William A. Sanchez (known as “Bill” to his friends) was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1937 and moved to California as a child. Bill was a resident of Crescent City for 38 years. He went to be with Our Lord on January 8, 2023 at the age of 85.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Sanchez of Crescent City, his sons Frank, Phillip, Richard, and Patrick Sanchez, 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and other loving family members. Bill was predeceased by his son, Bill Sanchez, Jr.
As a young man, Bill served in the US Navy before settling in Napa, California. He had many stories of military life and the people he met, and the adventures they had together. In his professional life, Bill worked as a painting contractor, owning his own business in Napa, California, and then for many years in Crescent City until his retirement.
In retirement, Bill spent many of his days visiting his “favorite machines” at the local casinos, collecting uniquely shaped rocks along the coastline with his wife, and taking photos of the ocean, sunsets, mountains, old barns, and decaying structures. He was an active member of the Crescent City Art Gallery where he exhibited many of his award-winning photos. Most recently, he was especially helpful and caring to his wife, Darlene, during her recovery from heart surgery.
Bill loved the redwoods, ocean, and sunsets that we are blessed with here in Crescent City. He brightened many conversations and social events with his dry sense of humor and boundless supply of clever and quirky jokes and stories. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife, sons, extended family, and many friends in Crescent City.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in late February 2023—details are forthcoming.