bill elmer lockwood

Bill E. Lockwood Mar 25, 1916 - Sept 1, 2010 Resident of Walnut Creek Bill passed away on September 1st after living all of his 94 years to their absolute fullest. His exceptional legacy is carried on by his family. Nadine, his devoted wife of 57 years, says Bill was the love of her life, her rock and her Billy-boy. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted family: daughters Cynthia, Dorene, Kerry, and his son, Kim; daughter-in-law Robin, son - in-laws, Doug, Dick and John, and by 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Bill was born in Oakland, CA, and graduated from Oakland Tech High. He loved his flag and his country, was a true patriot and a proud Veteran. The day after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Army, and served his country as a Signal Corps Warrant Officer in the European Theater. Following the war, Bill began a 35-year career with Blue Cross working his way up to Executive Sales; there he met his beautiful wife, Nadine. In addition to the role of devoted husband and dad, Bill was a treasure to his community. Bill poured his heart and soul into everything he did. He was an excellent woodworker and had many friends in the Diablo Woodworkers Assoc. He was an avid camellia grower, recognized as an expert in the field. He often judged at camellia shows and served as president of the Northern California Camellia Society. Bill was known affectionately as "Mr. Bill" to the children, parents and teachers at the Valle Verde Elementary School in his neighborhood, where he greeted more than two generations of children every day. Bill saw the good in everyone and everything. He was admired by everyone who ever met him. Bill was truly the light of many lives and is loved and remembered by many friends. Please honor him by finding beauty in all you see, and enjoy life as he did. His generous, loving spirit will be forever missed! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Hospice of the East Bay, Bruns House. Services are on Wednesday, Sept 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., at Oak Park Hills Chapel, 3111 N. Main Street in Walnut Creek. As a proud WWII vet with a love for his country, following the services, Bill will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery located at 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California.