Girdwood

William K. "Bill" Girdwood, 68, of La Mesa, Calif., died unexpectedly May 8.

He was born Jan. 18, 1938, in Deer Creek, Alle-gheny County.

He was a 1957 graduate of Zelienople High School, where he excelled in football, a sport he loved.

On May 10, 1958, he married Margaret "Margie" Semel, also a 1957 Zelienople High School graduate. They first made their home in San Diego, Calif., and later lived in La Mesa, where they raised their three children.

After four years in the Navy and taking graduate courses at Grossmont College, he worked in the Civil Service as an aircraft production superintendent at the Naval Air Base, North Island, San Diego. He won many work-related awards and retired after 37 years.

After 10 years in retirement, he was asked to return to North Island as a private contractor and worked there for the past three years.

Mr. Girdwood was a good, ambitious, hard-working man who loved his wife and family greatly and enjoyed their many family activities.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by their much loved children, William K. "Kirk" Girdwood and his wife, Newona, Julie Girdwood Methot and John R. "Randy" Girdwood, all of San Diego County; three grandchildren, Jesse, David and Jessica; three great-grandchildren, Peter, Ethan and Madison; and a great-granddaughter about to be born.

Also surviving are his mother, Lois Girdwood Kearns Dambaugh of the Passavant Retirement Center, Zelienople; and three sisters, Margo Hogan of Zelienople, Jacqueline Reilley of Charlotte, N.C., and Jocelyn Gialombardo and her husband, Phil, of Denton, N.C.

Mr. Girdwood was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Girdwood.

Bill's many other family members, friends and co-workers love and miss him very much.

<B>GIRDWOOD </B>— Burial for William K. "Bill" Girdwood, who died Monday, May 8, 2006, was held May 17 at San Louis Rey Old Mission Church Cemetery, Oceanside, Calif.