William Bouch
Apr 1, 1919 – February 13, 2015
Los Gatos
William Francis (Bill) Bouch died on Feb 13, 2015 at the age of 95. Those fortunate enough to have met Bill know that he truly believed, with Will Rogers, “A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.” He is best remembered as a positive, optimistic and cheerful individual who generously welcomed you into his life and into his home. But his greatest happiness came from his large family, each of whom he loved absolutely and without reservation.
Bill was born to Will and Jelina Bouch in Rupert, Idaho, in April of 1919. In 1942, after enlisting in the army, he wed Phyllis Ann Arnold, who would remain the love of his life for the rest of his life. Bill served as a tank maintenance officer with the U.S. First Armored Division until he was wounded at Monte Cassino in Italy. Following his convalescence and discharge from service, Bill returned home to Pocatello, Idaho, and to Phyllis.
In 1956, the Bouch family moved to San Jose, where Bill not only worked to provide for his family, but also devoted time to his churches, St. John Vianney and St. Christopher. He was active in various service clubs, including the Transportation Club, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Loaves and Fishes, and the Serra Club. He was also actively involved in the lives of his six children, serving numerous leadership roles in their schools’ Dads’ clubs.
Following his retirement from an executive position with Graebel Moving and Storage, Bill and Phyllis enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with their adult children and grandchildren. In 1990 they fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to San Francisco, where they lived for 15 years until coming to Los Gatos Meadows.
Bill is survived by his beloved Phyllis, their children William A. (Becky), Nancy, Steve (Jan), John, Ann (Mal), and Dennis (Lynda Lou). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Los Gatos Meadows and Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care of Bill.
A memorial reception open to those who knew and loved Bill will be held at Los Gatos Meadows, 110 Wood Rd, Los Gatos on Friday, Mar 6, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Los Gatos Meadows c/o Employee Christmas Fund, 110 Wood Rd Los Gatos CA 95030.
Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Mar. 1, 2015.
