William "Bill" Wrighton's Obituary
William Wrighton passed away peacefully November 3, 2018 at Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Trenton. He had recently celebrated his 89th birthday with family and friends. Bill was born in Derby, England the youngest of 4 siblings. At the age of 14 Bill became an apprentice at Rolls-Royce aero engineering in Derby, England where he was trained in mechanical engineering and continued working for many years. The Rolls-Royce aircraft engines were a critical part of the Battle of Britain during WWII. In the early fifties Bill served in the Royal Air Force, being deployed to Egypt to help protect the Suez Canal. In the post-war years Bill joined a popular local outdoor and social leisure club, The Derby Mercury. Cycle hosteling and walking were a major part of the club’s activities with weekend trips around the dales of Derbyshire and Wales. These were fun and healthy times which would form the basis for some of Bill’s deepest lifelong friendships.
In 1957 Bill emigrated to Canada and then to the United States. Vermont, “the green mountain state”, had a special place in his heart having lived, worked and gained good friendships there in the 1960’s and 70’s. In Vermont Bill met his life’s partner, Kathleen Shiverick, a graduate student at the University of Vermont. The couple relocated to Montreal and Bill began working at Rolls-Royce of Canada which specializes in repair and overhaul of aero- and industrial engines. With Kathy he shared a supportive rich life with their children who cherish memories of hiking in the mountains of New England, winter sports and walking hosteling holidays in England and on the continent. Bill and Kathy shared an enthusiastic appreciation for theatre, food, film, music and diverse cultures. In 1978 Kathy joined the faculty at the University of Florida and the family moved to Gainesville. The beautiful nature and climate of Gainesville was appealing to Bill. Throughout his life, there was a daily effort to keep himself vital of mind and body. After retirement he worked on a golf course and his life found a new rhythm with social contacts, good laughs and meaning. Bill was someone who gave of himself and to whom the idea of service to the community was important, from political engagement, to volunteering in after school programs.
Bill was a loved and caring father to 4 sons and a daughter, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He followed their lives with enthusiastic interest and support. We cherish our times together in close contact with him. Bills 70th birthday was celebrated with family walking in the mountains around Innsbruck, Austria and his 80th birthday in the hills of Perthshire, Scotland.
In 2013 Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimers dementia. He and Kathy received this diagnosis with exceptional courage and grace. He wished to make the most of life along this new pathway. The Village at Gainesville memory support and homecare programs provided wonderful support for both Bill and Kathy. As medical needs changed, Bill moved to Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center who provided exceptional and loving care during the past two years. This new community of nursing staff, volunteers and long-term care residents were a constant inspiration in finding ways to provide the best quality of life in the midst of major challenges.
It was impossible not to be charmed by Bill’s soft English accent, humor and warm welcoming way. In the final years of his life, despite a progressive dementia, he continued to be gracious and make others smile. He is missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center, 606 NE 7th Street, Trenton FL 32693, or to The Village at Gainesville Foundation, Memory Support Program, 8000 NW 27th Blvd., Gainesville FL 32606.
A natural burial service will take place at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery near Gainesville. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Village at Gainesville, Monday, November 26, 2018 at 11 a.m.
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