Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Willie, and to friends William “Bill” Abourezk, 91, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born October 30, 1928 in Raton, New Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue of 62 years and his grandson, Christopher. Before starting college in New Mexico, he was a WWII Army veteran. Bill and Sue lived in New Mexico and then Pennsylvania while he earned his Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering before moving to New York. In New York, Bill quickly became well known in the aerospace industry which caused him to follow the industry to California. While working for Space Technology Laboratories and TRW, Bill became heavily involved in the Apollo and Lunar Excursion Module programs. Always a fan of magic, he was invited to become a member of the prestigious Los Angeles Magic Castle. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1974 to assist in opening the TRW branch which was heavily involved in working on the electrical program of the newly developing space shuttle. He made many significant contributions for the security of the United States during his career when he finally retired in the mid-1980s.
He enjoyed the perks of early retirement with Sue such as owning a travel agency, during which time they traveled Europe, Asia, and South America by air and sea and had both exciting and dangerous adventures. Bill also enjoyed his time in the wilderness from camping, fishing, or hunting earning his nickname a mountain man. As he always said, ‘Mountain man then say quote, “I have forgotten more about the wilderness than most men will ever know.”’ Bill was known for his sense of humor, his stories, and making sure everyone in the room was enjoying themselves. In his later years, Bill enjoyed painting scenes that reminded him of New Mexico. After Sue passed away, he moved to the Mackenzie Retirement community making new friends and enjoyed telling tall tales and doing magic tricks.
He will be missed by family and friends.
Left behind to cherish Bill’s memory are his sister Viola, his four daughters: Diana, Pamela (Jerome), Cathy, and Caroline. Proud grandfather of Kristen, Jessica, Brandon, Rachel, and Morgan. Great-grandfather of Ava Noel and Olivia Hope.
Due to COVID, a “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity or cause that reminds you of Bill in his memory.
~As remembered and missed by granddaughter, Kristen
Elaine Babich
19 Jun 2020We will always love him.