Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Wilson Obituary
77, of Hillsborough, California, died peacefully May 7, 2013, at home surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer.
Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia, his three children, Eric, Meagan and Peter, eight grandchildren, his brother Harry and his sister Betsy Gates and brother-in-law, Mark Gates and daughter-in-law Maria Wilson.
Founder of William Wilson & Associates, co-founder of Webcor Builders and Wilson Meany Sullivan, Bill Wilson and his associates have been active in the West Coast real estate industry over 30 years, developing over 10 million square feet of property. Among these projects are GAP Inc. world headquarters in San Francisco and GAP campus in San Bruno; Oracle headquarters in Redwood City; Franklin Resources Plaza in San Mateo, Visa headquarters in Foster City; Wells Fargo Center in Sacramento; and Ten Almaden in downtown San Jose.
Wilson Meany Sullivan was awarded the redevelopment of the historic San Francisco Ferry Building by the San Francisco Port Commission. Other projects include Concar, a 200,000 square foot development project in San Mateo, Parkside Towers in Foster City, Seaport Plaza in Redwood City; San Rafael Corporate Center, a 400,000 square foot development project in downtown San Rafael; and Foundry Square, the 1.3 million square foot office complex in San Francisco's South of Market area.
Mr. Wilson was appointed by President Bush to the board of directors of the Presidio Trust, a federal agency established by Congress in 1996 to manage the complex long-term care of the Presidio, a former military post in San Francisco. He was on the Board of Directors of Douglas Emmett, Inc., a Trustee of the California Academy of Science, The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and the Stanford University Department of Athletics' Investment Fund. A native of California, Mr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Stanford University.
An avid outdoorsman and art collector, Bill had a passion for business and loved what he did. He lived life to the fullest and was an example to us all by selflessly helping others. He will be dearly missed.
In his lifetime, Bill supported many causes and donated his time and expertise to them. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's name to California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or a charity of your choice.
A private service is being planned for a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Wilson
Sponsored by Dad, you taught me so much. Your greatest lesson, ‘Loving Unconditionally.’ Aloha Pumehana.
CAIN JACKSON BORN CAIN ALEXANDER WILSON first born son of BILL WILSON can a
September 10, 2023
Cainn Alexander Wilson
July 21, 2023
Cainn Alexander Wilson
July 21, 2023
Cainn Alexander Wilson
July 21, 2023
Kay Sprinkel Grace
June 1, 2013
I cannot begin to recount the many wonderful intersections I enjoyed with Bill over his lifetime -- art trips with Bill and Pat with SFMOMA, working with The Lawrenceville School at his request, his untiring leadership at Cal Academy and other organizations -- I am grateful that he fought for life so long, and for the many incredible projects he contributed to our communities. His spirit remains in all of them. My heart goes out to Pat and the family, including his sister, Betsy, who has been a friend since our days at Stanford. My thoughts are with all of you, tempered by the gratitude that I feel for having known Bill.
Roger Watson
May 22, 2013
Bill Wilson, his wife Patricia and their family forever changed the path of my life with their generosity and kindness. I was one of many who were profoundly influenced by Bill's wisdom and will always remember the life lesson's he taught me. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Bill and my sincerest condolences go out to Patricia and their family.
Roger Watson
Bob McGrath
May 21, 2013
It is interesting how I have always viewed Bill as a close friend though we were not. That is just the way Bill was.
Pat: Joan's and my best to you and your family.
Jes Pedersen
May 11, 2013
What a pleasure it was to have known Bill! Working with him was a joy because of his keen real estate instincts and his ability to get things done. His legacy lives on in the quality projects he created that our community will truly benefit from for years to come. The Webcor Builders family owes its founding and success to his immense talent. His bold, entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit is imprinted into the company's culture where it will always remain.
My thoughts are with his family. He will be missed by many and I am grateful to have shared in his life.
Bob Shaver
May 11, 2013
Lynn and I offer our sincere condolences to Bill's family. Bill was a fine man and a great partner. Everyone at Oracle owes him a debt of gratitude for his support, patience and humor.
May 10, 2013
Our condolences to the family. Bill was a very nice and thoughtful individual. We will miss him and remember him fondly.
Stuart and Diana Francis
Todd Anson
May 10, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Patricia and the family. Bill and I became friends through our mutual friend Coach Harbaugh and we enjoyed many moments together sharing stories about Stanford and Niners football. He was a most remarkable man with a remarkable heart. I admired him greatly. His legacy will endure though we will kiss him immensely.
Todd J. Anson
william hogue
May 10, 2013
Bill was a unique and passionate person who left his mark on everything he did. Always the competitor, he pursued whatever he did with a sense of balance, perspective and humor. He was quietly present to all but focused always on his family and friends. My deepest sympathy to his family and my thanks for letting us share him.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in William Wilson's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for William Wilson
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
