William Ornellas Obituary

Mr. William Lee Ornellas, "Wild Bill," born Nov. 26, 1932, died April 8, 2009, at the age of 76, due to complications of Parkinson's disease. He was born in Los Angeles and lived there nearly all his life.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. During his earlier years, he was a member of the Polynesian Club, established by his father, William Ornellas, "Whislin'."

Bill led a very interesting life, and like a diamond, had many facets. He performed dances with Polynesian girls, walked on flaming hot lava rocks using mind over matter, and entertained as a knife dancer known as "Chief Tui, Fire Walker."

Bill worked for Bob Smith's Dodge in Glendale and later in real estate. He was a member of the Singles Ski Club and had a passion for "dirt-bike riding" and photography. He opened Wild Bill's Furs in West Hollywood, making rugs from dyed cow hides, bedspreads and pillows of ermine, mink, etc., for the movie stars, and game-animal restoration for 37 years. His work was featured in several high-end magazines. He retired more than five years ago to Apple Valley and married Toni Bradford.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a good father and husband, and you couldn't ask for a better friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Ornellas, mother, Doris Akina (Francine Rogers), and grandmother, Mary Benavidas of Portugal.

He is survived by his loving wife, Toni; son Michael Ornellas (Carol) Carolson; daughter Bonnie (Terry) Spencer; son Mark (deceased); loving aunt Maria Rogers of Renton, Wash.; stepdaughters Joannie (David) Schreiner and Tammie Allen; stepson Jack (Kareen) Kuhry; four grandchildren, twins Matt and Rachael Carlson, and Christine and Erin Spencer; six step-grandchildren, Clint, Ryan and Ben Schreiner, Bruce Lee, Shane and Hayden Kuhry; two step-great-grandchildren, Nyola Schreiner, Koa Lee; and several cousins.

A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Community Hospice of Victor Valley and best of friends who will greatly miss him, Ed and Judy Agnich, John Maljevec and many more.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12242 Navajo Road in Apple Valley.

A 30-minute interment will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. in Riverside, staging area No. 1. Please arrive five minutes early.

Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Updated service schedule and online guestbook are available at Sunsethills.cc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press, Hesperia Star & Desert Dispatch from Apr. 26 to Apr. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Ornellas

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Joannie Schreiner

April 30, 2009

Even though we weren't there to tell you goodbye one last time, I hope you know how much you mean to us. We are grateful to have had you share in our family for even a short time. We will miss you Bill! Love always David, Joannie and Ben

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