William George Erwin
William George Erwin passed away at the age of 60 after a courageous fight with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Austin, Texas.
Bill was born March 30, 1946 and passed away on Dec. 31, 2006. After graduating from Lamar High School, he attended Austin College and graduated from the University of Texas in 1968. Shortly after college, Bill's adventurous spirit took him to Saudi Arabia where he completed a 25 year career with the Saudi oil company, Saudi Aramco.
At Saudi Aramco, Bill rose to the position of manager of computer applications and was endlessly fascinated with the challenges of overseas work and travel. He made many close friends there whose support during these last years was overwhelming.
Bill's true passion was bridge. He began in high school, continued at Austin College, The University of Texas, and even in Saudi Arabia, he could be found frequently at the card table. He was a Life Master at the age of 16. Many of his most devoted friends came from bridge, some friendships spanning more than 42 years.
When it came time to retire, Bill only wanted to return to Austin to be close to his family and his beloved Longhorns. He was a season ticket holder, and never missed a home game until his illness made attendance impossible. After his return he quickly found his old college bridge buddies, and played until last month. His passion for the game and the support of his friends, kept him going far longer than he could have without it.
Everyone who knew Bill, his family, overseas friends, and local pals, were constantly amazed by his ability to fight on and keep his spirits going throughout his six-year ordeal. He truly set an example of courage and grace. He was a brilliant and loving man.
Bill was preceded in death by Grandparents Ada and Finley Ewing; Uncle Finley Ewing, and Great Aunt and Uncle Gertrude Peddy Cornwall and George Peddy. Bill is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carol; daughter Julie of Houston, Texas; step-son Eric and wife Karen Blue of Atlanta Georgia; his parents, Louise and Bill Erwin of Houston; his brother, Jimmy and wife Pam of Houston and their children, Will, Brittany and Robb, and brother, Dr. Randy Erwin and wife, Janet of Longview, Texas, and their children, Allison and husband Jon Meyers of Dallas, and Fin Erwin of Dallas. Also, James Kurka, Julie's fiancé.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 5, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin Texas. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, Austin, Texas with Reverend Bill Henderson officiating.
Family and friends would like to thank the nurses and staff at Asera Care Hospice, and special thanks to Melina Monson and Marque Dubose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Texas Chapter of the ALS Association (6800 Park Ten Blvd. Suite 220 N San Antonio, TX 78213), or the charity of your choice.