William Rolland Desmond

It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved patriarch, William R. “Bill” Desmond, has died.  He was surrounded by his loving family as he was delivered into the arms of Jesus. All who knew him have expressed their love and admiration for this loving father figure and patriot.

Bill was born August 24, 1928 in Monrovia, CA to William and Frances Desmond. He loved celebrating his birthday, reminding everyone a month beforehand that “the most important day of the year was approaching.” Many family parties were centered around his day, the last being his 90th in August. The grandchildren loved that one day of the year that he would jump into Loon Lake with them.

Dad met his one great love, Charlotte Kalkbrenner, while serving in the Air Force at Scott AFB near Belleville, Illinois. He won her heart with his daily trips to the soda fountain where she worked, and went so far as to dig a septic tank for her dad just to be near her.  They married in 1950 in Belleville, the beginning of 68 years of great love, laughter and prayer.  The family moved 12 times throughout the United States and once in Canada while Bill served as an Air Force pilot in both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft.  Bill and Charlotte made each move an adventure for the family and quickly made each new place feel like home.  They always left with many new lifelong friends.

Dad and Mom were blessed with seven children: Kathleen (Stephen) Littfin, Judy (Karl) Little (deceased), Janet (Mike) Martin, Mike Desmond, Pam (John) Michels, Mary (Steve) West, and Sharon (Tim) Shaw. They also raised their granddaughter, Lara (Mark) Emerson.  They had a winter home in Arizona, and since their children are scattered around the country, they set out each fall and spring making circuitous routes around the US to visit them and their 32 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. Dad was met in heaven by his daughter and two grandsons who pre-deceased him.

Funeral arrangements are through Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 North Division, Spokane, WA. Viewing is January 10, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM; rosary follows at 6:00 PM. The funeral mass is January 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St Thomas More Church, 515 W St Thomas More Way, Spokane, WA, with internment following at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N Government Way, Spokane, WA.

The family requests any donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://stjude.org.

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