William Wayne McGregor

William (Bill) Wayne McGregor July 23, 1935 - November 23, 2012 Bill McGregor, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 23, 2012, surrounded by his family. Bill was born to Dorotha and John Russell McGregor in Dallas, Texas. He was the youngest of three children. The family lived in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Bill moved with his family to Oakland, California at the age of 15 where he enrolled in Oakland Technical High School. The friendships he developed there continue to this day. After high school, he spent a summer working in the Trinity Alps Mountains. Bill then enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a Radar Interpretation Specialist. While in the Air Force, he was a decorated swimmer and competed in swim meets all over Europe. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Bill moved to Willows, CA to join his family. This is where he met the love of his life, Arlene Soeth, whom he later wed in 1961. Bill attended Sacramento City College, where he lettered in swimming, basketball, and water polo. While there, he set four school swimming records, and won numerous awards for being an outstanding student athlete-scholar. Bill went on to graduate from Sacramento State University. After graduating, Bill worked briefly for a pharmaceutical company and the Bank of America. Bill decided then that his true calling would be in education. So in 1964 he moved with his wife and newborn daughter, Martha, to Exeter, CA where he began his career in education at Exeter Union High School. While at EUHS, Bill served as a coach, teacher, athletic director, dean, assistant principal, and principal. As Athletic Director, Bill began many new sports programs for the school including: Girls' Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls' Basketball, Boys' Water Polo, Softball, and Girls' Track and Field programs. As swim coach, Bill's teams won 6 championships in 8 years. He retired after 30 years of service within the school district, and was inducted into the Exeter Union High School Hall of Fame in 2010. Bill had many passions in life which included his family, golf, coaching, classic cars, traveling, skiing, barbecuing, and family gatherings. He loved to share his stories with anyone that would listen, especially his grandkids. He loved to read the daily paper at the kitchen table, drinking his coffee and discussing world events and sports. Bill passed on his love for sports to many of his kids and grandkids. His knowledge and wisdom was an inspiration to all who interacted with him. His infectious smile and witty sense of humor will always be remembered. Bill touched the lives of so many people in this world, and his legacy will always live through them. Bill is survived by his loving wife Arlene, of 51 years; his sons Matthew and wife Bridget, their children: Maeve, Sloane and Mollie of San Antonio, Texas, Michael of Porterville; his daughters, Martha Selsor and husband Todd and children, James, Blake and Gabriella of Hollister, Marilyn Jackson and children, Madison and Hannah of Santa Maria, Marisa McGregor and Jared Cleaver and daughter Kaiya of San Diego, Tara and Diana McGregor of Woodlake, Mallory Lazar of Fresno, niece Amy Lindsey and husband Randy and children Dallas and Makaylee. The family also would like to express their appreciation for the kindness and loving care provided by Dr. Stephen Smith and Dr. Ramon Verma. Bill's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 10 AM. The service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 33047 Sierra Drive, Lemon Cove. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Bill's memory may be made to the Bill McGregor Memorial Scholarship Fund, at Exeter Union High School, 505 Rocky Hill Drive, Exeter, CA 93221. Condolences may be sent to the family at: P.O. Box 222, Exeter, CA 93221.