Resident of Los Altos

William Waterfield, Jr., M.D., 94, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and man of honor and decency, passed away on October 13, 2024, surrounded by family.

Bill loved life and balanced a fulfilling career with his many passions. He enjoyed golf, was an avid jogger, and sang in a national championship-winning barbershop choir. Above all, he cherished his family. Those who knew Bill admired his ability to animate conversations with a famous quote, funny story, or interesting bit of trivia, and his unwavering integrity and kindness.

Born on February 19, 1930, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Edith and William Waterfield Sr., Bill graduated from Swarthmore College and earned his M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. After a medical internship at Los Angeles County General Hospital, he served as Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in West Germany. There, he met Helga, his wife of 64 years.

Bill found his calling in psychiatry. After completing his residency at Stanford University Medical School, he later served as a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford and was elected as a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Bill continued his private practice in general adult psychiatry until the remarkable age of 90.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and sister Anne. He is survived by his wife Helga, son Gary Waterfield (Aireen de Peralta), daughter Heidi Waterfield (Ron Marzke), and granddaughter Cassandra Marzke.

Bill’s compassion, intellectual curiosity, and humor will live on in those who knew and loved him.

A service to commemorate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Foothills Congregational Church, 461 Orange Ave in Los Altos.