my deepest condolences. Bill's passing has been extremely difficult for me. He was one of my life's truest and best friends.
When I reflect on Bill's life, I think of numerous adjectives to describe him. Quite simply, there are too many to list. Those reading, now, already know them all.
Perhaps the best adjective came from one of the excerpts from Micky Lawler, he used the word "exceptional" to describe Bill. That, to me, sums up the man.
I can honestly say that I learned more, and laughed more from Bill Bentley than from any single person I have ever met. I cannot think of a finer compliment. If someone thinks of me in 1/10th of the way that I admired and respected Bill, I will have considered my life a great success.
In ending, let me say that I honestly looked forward to a phone call from Bill Bentley more than anyone in the world. I was always excited to hear from Bill. As they say in Great Britain, "I always had time for him". Our conversations made my day and week. I would always tell someone about this cool guy from California that had these fantastic stories...like the one about what Dan Marino said at a party, etc, etc, etc.
My wife and I had planned on having a lifetime of fun with Bill & Vicki. I take solace in the fact that I was a true friend of Bill Bentley. As a famous person once said, "If you have five true friends, your life will have been a success". Bill was one of my five. His profound, lasting and humerous memories will always be a very special part of my life.
Sincerely,
Jim Kelson

Barb Hegel

September 7, 2008

Sending deepest sympathy to Bill's family. I handled his travel arrangements for years when he was in the golf management business, and always loved our hilarious conversations. He was a very good friend with a very big heart, and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing...very sad indeed !

Hollis Stacy

September 6, 2008

Barbara,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill was just a great guy and a good son. I was fortunate to know him.

Take care,

Hollis Stacy

David Winkle

September 5, 2008

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of working alongside Bill for several years in Dallas, and during that time, developed a unique friendship with him. Needless to say, I will dearly miss him, and my thoughts and prayers are with Vicki, Barbara, Howard and the Vigo family. I will always remember Bill for his quick wit and intellect, and for his passion for the game of golf, the San Francisco Golf Club and his beloved Trojans. I will forever cherish my memories of Bill, as will his many friends worldwide. May God be with Bill and all those who loved him.

Gary Shappell

September 5, 2008

Bill Bentley was kind, loyal, witty, intelligent, charming, passionate about golf and the niners. He was a fine husband, son, and brother... he was my friend and I was his....

Nicholas Raggio

September 4, 2008

My thoughts are with you...this is a terrible family tragedy..I know how bad it hurts. What a great man Bill was!

Deborah Seymour

September 4, 2008

Dear Barbara, Howard & Vicki:

I am so saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Bill.

I know I already wrote some of the following in letters to you all, but thinking of Bill has brought back *so* many fond childhood memories that it bears repeating:

Summers with the MacColls, Bentleys and Seymours at Mt. Diablo, swimming pool hose fights, popsicles on the lawn, the Diablo Treehouse Gang'sAnnual Presentation For The Parents By Five Would-Be Thespians, ("we were so mah-velous"), trips with the Bentleys and the Seymours to Hawaii, and the zillions of times I spent camping out at the Bentley house when my folks were away, playing with Bill's copious toy airplanes and trucks. I always thought Bill was going to be an airline pilot when he grew up- I guess he became a pilot of sports equipment and finance instead!

And I can't leave out all the ski trips to Alpine Meadows- so appreciated and fun! Bill was definitely one of my first skiing inspirations. ( I *had* to get better so I could beat him down a hill!)

Although Bill and I grew up to be different people with very different lives and mostly lost touch with each other, I honor his memory as someone who was *such* an integral part of my childhood and share in the sadness of your loss. One *never* forgets one's early childhood friends, no matter where we end up as adults.

Lastly, in reading some of the other entries in this book about Bill's humor, I realize that some of the best one-liners I spouted off as a kid, were, of course, learned from Bill. No wonder he made so many of you, his current adult friends, smile! Thank you for sharing, so generously, your memories of him in this guest book. I feel that I now have a better sense of the grown-up Bill Bentley, and how he touched so many people in ways I never knew about.

My heart goes out to you, Barbara, Howard, and Vicki, as well as my thoughts and prayers.

Mike Galeski

September 4, 2008

To the Bentley family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Bill was a great friend and we enjoyed doing many things we both loved like golf and football games together. His sense of humor and character were truly unique and I will miss him dearly. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Elaine Brown-Hankins

September 4, 2008

Vicky, Jay and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you in spirit. May God give you peace and comfort at this tragic time.
Jay and Elaine Hankins

Chip Stanley

September 4, 2008

To the Bentleys:

Bill was one of my very favorite San Franciscans, and I've been deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was particularly nice to me when I was joining SFGC years ago as a misplaced southerner. His quick wit, easy smile and wonderful ability to spin a yarn will be missed by all who knew Bill. I feel fortunate to have caught up with Bill this July during a brief trip to SF, and will be forever thankful for his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Chip

Annemarie Hastings

September 4, 2008

All of us at the San Francisco Giants are deeply saddened by the news of Bill's passing. He was a loyal Giants fan through and through. Our most sincere sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He will be missed at AT&T Park.

Kevin Canning

September 4, 2008

I met Bill when I first got in the sports business. He was one of the good guys and he will be missed. My prayers go out to his friends and family.

Dave Batson

September 4, 2008

To Vicki and the Bentley Family:

It is impossible to fully articulate how much I treasured my friendship with Bill. From the time we first met in the late 80's, working and rooming together, to more recent times when when we'd mainly connect by phone and email, the bonds of a strong friendship remained. Among the many years, I fondly remember our periodic visits including tourist fun and dinners in San Francisco and, sharing the joys of our respective marriage celebrations, in both San Francisco and Georgia. When I simply needed to talk, or, on many occasions needed some golf mentoring (and I needed alot of that!), Bill was always there. Many times when we talked we were both simply "checking in", but almost every time we connected, I could count on Bill making me laugh. That alone is a special gift, and I consider my friendship with Bill a gift from God. Genuine friendships leave us better for having known someone who impacts our lives in a positive way....and for Bill, his positive impact in my life and in the lives of so many others will continue with all of us, even in his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and with all of Bill's many friends.

Robert Goodwin

September 4, 2008

"Life is nothing without friendship" ~Cicero

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bill Bentley. Bill brought so much life to our friendship, that, upon refection, I now realize that the two were inseparable. The experiences we shared seem larger than life. Bill will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Paul and Joyce Matthews

September 4, 2008

To the Bentley Family:

I worked with Bill in his first job out of college at Johnson & Higgins in Century City. We became very good friends and managed to stay in touch periodically as our paths diverged.

Bill was a great guy -- both a character and a man of true character. Bill was incredibly thoughtful and giving -- I remember him writing out detailed playing notes for me hole-by-hole when he got me out to play San Francisco Golf Club.

We mourn Bill's premature passing and send our condolences to Vicky and Bill's family. He will truly be missed.

Chuck Caldwell

September 3, 2008

To the family of Bill "UNCO B.O" Bentley:

I have been is shock over Bill's death ever since Dave Batson called me on Monday. He was so full of life every time I saw him. Bill worked for me when he was at Johnson and Higgins and he made my job more fun every day. He called me "Commandah" I called him Uncle Bill, but I spelled it the way it is above. We always had fun with our mutual nick names. He made me laugh, taught me a bunch about golf, (we hit balls at Rancho Park) in those days. He hosted me and a friend who played for CAL on my 40th Birthday weekend during the US open (when it was at Olympic club) at SFGC. I will never forget that great golfing weekend. We had many fun time together at LACC as well. Bill always made me laugh and I was not bad at making him laugh too. God I will miss UNCO so much. Please carry on and let his friends help you be strong. Bill would not want us to mope around over him. I raise a glass to my friend Bill Bentley--I am a better man from knowing him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Even though I never met anyone in Bill's family or You, Vicki, I would help any of you in any way I could, simply because of Bill. If you are ever in Los Angeles for any reason, please look me up in Pacific Palisades. Remembering Bill, Chuck Caldwell

HAWK AND JOANIE NUCARA

September 3, 2008

IT IS HARD TO EXPRESS WHEN SUCH A YOUNG MAN IS TAKEN AWAY FROM US.BILLY WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY ANYBODY HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH,FROM THE MEMBERS AND CADDIES AT THE CLUB TO THE PLAYERS AND CADDIES ON THE PGA TOUR.I CADDIED FOR BILLY AND HIS MOM AND DAD MANY TIMES, IWATCHED HIM GROW UP. MY DEEPEST PRAYERS AND SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO MRS.BENTLEY

Katy Kay

September 3, 2008

Making sense of something so sudden, unexpected and tragic is asking the impossible.

Bill was a very special man whose rich humor, caring for others and his many friendships guided his life.

I am blessed to have been in his world. My heart goes out to all of Bill's family.

Butch Harrison

September 3, 2008

To the Bill Bentley Family
What a shock. Bill was in my wedding in 1993. We worked together at Cleveland Classics many years ago. We use to talk about football, golf, and business. And when the next time would be that we could share tall stories over a beverage. He will know what this means "War Eagle".
Butch Harrison

Christie Vigo

September 3, 2008

Our family is grieving over the loss of our dear son-in-law Bill. We are grateful for the years of happiness he brought our daughter. Vicki, we will always be here for you.

Dad and Christie

Jane/Harold Wyatt, Jr.

September 3, 2008

Even though we had never met Bill personally, we felt as if we knew him well because of his relationship with our son and his family, Harold Wyatt, III, Lisa, Harold IV, Russell, and Marianna. He also was our grandson Russell's godfather. We are extremely touched by the grief Bill's death has brought to this family, and we grieve with them and for Viki, Bill's mother and his brother. Our prayers are with each of you, and we pray God's peace will be with you.

Micky Lawler

September 3, 2008

Dear Bentley family,

No words can adequately express the shock and sorrow we feel for the sudden and premature loss of Bill.
His friends at Octagon in McLean will always think of Bill as exceptional.
In our memories, Bill is exceptionally kind, intelligent, charming, generous, funny, open-minded and a good, good person.
While it is impossible to comprehend the depth of your sorrow, please find comfort in knowing that Bill's was always a positive influence and that he will be missed by an endless number of people everywhere.

With wishes of strength you never knew you had and love from those who are united to you through Bill,

Micky

Richard Moroscak

September 3, 2008

Dear Bentley Family,

I have not been able to finds the right words that properly express my grief over the loss of our dear friend Bill.

May God bless you, comfort you and be with all of you during this incredibly difficult time. Please take small comfort in knowing Bill had friends all over the world who have been hurting since they heard the news.

We all loved Bill and will miss him terribly.

Richard Moroscak
Washington DC

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