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William O'Connor Obituary
After an incredible 98 years of living life to its fullest, William Roe O'Connor (Bill) passed away on August 1, 2015. Bill was born on December 10, 1916, in Oakland, California. His parents, Dermott and Dora O'Connor, moved many times, giving Bill an interest in travel. He traveled the world, collecting stories, and memorabilia. His home resembled a museum. Bill graduated from Whittier High School, attended Fullerton Junior College, and joined the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was decorated with many medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Following the war, Bill studied art in Italy. After returning home he continued his studies at California College of the Arts and eventually made his way to New York City where he had an illustrious career as a display design artist. He designed windows for department stores in NYC, created advertising for IBM and other agencies, worked with cosmetic manufacturers, and earned special commissions, among them the Smithsonian Institution, the New York World's Fair and the Seattle World's Fair. He also designed a Christmas ornament for the White House in 1964. Bill retired in 1975, moved to Palm Springs, and reinvented himself as a doll and teddy bear artist. He was also a part time instructor at the College of the Desert. While accomplishing many successes in his professional career, his proudest moment was celebrating 50 years of sobriety this past February. Bill always had a twinkle in his eye, a story to tell and a love for life. He and his partner, Edmund Taake, were together over 50 years before Edmund passed away in 2004. Bill leaves no known relatives but a legacy for his family of friends, especially Heidi Anderson and Vicki Anderson of Rancho Mirage, and the Raleigh Taylor family of Seattle. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later time.
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Memories and Condolences
for William O'Connor
5 Entries
Lynn Beck
September 2, 2015
I've literally known Bill my whole life. He and my mother, Pat Grant, worked together in NYC in the 60's and they remained close friends for the rest of their lives. I loved Bill's humor and passion for life. He also gave me great advice: "Success always comes from people" and "You're better off doing what you want and being admonished than asking and being told "no." I interviewed him a few years ago about being gay in New York in the 50s, 60s and 70s and was astonished that his memories included such particular details of people, places and things. He was also a tremendously talented artist and practiced his art and even taught art into his 90's. You are such an inspiration for living life to its fullest. You will be missed, but always remembered.
Steve Glogger and Joe Klempay
August 23, 2015
Bill was one of our neighbors on Lujo Circle when we moved to Palm Springs in 2004. He was a wonderful raconteur.
August 15, 2015
We were fortunate to have spent two delightful get-togethers with Bill. As a result, we have an adorable and superbly crafted little boy doll, perched on a bicycle wearing green and burgundy velvet, vintage 1900! We love bringing him out at Christmas time and telling of our meetings with Bill. What a loss to all who knew him. His genuine love of people was contagious.
Pat and Vern Amundson
Julia Rueger
August 15, 2015
I love you Billy~~ You are an inspiration to all you left behind! The world felt a gasp and a sigh went you left... You lived to the fullest and the happiest, and I miss you. You always told me, "Life has an expiration date, what are you waiting for?" and also "Never ask permission, just do it!" Heaven is happy you are HOME. You will be in my heart forever. I'll see you again my friend and we will laugh at our silly lives. Good-bye for now~
Jan Peterson
August 15, 2015
It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known Bill. He was truly a renaissance man,and the most delightful story teller. Bill had a sense of humor like no other,and a keen interest in others. What a great long and interesting life he led.
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