William Kast

1922 - 2015

William G. (Bill) Kast

William G. (Bill) Kast, 93, passed away peacefully August 5 at home in Kent Woodlands, enjoying a final view of Mt. Tamalpias. He and his identical twin brother Frank were born in San Francisco in 1922, but the family moved to San Anselmo shortly thereafter, and he called Marin home the rest of his life. His wife of 68 years, Marina, predeceased him by 6 months. He is survived by sons Greg (Pamela), Bill (Becky), and Mike (Rebecca); 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

After attending College of Marin, he received his engineering degree from UC-Berkeley. He served in the Navy during WWII, and was assigned to the commissioning crew of the aircraft carrier Antietam as a gunnery officer.

Bill enjoyed a 37-year career with Bechtel, where he served as a mechanical engineer, project manager, and Vice President. The family joined him on projects in Anacortes, WA, Houston TX, as well as an overseas assignment in Tonsberg, Norway.
His management role had him in charge of Bechtel offices in Jakarta, Kuwait, London, and Houston.

Bill enjoyed a lifetime of building scale-model airplanes. He was also an amateur astronomer, and major contributor to UC Observatories (Lick on Mt. Hamilton and Keck on Mauna Kea). He greatly enjoyed his interactions with faculty involved with both observatories.

He and Marina lived out their final years at home with the aid of caregivers, RN's, and Hospice. The family is grateful for their tireless efforts.

A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to a favorite charity in his name.