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BORN
1942
DIED
2009
Bill Wilbanks Obituary
Aug. 1, 1942- Oct. 27, 2009 After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Bill Wilbanks passed away on Oct. 27, 2009. Bill was born on Aug. 1,1942 in Oxnard.
He was a Ventura Native and a 1960 Ventura High School Graduate, moving to Grass Valley, Calif. with his wife in 1997. He began his career in underground construction at Tidwell Excavating. In 1976 he went to work for Irish Construction retiring 30 years later as President. He was fortunate to work for a company he thoroughly enjoyed. Bill was a hot rod enthusiast, having his share of cars through the years. He belonged to the Roamin Angels car club where he enjoyed meeting new friends and going on car runs. His other interests included golfing with his long-time buddies, going on cruises with his wife and family, and spending time at their place on the Colorado River near Parker, Arizona.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bobbi); daughter Shannon and son-in-law Kelly Steen; daughter Shelly and son-in-law Marc Garrez; daughter Sherry and son-in-law David Lynch; and his grandchildren Kiley and Koby Lynch, Steven Garrez and Debi Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Helen Wilbanks, and sister Fae Kline. He will always be in our hearts and forever missed.
At his request, there will be no service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Wilbanks
November 29, 2009
Bobbie and Family
So very sorry for your loss. I just heard and my Prayers are with you.
Memories of our times are wonderful, although our lives took different paths I will never forget those great times.God be with you and your family.
Donna(Willis)Araluce
DON/MARLENE STEEN
November 16, 2009
BOBBIE,SHANNON,SHELLY,SHERRY... TOO YOUNG.. TOO SOON... BILL WAS SO FULL OF LIFE.. SO VIBRANT.. EVERYONE HE MET HE LEFT HIS MARK ON THEM...MY MEMORIES OF BILL ARE ON *(NEW YEARS DAY) ALL THE GREAT FOOD ON THE BAR.. THE GUYS IN THE GAGAGE SIPPING ON "HOT CHOCOLATE" AND THE WOMEN.."WHO KNOWS" IT WAS A FUN DAY.. WE EVEN MADE A FEW BETS... WHEN YOU ARRIVED YOU WERE GREETED WITH A BIG SMILE...WHEN YOU LEFT IT WAS A SMILE AND A HANDSHAKE.MEMORIES.. A TREASURE OF THE PAST.. LOVE YOU ALL.. DON/MARLENE
November 11, 2009
To the Wilbanks Family,
I was deeply saddened to read about Bill's passing. He was both a professional and personal friend who I always admired. He was always up to the task at hand and never let me down.
I met Bill in 1978 and we worked very closely until my retirement from GTE(Verizon) in 1993. I saw him rise from a Middle Manager to President of Irish Construction Company which was well deserved.
My sincere sympathy is extended to his entire Family. He always spoke highly of Bobbi and his girls.
Best Regards,
Bob de la Torre and Family
November 4, 2009
Dear Bobbi, Shannon, Shelley and Sherry, and all of the family, our prayers are with you. It was our pleasure to have enjoyed family time with all of you.Billy was a generous and gracious man, always smiling. . He will be sorely missed.
God bless all of you and keep you in the palm of His hand.
The McGrath family.
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Vince & Arlene Arve
November 4, 2009
Dear Bobbi, Shannon, Shelly & Sherry,
Our deepest sympathy to you all during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vince will forever be thankful for Bill's leadership, friendship and for mentoring him during his years with Irish.
Kelly Lanier
November 3, 2009
Dear Bobbi, Shannon, Shelly and Sherrie,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll always think of Billy with a big smile on his face and a big hug. He was truly a nice man. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. May your memories make you smile.
Mercy Lemos
November 3, 2009
Bobbi, Deepest Sympathy for you and your family.One of the most treasured possessions a loved one leaves is a heart full of loving memories." God Bless You" Mercy.H.Lemos&Family
Jess Garcia
November 3, 2009
Wilbanks Family,so sorry to hear about your great loss,During this difficult time,may you find comfort in God's love. Jess&Teresa Garcia
Twila Woodward
November 3, 2009
Dear Bobbi & Family, What good times I had at your fun house. Your Dad was always welcoming, and very well liked. My thoughts are with you during these painful times, and may you gain strength through all of the beautiful times you shared together. With Love, Scott & Twila Woodward (Lackey)
Marla Ciuffetelli
November 3, 2009
Sherry and family,
I remember as a kid sliding down the slide into your pool and then promptly sinking like a stone because I wasn't a good swimmer. Your dad jumped in and saved me and was a hero. I'm sure he continued to be a hero for you and your family for the many years following. My deepest sympathies go out to you all for your loss.
sandra romero
November 3, 2009
bobbi, shannon,shelly and sherry
im so sorry to hear about mr. wilbanks , he truley was and will always be one of the greatest person that has stepped into my life. coming from the other side of town while playing msa he treated me as if i were one of his girls and made me feel welcome as he did to everyone . my prayers are w/ you all. love and much respect sandra
Johnny McElree
November 3, 2009
Bobbi and the girls,
I sent you a letter yesterday.
November 3, 2009
Bobbi and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Bill was one in a million and I will sincerely miss him. I looked so forward to seeing him annually with our golf trips. He was always so positive and happy. God Bless you all...Ray & Adrienne Davis
Hamlet
November 2, 2009
Dearest Bobbie, Kelly, Shannon and all,
We were shocked to read about Bill in the paper and we're so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers...God Bless.
Love, Doug & Kathy
Bill and Sandie Lykins
November 2, 2009
Bobbi and Family,
Our sincere sympathy on Bill's passing. He was always a gentleman and such fun. We enjoyed him serving the Lord at Ventura Baptist Temple in the children's ministery. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May God give you comfort knowing Bill is not suffering any more and in His arms. As my children would say, "Rest in Peace, Bill Banks".
Brenda Borum
November 2, 2009
Dear Shannon and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved your Dad. I enjoyed all the fun stories you told us on our "girl" outings. He sounded like a fun-loving guy.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here for you friend.
Love,
Brenda
Gribble
November 2, 2009
Bobbi and family, we were so sorry to read of Bill's passing. We have missed seeing all of you. Our love and sympathy. Charlie and Margarett
Katie Moran
November 2, 2009
Dear Wilbanks family,
I'm truly sorry for your loss, Bill had a great spirit and loving heart and will always be remebered. He was a long time friend of my Dad's and uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Katie Moran
Greg Warde
November 2, 2009
Bill was a great guy with a wonderful, positive, optimistic attitude. At Irish Construction, he was always ready to tackle the job and never said "it can't be done". He was a big part of the company's success and very instrumental in its expansion to Northern California. Bobby, please accept our condolences.
Kevin Steen
November 2, 2009
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be where I am today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
K.C., Tyler, and Evan
November 2, 2009
Our condolences to Bobbie and the family.Billy was a good man with alot of heart and I will always remember all the great times we had at the river and on the golf course.From the first time I meet Billy and Bobbi they always made me feel part of the family.He will be missed.
Marty, Donna and Josh Steen
ANGEL& VIRGIE Rodriguez/Navarro
November 1, 2009
Sherry and Family Our Thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your Family during this tough time.
Gloria Valenzuela
November 1, 2009
I attended Ventura Sr High School with Bill as well as Ventura Baptist Temple Church. Bill was such a gentleman. I was sorry to read about his passing. God bless you all.
November 1, 2009
Dear Bobbi and Family,
I was so surprised to read about Bill's passing. Just the other day I was sitting in one of your yard chairs and thinking how nice it was to live next to you all those years. We used to have some wonderful "yard talks" with both of you. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
David,Pat,Robert,Michael Allen
Lori Ramirez (Rushing)
November 1, 2009
Dearest Wilbanks Family,
I went to school with Shelly and my sister Leslie went to school with Sheri. We are very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Ed and Becky Grant
November 1, 2009
Bobbi and Family
We feel so bad for you we wish there was something we could do to make this easier for you and your family We have lost a dear friend and great person our prayers and thoughts are with you
Alway
Ed and Becky Grant
Elaine Paul
November 1, 2009
Our condolences to Bobbi and the family. Bill was such a good person and we were so proud of his successes over the years. Though we lose touch over the years, people remain in our thoughts and our hearts, so we know he will be missed by so many whom you may not even know about. Ron and Elaine Paul
November 1, 2009
To the Willbanks Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always be grateful to Billy for the opportunity he gave me in the construction industry. He was a good friend and mentor. He will be missed by many.
Respectfully,
Ken West & Family
Penny Eskew (Kunz)
November 1, 2009
Dearest Bobbi and family, I was so sorry to read the newspaper this morning and find you have lost the love of your life. I pray for God's love and guidance to help you through this time. Know that I am thinking of you and would love to be able to give you a hug. Your friend Penny (class of '61)
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