William Robert Appleby

William "Bill" Robert Appleby was born on September 17, 1943 in Fresno, CA, and died in Visalia, CA on June 13, 2017. A fountain of knowledge but the opposite of self-absorbed, he was the one we would go to with our questions and troubles. He was a wonderful combination of strength and sweetness; steadfast and kind with a hearty sense of humor that persisted 'til the end. Bill (affectionately known as "Sandy" growing up) is preceded in death by his parents, William McFarland Appleby and Frances Myrtle Cate, and sister Claudia Jo Easterwood. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and his children, Kelly and Kyle. Also mourning his loss are his uncle Gene and nephews Bobby and Kenny - along with numerous cousins and extended family. After high school Bill served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years and then attended Fresno State University, graduating with a Bachelors in Biology. During his college years he worked 11-12 hour shifts, 6 days a week, at a cannery in San Jose over the summers, to save up for tuition and school supplies. After college he worked in a farm adviser training program in Fresno County, then moved to the Visalia area where he worked for the Tulare County Department of Agriculture, starting out as an Ag Inspector in 1973 and retiring as the Assistant Ag Commissioner in 2009. Bill met his wife of 36 years while taking square dancing lessons with mutual friends. After a year or two of dating, Carol arrived back in the states after a 3 week trip to Europe, and as the story goes, it was then he realized he did not want to live without her by his side. In 1981 the two lovebirds were married and not long after welcomed their daughter Kelly and son Kyle. His family was always his number one priority and number one joy, and this was ever apparent. He was an early riser who enjoyed his coffee while reading the newspaper & working the crossword puzzle. In their younger years, he would gently wake up Kelly and Kyle for school (sometimes having to carry them to the table) and serve them breakfast, always asking, "What's your poison?" as they decided between either waffles or cereal. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always one to lighten up the mood with his quick, friendly wit. Those closest to him knew he was also a deep thinker and eloquent writer. He loved spreadsheets, Giants baseball, summer trips to Tahoe, and most of all, spending time with his family. "Sharing a life together is sharing steps in time. The music is different to each of us - but how beautiful the dance." How blessed we were to dance with him! A simple graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 23, at the Visalia District Cemetery. Donations may be made in memory of Bill to the UCSF Cancer Center, with the notation "Mesothelioma". Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

William Robert Appleby

September 17, 1943 - June 13, 2017