Comfort, William Swift, CLU Bill's life adventure ended on June 9, 2014 after a courageous struggle with neurological complications from melanoma. He was the beloved husband for 54 years of Betsey Comfort (nee Tussey); loving father of William E. Comfort and Elizabeth (Eric) Jacobsen; cherished grandfather Booma of Joseph (Anna) Comfort, Sarah Beth Comfort, Rebecca Comfort, Benjamin Comfort, Anna Jacobsen, Laura Jacobsen, Reece Jacobsen; dear brother of Norman D. Comfort; dear brother-in-law of Nancy Russell, Mary (Christopher) Morrell, Kathy Webb, Tom (Jan) Tussey; dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, friend and mentor to many. Bill was born in St. Louis to Irene and Norman Comfort on June 7, 1938. He was a proud graduate of University City High School, attended the University of Missouri on a track and football scholarship, graduated at top of his Army ROTC class as a 2nd Lt. and was honorably discharged as Captain after serving 8 years in the Army Reserve. Bill had a successful career in the life insurance and health benefits industry, and was a founding partner of MRCT Benefits Plus. His life commitments were to his family and to making the world a better place through service to at-risk youth. He was on the boards of The Voyager (Minnesota) Outward Bound School and The American Youth Foundation, and he co-founded Project STREAM. Bill's adventuresome spirit led him to world travel with his family; to run 12 marathons, 3 in Boston; to climb mountains; and to hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon. Bill was passionate in all his pursuits: fishing, bird watching, train collecting, golf, chess, astronomy studies. Grandchildren, friends and colleagues will remember him as a gifted storyteller and a great hugger who often had a trick up his sleeve. He inspired all who knew him to live life fully and to care for others. The family would like to give special thanks to the care givers at Continuum home care and BJC Hospice. Bill donated his body to Washington University Department of Neurology. Services: A celebration of life will be held at The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road on Sat. June 21 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Sherwood Forest Camp, 2708 Sutton Blvd. 63143 will be greatly appreciated.

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Jun. 11 to Jun. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William Comfort

23 Entries

September 8, 2014

My deepest sympathy to you Betsy. I still can see you and Bill at dinner at your home many years ago and of course, at my wedding. Great guy..Judy Schiele Gummere

August 19, 2014

I will miss Bill We had gone on a outward bound andventure 8 of us I still remember my prayers are with you Betsy Marilyn Whitney

Tobin Fuss

July 3, 2014

Dear Betsey, Bill, Elizabeth, and family, sorry to hear about Bill passing. He was one of the kindest men. His smile was infectious. I can still hear him compliment Betsey's BBQ shrimp but asking if she could make it better by peeling them. I hope fond memories carry you all through the pain and loss. Love Tobin Fuss

Mariette and Dick Palmer

June 24, 2014

Betsey, Dickie and I missed attending the celebration of Bill's life at the Ethical Society. It would have been so comforting-how appropriate your name is Comfort-to see all of Bill's friends and family, many of whom we share, many of whom we would have loved to meet.
You both are such outstanding people, devoted, loving, brilliant, giving. Know that we would we were able to give you and your family some solace, a warm, enduring embrace. Know most of all how much Bill's
University City track coach, Henry Schemmer, my father, my husband's track coach, loved Bill. I know also from what you have written us that the love was deep and mutual. Daddy was fifty-eight years old when Bill graduated from high school.
What a remarkable friendship.
Bill's children and grandchildren, we share this in common. We all had the best fathers in the world.
Love to you all, Dick and Mariette Palmer

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Kathleen Becherer (wife of Bruce Bailey)

June 20, 2014

Dear Betsey,
Bill was our dear friend for 37 years, and we enjoyed him every minute of them. Although most of our visits over the last few years were 'business', when he walked into the AmeriCorps office, just like he had done for years at the American Youth Foundation and STREAM, the whole place lit up with his generous smile and big hugs. It was never really about the business. He was one of the most honorable and joy-filled men that I have ever met. His love of life, of you, and of his children and grandchildren was boundless. How lucky you two dancers were to have so many years and memories together. Thank you for sharing him. He will live in my heart forever...and I am so much better a person for it. Yeah, Bill!

June 16, 2014

Betsey, You were most fortunate to have a husband like Bill. I know he must have been a great father.He was the best athlete I ever knew as well as a sincere friend to all that his life touched. My son-in- law, Scott H went to Mizzou with young Bill. My grandson Hunter attended Central Christian School with Joseph. They loved Bill.. Know you will have great memories of your wonderful husband. Enjoy them.

Bob Kovac

Jay Marshall

June 15, 2014

Bill was a joy.He was a much-appreciated member of many shared trout fishing trips. He was a caring, friendly, enjoyable man who filled the hours with many stories, jokes and musings. He made delicious smoked trout. He will be missed and well remembered.

June 15, 2014

Know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Enjoyed hearing of how you and Bill had the opportunity to share so many wonderful times of travel and fun with the family through the years. Hold on to these wonderful memories!!
We are out of town. Look forward to seeing you when we return.
Dot & Maxion Daves

June 12, 2014

Betsey and family---
Please accept our deepest sympat hies and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. BIll was such a wonderful man and Betsey, you are in our thoughts and voices often. Please take care and accept our prayers.
Lara, Jason James, Fran and Jim Jackson

June 12, 2014

When I think of Bill Comfort I think of one word and that is: CLASS.
Please accept our sympathy. Madonna and Lynn Laws, Innsbrook, MO.

Judy Brennan

June 12, 2014

I know you only thru the Wednesday club but in the short time I have been a member I have come to love and admire you. Be sure that I am sending you my condolences. From what I read u should celebrate the wonderful life that he led

Erik Brechnitz

June 12, 2014

Betsey
It was my privelege to share the journey from boyhood to manhood with Bill. During our time at Mizzou I witnessed his strength of character and profound compassion for others. The White Cross has gained new luster by his life. I am greatly saddened by his passing. Condiolences to you and your family.

June 12, 2014

To know Bill was to like him for his charming amiability and to admire him for his genuine concern for others.

Our sincere condolences to you, Betsey, and you family for your deeply sad and untimely loss.

Melinda, Harold, and Russell Burton

June 11, 2014

Dear Betsey and family. He was one of the best. I am blessed to know him and all of you. Deepest sympathy from Gary and Val.

Dennis & Nancy Corrington

June 11, 2014

Betsy, Our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your husband, Bill. We have not seen you for years, but certainly remember you as a exuberant, fun loving couple when we were at brother Bill's in the 80's and 90's. Dennis & Nancy Corrington

June 11, 2014

Iremember you U. city high Peggy and Elliott alper, so sorry for your loss

June 11, 2014

Betsy, I am just one of many to feel the loss of Bill. He was a great friend at Mizzou and when we all were getting our married lives started. I'm sorry that when we move away from St.Louis we lost contact. My best to you and your family. Paul (Sonny) Carothers

Sandra Mason

June 11, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the family. Sandra Mason

Rodger (Buddy) Cooper

June 11, 2014

Dear Betsey:
My deepest condolences to you and your family Betsey. Bill was a role model for me in high school. Although we didn't run in the same crowd, or attend the same class, I will never forget him -in life, and on the football field. Your husband will be missed by many people --more than he might have imagined.

Buddy Cooper
Class of 1957 U City High School

Ona Scott

June 11, 2014

Betsy, my sympathy to you and your family. I know he will be greatly missed.

Ona Krafft Scott

June 11, 2014

Dear Betsey, this news is shocking and losing Bill is hard to comprehend. This is a terrible loss to all who knew him and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Joyce and Bob Lindholm

WILLIAM CURTIS

June 11, 2014

BETSY, VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. BILL WAS A GREAT GUY, ALWAYS HAD A SMILE, ENERGETIC AND ENJOYABLE TO BE AROUND. BILL CURTIS, XIXI58

Maurry Tamarkin

June 11, 2014

His giving character led to a successful life in many areas. Devoted to family. Worked to help others. Infectious good nature. Could take a rib as well as give one. If you knew him, you liked him. I loved him.

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