Mill Valley, CA

William Frederick Rich was born on November 29, 1935 in Newark, New Jersey to Gabriel Rich and Ruth (Fischel) Rich. Asister Jane came along in 1946. He was raised in nearby West Orange where his sense of humor and love of a little mischief gained him a group of lifelong friends. After graduating from West Orange High School in 1953, Bill moved to Philadelphia and enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. More mischief occurred; more lifelong friends were made. Following graduation from the Wharton School in the winter of 1958 Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas protecting the country’s beer supply and filing numerous important papers. After short stint back home in New Jersey “Airman No Class” decided to move out west to California in the spring of 1960, more specifically Southern Marin. First settling on a midtown houseboat in Sausalito, Bill once again found his way into more mischief and found many more lifelong friends among the waterfront community. Deciding the corporate life didn’t quite fit, Bill ditched his tie and went into business for himself in 1970 as a general contractor. For the next 28 years quality homes were built for quality people throughout Marin by W.F. Rich General Contractor. Bill was honored to serve on the Sausalito Planning Commission for 6 years during this time. No structure was more important than a house built in 1984 in Mill Valley on Mount Tam, overlooking the bay which became the family home for the next 40+ years. Bill “retired” in 1998 but never stopped moving. Between hiking almost every inch of Mount Tam and fishing in the Pacific Ocean, Bill found his way to visiting all 7 continents and helping to build the tall ship Matthew Turner.

Barbara Irwin was able to chase down Bill and the two were married on July 3, 1976. Son David was born in 1978 with daughter Sarah following close behind in 1979. Little in life gave Bill more pleasure than sharing his time, encouragement and love with his treasured family.

After years of membership in various organizations of varying reputations Bill joined the Rotary Club of Sausalito in 1990 and found the perfect outlet for his desire to give back to others. Serving as club president in 2000, Bill worked on the club’s educational scholarship fund as well as the housing commission, even coming out of retirement in 2004 to help build affordable senior housing in town. Deep friendships were made over his years with Rotary which involved multiple service trips to Mexico, El Salvador, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Vietnam to help those in need. Bill often said his only regret in life was not joining Rotary earlier.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Sam Grinspan. Bill will be missed terribly by his wife of 48 years Barbara, son David Rich, daughter Sarah White (Gene), and Barbara’s daughter Leatrice Oram (Andrew) as well as his amazing granddaughters Louisa Oram, Audrey White and Margo White. Bill is also survived by numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. After his family there was nothing more important to Bill than the host of loyal friends he made along the way. Whether you were family of chance or family of choice the loyalty and love of Bill/Brozie/Uncle Billy/Willy/Kingfish/The King/Dad/Grandpa/Geebee knew no limits. Donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Sausalito Rotary Foundation or Call of the Sea.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future, if you’re interested in attending please email: celebratebillrich@gmail.com