William B. "Bill" Nystrom ’48 was born on Jan. 16, 1922 and died on Oct. 24, 2012, completing his 90-year-long and distinguished journey on this earth. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Grace S. Nystrom, his daughters, Sue A. Hughes (Rodger) and and Karen L. Church, his sister Helen Konowitz, brother-in-law Al Auten, grandchildren Krista (Hughes) Stamper (Jim), and Keegan ’03, Katie, and Heidi Church (their father, Robert), and extended family, Deryn (Moore) Holland. Pre-deceased by his parents, Herman F. Nystorm and Vira B. Nystrom, brother, John Nystrom (Lucille), and sister, Shirley Auten.

Bill lived in New Jersey until 1942 when he entered the US Army during World War II. Before serving overseas in the Pacific Theater, he received engineer and communications training at the University of Santa Clara and UC Davis.

Upon returning to civilian life, Bill and his young family returned to the University of Santa Clara, graduating magna cum laude. Ultimately they returned to Grace’s hometown, Redding, Calif. Bill started his public accounting business in 1948. Obtaining his CPA accounting certification, he founded Nystrom and Company. He retired after 40 years with his company.

Bill’s dedication to public service is legendary. It includes locally serving as the President of the Enterprise Elementary School District for 17 years. He served on the Board of Mercy Medical Center as well as Mercy Air Ambulance. He served on the boards and committees of Boy Scouts, March of Dimes, Chamber of Commerce, as well as the City of Redding and Shasta County. Bill also served on the Board of the McConnell Foundation including as its Chairman.

On a national and international scope Bill was prominent in Rotary International (RI). He joined the Redding Rotary Club in 1964 and became its President in 1971. In 1975, he became District Governor and a national RI Executive Director in 1985. He served on the RI Executive Committee as Treasurer in 1986. He continued on dozens of RI committees which included visits and presentations in many states and 13 foreign countries. Bill received the Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service from the Rotary Foundation. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed photography, fishing, travel and family visits.
 

Special thanks to Mercy Hospice for their care and thoughtfulness, to Kasa Latikua for her patience and dedicated care, and to the several other caretakers involved in his care.