William Robert Veitch, 79, died peacefully on August 15, 2022, with loved ones at his side at his home in Boulder, CO.
Bill was born in Ellsworth, Kansas, on November 22, 1942, to William J. and Frances Veitch. He grew up in Salina, spending treasured time with his grandparents in Barnard and Kanopolis. He was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduating from Salina High School and College of Emporia, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1964. He attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and served three tours in Southeast Asia as a Gunnery Officer on board the USS Wedderburn between 1964 and 1967.
When he returned from his service in the Navy, Bill earned his master’s degree and PhD from Kansas State University, studying quantitative methods and completing his dissertation on a computer program that he wrote comparing statistical tests. He spent the next 30 years working as an administrator in testing and research for public school districts in Michigan and Colorado, retiring in 2003.
Bill spent his retirement enjoying travel, Major League Baseball, classic movies, time with grandkids, good food and fine wine. He was unbeatable at trivia and the New York Times crossword puzzle. Bill’s kindness and generous spirit were known by all of those close to him. His sharp intellect and sense of humor will be missed and remembered forever. He was a good man.
He is survived by his son, William Donald Veitch (Heather) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughter, Susan Veitch Twetten (Daniel) of Boulder, Colorado; grandchildren Olivia, Isabel, Liam, Zoe, Jane and Elsa; and former wife and longtime friend Jane Roane. The family would also like to thank his trusted caregiver Pemba Warren for her devoted care in his final years.
Funeral services will be held at the graveside at 3:00 p.m. Saturday August 20, 2022, in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, Ks. The family will receive friends at the Ryan Mortuary at 2:00 pm that day before processing to the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop #2 in care of First Presbyterian Church, Salina.