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90, passed away on January 25, 2022 at the Arcadia Retirement Residence in Honolulu. He fought valiantly after a lengthy illness. His family who survives him are inspired to continue his legacy of strength, resilience and passion for life. Born in Honolulu on April 26, 1931 and a Kamehameha Schools graduate, he received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Hawaii. He was active in the Peng Hui Fraternity. Bill served as an artillery officer in the United States Army during the Korean War at the frontline of the DMZ at the North Korean border. Alongside the American cannons were Turkish troops brandishing their large crescent-shaped swords with each cannon fire. After active duty, Bill joined the 24th Special Forces Command attached to the 442nd Army Reserve. His airborne unit frequently participated with the 1st Special Forces in Okinawa, South Korea and Japan for paratroop training in combat readiness during the Vietnam War.
Bill's career in civil engineering spanned several organizations. At the Honolulu Redevelopment Agency he worked on the initiation, rehabilitation and redevelopment of the greater Chinatown district. At the City's Department of Design and Construction he was involved with the Viaduct connecting to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. While working at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base Civil Engineering Command, Bill's efforts focused on his advocacy of sharing equal partnership between the State of Hawaii and the Navy and the Department of Defense on resolving the long historical Red Hill water crisis facing Honolulu today.
Bill travelled extensively with his wife Millie both savoring their love of art and history. An avid surfer he especially enjoyed the waves off the south shore and Waikiki. They have three daughters. Dr. Lisa (Dr. Greg) Liu Marelich is Chief of Medicine at Kaiser Sacramento. Dana Liu is on the Financial Management Team at Blue Shield California. Nani (Alex) Liu Rodriguez is a Senior Marketing and Sales Executive at Hawaii News Now. Three grandsons are Dr. Alex Marelich a resident physician in St. Louis, Chris Marelich a University of Washington law student, and Cheveyo Rodriguez a Kamehameha School 5th grader.
Memorial service 10:30am Friday, April 8, 2022 at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
