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Celebrating the life of William 'Bill' Black Livie Croall
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Obituary for William 'Bill' Black Livie Croall
Bill was born in Dundee, Scotland, on May 15, 1917. When he was 2 years and 9 months old he and his World War I widowed mother returned to the United States through Ellis Island. There they were detained for a period of time because Bill had become infected with the chickenpox. He and his mother settled in Petaluma, California, near his grandparents, aunts and numerous cousins. He graduated from Petaluma High School in 1936. He became an Eagle Scout while in high school and was Scout Master while his sons were in the scouting program in Sacramento.
On August 4, 1940, he married Dorothy Gow who also was a graduate of Petaluma High School class of 1936. Together they raised 4 daughters and 2 sons.
During World War II he was an electrician wiring submarines at the Mare Island Naval Shipyards. He often spoke fondly of that work. It was his contribution to the war efforts.
To find better employment, in 1958, Bill and Dot moved their family to Sacramento, California. They both retired in 1981; he from Harrold Ford auto dealership. They then moved to Pahrump, Nevada, where they enjoyed living in the beautiful desert. In 1990 they moved back California to be near their children and grandchildren, settling in Vacaville, where they lived for 21 years. They just recently moved to Sacramento to be even closer to most of their children.
Bill is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy; his children Cynthia (Ronald) Roemer, Vacaville; Bonnie (Gary) Chaix, Sacramento; David Croall, Sacramento; Douglas (Victoria)Croall, Newcastle, CA; Laurie (Francis) Tsonetokoy, Sacramento and Toni Williams, Antelope, CA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Judy Thornhill (David McDonell), Joseph Lee, Rebecca (Daniel) Moeller, Jessie Tsonetokoy, Stephanie Tsonetokoy, Jackie Tsonetokoy, Caitlin Croall, Kelsey Croall, Eric Williams and Nikki Williams and 6 great-grandchildren.
He was an avid reader; he enjoyed going out to nice restaurants to eat well prepared food. He had pride in a collection of hats which he wore when there was any kind of party or celebration at Merrill Gardens where he lived until his move to Sacramento. He also enjoyed collecting funny socks that he wore to show off to his family and friends.
He was a kind and gentle man, full of love and fun. He was always interested in what his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were accomplishing.
At his request, there will be no formal service. His family will be celebrating his life in the near future.
Memorial contributions may be made to U.C. Davis Medical Center Hospice, Sacramento, CA.
