Aug. 9, 1929 �" May 27, 2010
On his latest European tour, William George Stephens died after a stroke in Rome.
A native Oaklander, Bill graduated from Castlemont High, San Francisco State and received his library credential from San Jose State. He substitute taught after his retirement from the Fairfield School District.
Bill was a stellar volunteer at Oakland's Paramount, SF Ballet, Opera and Symphony, ACT, Berkeley Rep, Herbst and New Conservatory Theatre, Frameline and other film festivals.
Bill explored the world, including a stint on a Norwegian freighter, and hitchhiked across the USA several times. Other passions included bridge (ranked, Gold Medal at Gay Games, Sydney 2002), horse racing, the financial markets, reading and sometimes (festive occasions) fabulous faux drag.
His friends will remember him as a diminutive man with a giant heart, sharp wit and irreverent (often bawdy) sense of humor. Bill loved movie star Carole Landis, visiting her unmarked grave at Forest Lawn.
Bill was cremated and will occupy a niche in the San Francisco Columbarium. A remembrance gathering will be held in the near future. Those interested in attending, telephone 552-9426 or 947-0395.
Bill is survived by his brother, Jon Stephens, and sister, Charlotte Beitinger.