Obituary: William “Bill” Walter Park ~ August 31, 1940 to July 2, 2024

William “Bill” Walter Park passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024.  He was 83.

He was born in Union, New York, on August 31, 1940. After World War II, he moved with his parents, Theodore and Evelyn (née Wordin), to Mason, Nevada.

Bill met the love of his life, Linda Lee (née Harrison), and they were married on August 14, 1960. For many years, they belonged to the Sierra Star Dancers, a western dancing group, and danced weekly. Linda Lee passed away in 2015.

Bill is survived by his four children: William “Bill” Park of Smith Valley (Kim Gattuso), Karen Park Heron (Patrick) of Whitefish, Montana, Greg Park (Kate) of Washoe Valley, and Sally Williams (Michael) of Washoe Valley. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christie Daliposon (Steve) and their children Colby, Tyler, and Camille of Reno; Aimee Pelegrini (née Park) and her children Elias and Andrew of Smith Valley; Matthew Park (Sarah) and their children Joleen and Oakley of Stagecoach; Alyssa Williams of Boise, Idaho; and Lauren Nicotra (née Williams) (Anthony) and their son Salvatore of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bill was predeceased by his brother Brian Park (Cindy) in 1997 and is survived by his sisters Theo Flint (Paul) of Reno, Leisa Findley (Pat) of Carson City, and brother, Gary Park (Theresa) of Yerington. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Linda Harrison of Washoe Valley, sister-in-law Kathie Mann of Yerington, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was a general building contractor, constructing the family home in the mid-1960s. After being severely burned during a fire training in 1979, he transitioned to working for various commercial construction companies, eventually retiring in 2010. Bill spent his life pursuing his passion for building with his own two hands. His sharp mind, strong back, and unbending determination are evident in the many homes he built throughout Smith Valley and surrounding communities, including several at Lake Tahoe. He was an accomplished finish carpenter and enjoyed creating beautiful, hand-crafted furniture.

Bill dedicated 55 years to the Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Department, serving many of those years as Chief. He was an EMT, an EMT Instructor during the inception of Emergency Medical Services in Nevada, and was active in the Nevada State Fireman’s Association, culminating in his role as President. Bill was part of the “PRIN” team (Professional Rescue Instructors of Nevada), a grassroots organization providing emergency rescue/EMS training across Nevada, primarily comprised of volunteer members.

Our father was larger than life, both in stature and presence. Although he was a quiet, thoughtful man, those who knew him well understood that beneath his calm demeanor was a BIG personality. We will miss his “Cheshire cat smile,” the middle finger that appeared in most photographs, and his unparalleled wisdom. Rest easy, Dad, and we hope you and Mom are swing-dancing your hearts out.

Bill eventually succumbed to the debilitating effects of elderly dementia. The family would like to thank Carson Tahoe Expressions Memory Care and their devoted staff of “angels on earth” for their care and love over these past nine months, as well as A Plus Hospice for their care and comfort during our father’s last few weeks.

A celebration of life will be held at Dressler Park in Wellington, Nevada on September 14, 2024, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org, or Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Rescue Inc., at 1 Hardie Lane, Smith, Nevada, 89430.  Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447  (775) 463-2911