William Walker Wilson

1925 - 2025

William Walker Wilson

November 2, 1925 – May 26, 2025

Bill Wilson passed in the comfort of his home on May 26, 2025. Born the second of three sons to Dr. J. Dwight and Iva Wilson in San Francisco, he was raised in Berkeley. Shortly after early graduation from Berkeley High in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

After his discharge in 1946 he enrolled at UC Berkeley and graduated in 1950 with a BSEE.

Before beginning his professional career, Bill took 5 years to travel the world, working odd jobs as he went. Driving through Mexico, Central and South America, he then took a steamship to Europe. From there he drove through Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Far East before returning home from India.

Bill had a lengthy professional career beginning with IBM servicing office equipment in San Francisco. He then became a salesman with Hewlett-Packard, where he rose to become North American Sales Manager for HPs Instrument Product Group before retiring in 1985 after 27 years with the company. Bill then worked 2 years as VP of Sales for a start-up developing electronic testing equipment in Kirkland, Washington.

Returning to California Bill next worked for another start-up manufacturing a hand geometry product in the then-new field of biometrics; he served as VP of Sales for 8 years and 2 years as President prior to permanently retiring.

Throughout his life Bill was active physically and culturally, participating in a wide variety of sports and entertainment. He especially enjoyed tent camping and hiking in the mountains. Bill was an avid collector and operator of "O" gauge toy trains. He also served on the board of directors for many organizations.

Bill will be remembered as a young-at-heart, kind and generous man with a big smile, positive attitude and zest for life. He adored his wife of 43 years, Sandy Davison; took great pride in the endeavors and accomplishments of his children and their spouses;

and delighted in spending time with the grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and both brothers. He is survived by his wife; his sons Bill Jr. (Karen), Keith, Eric (Genelle), Zach (Michaela), daughter Karen Richardson (Tom); eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.