More detail on this person: Robert Douglas
McWilliam passed into Heaven at the age of 79
years. Bob was born and raised in Woodland,
California, and graduated from Woodland High
School in 1949, and the University of California
Pharmacy School in 1954. He joined the Army and
became a helicopter ambulance pilot, eventually
rising to the rank of Colonel. He served two tours
of duty in Viet Nam, the last one as commander of
the renowned 54th Medical Detachment in Chu Lai
in 1967-1968. He had deep pride and appreciation
for the men and their accomplishments. Bob went
on to become a hospital administrator with a
Masters degree from Baylor University. He served
in Europe and many areas of the US during his 30
year Army career, including his favorite three
year tour in Hawaii.
After retirement Bob studied art at University of
Texas, San Antonio, and became a well-known
kaleidoscope maker, showcasing his talent with
hardwood and stained glass. Bob and his wife of 54
years, Patricia, enjoyed traveling around the US
and Canada, seeing new places and learning new
things. Bob had a great fondness for the western
mountains and he spent many summers
backpacking and fly fishing in wilderness areas of
Montana and whitewater rafting the rivers of the
US and Canada. This was done with family and
friends from his childhood, giving him much
pleasure.
Bob was a loving husband to his wife, Pat, and
devoted father to his two wonderful sons, Michael
R. and John D. McWilliam and his wife Donna. He
loved spending time with his two grandchildren,
Bailey and Michael, and had started to show them
the delights of camping and rafting. Bob was
beloved by his family, his friends and by the men
who served with him. He was always positive,
caring and could find good in anyone. He readily
admitted he had enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling
life. We will all miss his love and happiness. His
parents, George Douglas and Vivienne Lee
McWilliam of Woodland predeceased him. His
loving sister Patricia Ann and her husband, Robert
Moulhardt, and their five children survive him.
A Methodist service was held to celebrate Bob's
life in San Antonio on May 12, 2011.
Published in Daily Democrat on May 22, 2011
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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