William Duncan McVicker

William D. McVicker was born on Easter Sunday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 27, 1921. He passed away in Grass Valley
on Sunday, May 22, 2011. Bill grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and served honorably as a First Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He had a distinguished career as an engineer for Aramco, Bechtel and Aminoil until his retirement to Grass Valley in 1985. Bill and his family lived in Italy, the Netherlands and India before resettling in the Bay Area. A world traveler, he enjoyed the different cultures of each country, but he was
particularly fond of Italy and the Italian people. After moving to Grass Valley, Bill was an active member of the Grass Valley Elks, the American Legion and the Sierra Presbyterian Church. Bill enjoyed his life to the full and loved his family uncritically. His gentle, loving spirit radiated genuine warmth, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Irene, their daughters, Susan McVicker Antinori and Erica McVicker of Atlanta, GA, and his sons, William McVicker of Nevada City and Bruce McVicker of Grass Valley. Bill and Irene enjoyed sixty-seven years of marriage, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister Lilian Groebe. A fine musician since he was a child, Bill played many instruments
but especially the piano. He loved to entertain and enjoyed ragtime and gospel and especially his beloved Steinway. He performed for his family and for senior citizens and friends at any opportunity. He also played a fine banjo and occasionally joined a pickup band for the fun of it. Bill also enjoyed fishing, camping and exploring the country with Irene in their RVs. He was a fine carpenter, an avid reader, a good golfer (with one hole-in-one) and a master crossword puzzler and was never happier than when visiting a hardware store. Bill’s family and friends will miss his wonderful sense of humor, his bright blue eyes and wide smile.
He had a kind and mischievous nature that will be greatly missed. Memorials can be sent to Hospice of the Foothills, Grass Valley.

William D. McVicker
March 27, 1921 – May 22, 2011