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WILLIAM OPA WILSON Retired Maj. William "Opa" Wilson, 84, of Kailua died May 10th. He was born in Washington, DC. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years and whom he said was the best person in his life, Maria Wilson. He is survived by his brother, George Wilson; children: Raymond (Diane) Wilson of Leesburg, Virginia; Gabriele (Lee) Finn of Kailua, Hawaii; James (Barbara) Wilson of Riederau, Germany; Shirley (Dennis) Sullivan of Portland, Oregon; seven grandchildren: Justin (Brianne) and Teresa Wilson; Amanda, Jason and Kelsey Finn; Emily and Lucas Wilson; and two great-grandsons Vaughn and Gavin Wilson. He is also preceded in death by his youngest daughter Ellen (Ken) DeBondt, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2011. Bill had fond memories of growing up in DC, playing line ball and riding the streetcars until he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. He proudly served for 29 years until his retirement in 1978. Bill loved and lived for his family. His greatest pride was talking about his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed having family and friends visit, listening to all the stories and he was never short of an opinion. He took great pleasure in playing golf with his buddies weekly for close to 30 years. One of the last things he said was, "It's a wonderful life." Bill will be missed but he will live on in our memories and we will remember to smile because he was a part of our lives. A mass and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when his family can all gather together in his beloved Hawai'i.
WILLIAM OPA WILSON Retired Maj. William "Opa" Wilson, 84, of Kailua died May 10th. He was born in Washington, DC. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years and whom he said was the best person in his life, Maria Wilson. He is survived by his brother, George Wilson; children: Raymond (Diane) Wilson of Leesburg, Virginia; Gabriele (Lee) Finn of Kailua, Hawaii; James (Barbara) Wilson of Riederau, Germany; Shirley (Dennis) Sullivan of Portland, Oregon; seven grandchildren: Justin (Brianne) and Teresa Wilson; Amanda, Jason and Kelsey Finn; Emily and Lucas Wilson; and two great-grandsons Vaughn and Gavin Wilson. He is also preceded in death by his youngest daughter Ellen (Ken) DeBondt, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2011. Bill had fond memories of growing up in DC, playing line ball and riding the streetcars until he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. He proudly served for 29 years until his retirement in 1978. Bill loved and lived for his family. His greatest pride was talking about his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed having family and friends visit, listening to all the stories and he was never short of an opinion. He took great pleasure in playing golf with his buddies weekly for close to 30 years. One of the last things he said was, "It's a wonderful life." Bill will be missed but he will live on in our memories and we will remember to smile because he was a part of our lives. A mass and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when his family can all gather together in his beloved Hawai'i.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
