Captain Bill Root
Sunnyland Chapter Secretary
ACBS Director
Sunnyland Boat Festival Registration Chairman
Bill and Kathleen
It is with a profound sadness that we inform you all of the passing of our beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather, Son, Brother and Friend Bill Root. He was 73
The Son of Hazel and Hubert Root, Bill grew up in Buffalo, NY where he attended Hutchinson Technical High School. Later he graduated from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Business where he was also a member of the marching band. After serving honorably in the Army National Guard, he later accepted an account management position with Pillsbury starting his career in business. Retiring in 2007 Bill had an almost 40 year career that would bring into the professional lives of countless colleagues and allow him to travel across the globe.
In 1969 Bill married his beloved wife Kathleen and they raised 3 devoted children Griffin, Jonathan & Jocelyn. Together they were quite the dynamic duo with interests spanning Arabian Horses, Music, and of course all things boat related. The apex of which came when in 2009 they realized one of their shared dreams and set out on the “Great Loop” Aboard their first Hatteras motor yacht Tucandu. Along with their faithful companion Ginger, a Belgian Terevuren, they were able to generate many wonderful experiences and cherished new friends.
For those that knew Bill best knew that after his family his true passions in life were music and classic boating. Bill was an accomplished trombonist and could be seen regularly with the LC Swing band playing in and around central Florida. It was with the ACBS though that he had the most profound impact. Serving within several local chapters, most notably the Sunnyland Chapter, as well as on the national level as a member of their Board of Directors . It all began really with the successful restoration of a 1962 Shepherd runabout aptly named Almost Eight. Eight being the number of years it almost took to finish the project. One that he assured his wife Kathleen would only take 12 months. They spent many years enjoying her and could frequently be seen in and around the Eustis Chain of Lakes. The ACBS community meant so much to Bill. He learned and taught us all so much. He was a source of support if you sought it, education if you desired it and maybe even a little correctness if you needed it.
There is so much more that we could add but we will leave you with what we feel Bill would have though most important to impart to you, that he loved and respected you all. And while the depth of loss we all feel right now may seem unfathomable he we would want us to remember him by celebrating his life not grieving his absence. So, the next time you get that part of the restoration just right or are enjoying that perfect sunset on the water please know that Captain Bill is smiling down upon you.
A Sunnyland Boating Event In Bill’s Honor Will Be Held Later This Year.
God bless
