Melvyn "Bill" William Moore
August 23, 1939 - June 13, 2012
Obituary
Melvyn W. Moore (Bill) 1939-2012
Bill was born in 1939 in Sydney, Australia. His parents, Melton and Ethel, were there touring in musical shows. They moved back to the US when the war became a threat. He spent his early years in New York City where his father continued to perform in Broadway musicals. Bill grew up knowing the words to all of the songs in those musicals – but just the first act. That’s when he had to go to bed. He claimed he was raised by all the beautiful chorus girls in those shows.
After graduating from High School in New York, he attended Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, New Jersey where he earned an Engineering degree in 1960. He was also in Air Force ROTC and was commissioned a Second Lt on graduation. Being given an active duty start date 365 days later, he decided to go to graduate school at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where his father was then teaching. Chemistry was the only discipline that would accept all his undergraduate credits, so Chemistry it was. During his time there he met the woman who would become his wife, Rebecca Langlois. She was a student in one of the labs he taught.
He got his Masters degree in 1962 and moved on to the University of Cincinnati to get his PhD. He and Rebecca married in 1963 and celebrated the passing of his oral PhD exams by having their first child, David in 1966. He then went on active duty with the Air Force, stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Both of his sons were born while stationed there. Brian came along 18 months after David.
Bill and family then moved to Colorado Springs where he taught Chemistry at the Air Force Academy and did research at the Siler Research Lab. From there his AF career led him to Sacramento, Santa Maria, California and finally Los Angeles Air Force station. While at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Maria he was chief engineer for the Space shuttle launch pad which was slated to be the West Coast launch site. After the Challenger disaster shut down the program at Vandenberg, he went to Los Angeles Air Force Station and retired shortly thereafter. He had spent 27 years, 20 of them on active duty, in the Air Force and retired as a Lt Col.
Bill’s love of chemistry and teaching was the reason he chose his next career. He taught at various colleges and universities before taking a full time position at El Camino Community College. He found he loved the community college atmosphere and the caliber, and diversity of the students. He retired from El Camino after 20 years.
Wanting to leave Los Angeles for the Northwest, Bill encouraged his wife to transfer from her position in Los Angeles to Seattle. She found a job that suited her and off they went on their next adventure. He found his last position at Green River College as an adjunct professor. He was well loved by his students and he was always so enthusiastic about each class he taught. Rebecca felt like she knew each and every student as well as he did – and he knew them all well. He loved his students and his teaching with a passion and was not about to give it up.
Bill and Rebecca loved to travel and spent many wonderful vacations visiting England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska, and most of all Hawaii.
It is with great sadness that we bid goodbye to this wonderful, compassionate, and loving man. He will be missed, terribly, by the many people whose lives he touched.
Bill was and forever will be a great man and a most wonderful memory. He will be missed in his physical aspect, but will continue to live through all the people who love him, I do and will continue. Rebecca I am so sorry for this abrupt loss, I love you and am here for anything you need.
Some of me favorite pictures
Thanks for those pictures Kelli To say this is surreal is trite and inane. Bill was amazing; remember the first time I met him, we flew up to Seattle a few months after David and I met. David took an extraordinarily uncharacteristic daytime nap (he had the same gerbil temperament as Bill), and we talked for well over an hour about science-y stuff as I couldn’t move w/D’s head in my lap. I don’t know what I’ll think when I wake up tomorrow. Au revoir, cher Bill.
So sorry for your loss. I never got a chance to thank either one of you, Bill and Rebecca for being so loving to my daughter Kelli and her son Brendan. I will always be grateful and sorry we did not meet.
There are many memories of Bill going back to my early childhood. I remember Becky coming down the stairs at G&G’s house in Decatur in her wedding dress…that must have been around 1963?
Bill had a great laugh, and I can remember it vividly. We’ll miss him! I’ll be looking for pictures over the next few weeks.
Our thoughts are with the family in Burien.
I was 16 years old when I met Bill. I was David’s high school girlfriend and invited to my first dinner at his folk’s house. It was a warm summer day and Bill was no where to be found. The boys, Brian and David were walking around the house doing little chores while Becky prepared dinner. I kept hearing a man yelling from above apparently ‘ Can anyone hear me??!!’ ‘You know it’s HOT up here!!’ I looked around to see if anyone else heard the man yelling. Nobody seemed to pay any attention or bothered to respond.
It turned out the Bill was working on some project in the attic and the family was used to his way of getting jobs done with extra ‘volume’. I asked David, ‘Who is that?’ He said, ‘Oh that’s my Dad, he’s in the attic working on a project’.
I loved Bill as a man that was definitely like a Dad to me and I will miss him always. Whenever I hear a James Taylor song, I will think of Bill. Carla
Becky – I’m so sorry for your loss. I met Bill only once when Edna and I came to visit you. I remember that Bill grilled the most delicious dinner for us! Remember that I am here for you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you will miss Bill, but you can take comfort and strength from the wonderful family you both had together. I know your children’s love and your memories together will get you through this difficult time.
Dear Rebecca,
I am deeply sorrowed that Bill will no longer be with you/us in our physical existance. His memory and amazing spirit will live on. The times I spent with you both were always so fun, joyful and interesting. I remember how much he loved to sing…
Love and blessings,
Maria
Becky and Family,
I am saddened that Bill is no longer with us. But he will be in my memory forever. Bill was a man that knew how to treat a lady right. I’m sure Becky you can attest to that.
You were on a business trip and I was in LA, so Bill and I went out to dinner (yes, Becky knew – she set it up!). It was nice to be picked up at the hotel and have the car door opened for me and to have the chair at the restaurant pulled for me (of course Bill paid!!). And when I first met Bill, the three of us went to the restaurant at the airport and got to listen to the pilots as they landed. Do not think I have ever or will ever have dinner with those big head phones on.
Sending you all my Love and know that Bill is with you!
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.
I never met him and never knew the story but I loved reading about it. He sounds like a wonderful person ! Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Becky,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Bill. I never met him but saw his affect on you through your happiness and content.
My love and prayers are with you.
Take care.
I am so sorry for your loss! “Sweet Ol’ Bill” inspired a love for chemistry not only with me but with my 8 year old son whose baby sitter called in sick for 3 days last month. My son wakes up every morning wanting to go to Chemistry class with me. Like me, Bill left us wanting to know more. Just like a good book that you can’t wait to wake up to read from where you left off from the night before. Despite being one student out of three sections of intro to chemistry, he knew me by my name, always telling me good morning. Sweet Ol’ Bill, my friend… I will see you again in that great chemistry lab in the sky where we can talk about valence electrons and the pH of water!
Becky
For all the years we have known each other, we (trainers) always knew you had a wonderful and thoughtful husband. After reading his story, we have no doubt he was a gem. I hope all your wonderful memories help you through this time. That is his gift to you, to heal your heavy heart.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family with loss of a wonderful man
Mary
The thought of not being able to talk with Bill over the phone or in person is very surreal. Every conversation was interesting and fun. Every visit was enriching. I will miss his stories of life in New York and his time in the Air Force. He was a genuinely kind and good person. If there were more people in the world like Bill, this world would be a better place. His absence is a tremendous loss. My prayers of comfort are for Rebecca, David, Brian and the rest of the family. I mourn Bill’s passing with you all.
Those we LOVE remain with us for LOVE itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we LOVE can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in our hearts.
Becky, we’re so sorry to hear about your loss, may God be with you and your family during this difficult time. Bill was such a nice guy and you were truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband. We’ll be praying for you and your family.
Becky, I still feel shocked that Bill’s gone. When my mom told me, It took me a minute to understand. I truly appreciated having you both in my life. Bill was a genuinely good person who was taken far too soon. I’m so sorry.
Dear Rebecca:
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. His spirit remains here through the good that he has accomplished and the difference that he has made in the lives of his students, his colleagues, and his loved ones. Please know the good Lord is watching over him, you, and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless,
Yolanda
So sad to lose another McBurney classmate I really enjoyed knowing in at school
I have so many wonderful memories of Bill but one that stands out has to do with the time we attended a SmithKline Beecham “day at the races” at Santa Anita race track – I’m talking 24-25 years ago.
Becky, Bill, my daughter Nicole, her friend Harry and myself were all in the car on our way to the race track.
Bill was driving and we were all listening to popular show tunes on the radio. Then suddenly, without any warning, Bill begins to sing the lyrics with such passion and gusto. He sang with such feeling as if he were performing on stage. My daughter and her friend were so surprised, amazed and taken aback by his spontaneity.
Later that day, the kids told me how impressed they were with Bill. Yes, he was an amazing, wonderful person who never ceased to surprise me. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
My
Rebecca,
Sorry to hear about Bill. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working with him at El Camino. His love of teaching and students was always at the forefront of everything he did. He will be missed.
Becky, when I got the news, he flashed in my mind as a 17 year old, in a white shirt, tie, and sport coat, carrying a briefcase in the halls of Mc Burney in 1956. Last September, Judy and I enjoyed walking 30 short blocks with you when we left Bruce’s apartment in New York City. We loved being with you in Santa Barbara at Bill Calise’s home. I teased Bill about being an Air Force guy ( as I was Navy ), but I will keep him fondly in my memory. God Bless you and your family.
Dick
Taps and then Reveille for this pilgrim Bill Moore of the class of ’56 Mc Burney. We all salute him as a good friend.
Becky,
I am stunned to hear of Bill’s passing. I was so glad to meet the two of you at the reunion in NY and to share stories from fifty-five years ago. My deepest sympathy to you and all of your family.
And Bill: You will always live in my memory as “Mel”, a teammate, fellow vocalist, and friend. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Becky, WE have many fond memories of our friend He will be missed..
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill. I remember when you guys won my bouquet at my wedding, for being the longest married couple in the room! Bill was always so wonderful with his students. I’ll miss him!
Rebecca,
I loved knowing Bill as the Science Building Secretary. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Knowing him was a pleasure. He brought smiles to all who knew him. What a gentleman he was.
I also had the pleasure of his being my son’s chemistry teacher. Andrew loved Bill’s class. “Sweet Ol’ Bill” Andrew would say, and then smile. Not only did Bill help him in class, but the two of them would hang out around my office and visit after class. I will miss him dearly.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jean
Rebbecca,
So sorry for your sudden loss. I have enjoyed reading what others have written about Bill. It is nice to read how one person can touch so many lives in a positive way. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kim
Dear Rebecca,
It is with sadness to receive the news of Bill’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I enjoyed meeting and chatting with you last September at the 55th reunion of Bill’s high school class at McBurney. It took us a while to find you and Bill and I’m glad we had a chance to reconnect with Bill. He will be remembered by his classmates.
Lum
Dear Rebecca,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this most trying of times.
I’m glad to have had the priviledge of meeting him and sharing lunch with both of you.
The memories you have in your heart will give you strength and peace.
Connie
I am so sorry to learn of your husband passing. My thoughts go with you and the rest of your family.
Rayn
In God’s care you rest above,
In our hearts you rest with love.
Memories of you are ours to keep,
Our words are few but our love is
deep. ~Author Unknown
Becky, may you find strength in the love of family
and in the warm embrace of many friends. Bill will
be missed.
Robyn
Rebecca,
i just found a couple of pictures of Bill that will bring back great memories.
Love, Joyce
When we were all last together, Thanksgiving 2010
Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. So many years together and so many wonderful memories you shared.
Laurie
Dear Rebecca,
I was one of Bill’s chemistry students, and I must say without a doubt he was one of my favorite teachers, he made something like chemistry, which I dont understand at all, a very enjoyable class. I was shocked to hear of him passing, and I’m sure I can speak for his other students as well when I say that he will be greatly missed. His passion for chemistry never ceased to show, and I will miss his funny stories, obscure Harry Potter references, and great sense of humor. Although I may not have completely understood what he was teaching, he truly impacted me with how committed he was to help his students understand the subject, it was very much a blessing.
Best wishes to you and your family,
Tim Merry
Dear Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am one of Bills Chem students from this past spring 2012 quarter. Hearing he had passed the day before our final was absolutely shocking and overwhelming. He was one of my best and favorite proffessors in college of all time. He truly cared for his students and gave us much oppurtunities to grow and become better.I remember I was struggeling in class and approached him one day and he said to me, ” it doesnt matter to me so much as how the student starts off , as much as it matters to how the student finishes” . He inspired me to keep going…He truly was a great person and I will forever be grateful to have met him and been apart of his class. Again I am sorry for your loss and Pray that you and your family may be comforted during such a time in your lives.
Be Blessed,
Oksana yashchuk
Becky and Family,
Wrapping you in love at a time when words fall short with heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Rebecca,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Ken and I will pray for you and your family as you grieve for Bill.
In God’s grace,
Cheri
Rebecca I am sorry you have to feel this grief and loss. As I read the messages of so many kind hearted people it is clear that Bill still brings great joy to this world while he is absent from it.
Dear Becky, We send you and your family our prayers in your time of great loss. We remember happy times at Vandenberg and in your home in Santa Maria. We will miss all the great Christmas letters Bill composed and faithfully mailed to us. May God comfort you now and in the days ahead.
I came to know Dr. Moore during office hours at El Camino college. I was one of the students who needed extra help in the beginning. He was truly a great teacher, always helpful.
I am very sad to hear that he has passed on.
Dear Becky: We would like to send you and the family our most sincere thoughts and prayers.
He wil be greatly missed. I particularly remember a great round of golf I shared with Bill in our Club in Northridge.
It is with great sadness that today I learned of his passing. I wrote an email to him today only to hear the sad news. I will include this email to demonstrate how much of an influence he was on my education and ultimately my career. May God bless him.
“Hi Dr. Moore,
I hope all is well. I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you that I am all done with my training and I am now an interventional cardiologist. I moved back to Redondo Beach and am currently looking to find a job in Southern California. Thanks so much for you help and inspiration. I hope things are going well up in Washington. Please let me know how things are going. Take good care and again, thank you.
Regards,
Basil”
You will be missed!
It was just a few months ago Bill called me regarding some legal matters. I was shocked to read about his passing. We were good friends during our 4 years together at Stevens. My best wishes to his family
Becky,
I just found out about Dr. Moore’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a great, humerous, and spirited man.
He helped me overcome my fear of the sciences by his passion for teaching and dedication to helping his students. I’ll always think of him as my favorite teacher.
He helped me as well during a difficult time in my life by motivating me to reach for a brighter future (BC treatment) and not accept cancer as a death sentence. Even though I had a recurrence which lead to a year of treatment, I’m still reaching for that brighter future.
Thank you so much for sharing him with all of us. He was truly a special person and a gift to us all.
To the Moore Family:
I just ran across Bill’s Obituary on the internet, and I wanted to express my condolences. I served under Bill at Vandenberg AFB on the Space Shuttle Launch and Landing Complex Program back in 1982/1983. Bill was a great leader, supervisor, teacher, and person. I thoroughly enjoyed serving under Bill on what was an extremely complex and stressful program. As the program’s Chief Engineer, Bill was highly respected by all of us that served with him. He taught me a lot about managing technically complex projects, and I have utilized much of what I learned from him throughout my engineering career.
Dave Micheletti
I had Capt. Moore for Chemistry at the Academy back in ’69… He was a great teacher and made the subject matter quite enjoyable!
Requiescat in Pace