William G. Bancroft, 67, of Buda, originally from Williamsville, NY, died on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
Born April 2, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, Bill graduated from Williamsville (South) High School and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University. From graduate school, he began working for Union Carbide Corporation with whom he held his entire career until retirement from its successor Dow Chemical in 2002. Through his work, he enjoyed living in many places including Moorestown, NJ; Williamsville, NY; Hurricane, WV; Houston, TX; as well as a lifetime-highlight overseas assignment in Malaysia. He also enjoyed much traveling with his job in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Bill was regularly involved in church, community and public service activities. He loved gardening, bird watching and being outdoors; his favorite flowers were the iris and lily. He enjoyed listening to music of all kinds but especially the blues. He had great fun playing games and being silly with his family. He enjoyed road trips and family vacations to many places including Ocean City, NJ, Hanford Bay, NY, and Bradenton, FL. Bill taught his children the value of education, cultural awareness, strong work ethics and not taking ourselves too seriously.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Doris and William W. Bancroft, Aunt Iris Muegel and Uncle George Muegel. Bill is survived by his high-school sweetheart and wife of 46 years Joan (Pyle) Bancroft in Buda; sister Susan Harlock (Harold) of Getzville, NY; daughters Tricia Schneider (Mike) and Andrea Wilkinson (Tom), both of Buda; son Bill Bancroft (Amy) of Stormville, NY; and granddaughters Jamie, Renae, Claire and Ella.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 4 at Buda United Methodist Church. A reception for family and friends followed at the home of Tricia and Mike Schneider. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Harrell Funeral Home, Kyle.
