Obituary: William “Bill” Leo Sullivan (Apr. 26, 1940 - May 15, 2009)

Mr. Sullivan was born in Eureka on April 26, 1940, to Leo and Dee Sullivan and moved to Crescent City in 1955.

Bill was a standout athlete at Del Norte High School, graduating in 1958. He won White Star honors in football, basketball, and baseball, earning a full-ride football scholarship to Oregon State University.

After graduating OSU in 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in South Korea.

Mr. Sullivan returned to Crescent City and eventually took over ownership of his father’s Baker and Stanton Furniture Store, which Bill operated for more than 30 years.

In 1968, Bill married Karen Perry, and together they raised three sons during their 40 years of marriage.

Mr. Sullivan actively served local youth athletic programs devoting time, patience, and skill as a football and basketball coach at Del Norte High School, St. Joseph School and with various youth organizations.  His business was a major sponsor of numerous athletic teams and programs for many years. He helped re-establish the Del Norte Youth Football program, serving at one time as the board president.

Mr. Sullivan was a 30-year member of the Crescent City Elks Lodge, a longtime member of the Crescent City Rotary Club, and was active in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Bill remained an avid fan of both Del Norte High School athletics as well as the Oregon State Beavers. He took great joy in playing with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his warmth, good nature, and community spirit.

Survivors include wife Karen Sullivan; sons Michael Sullivan of Crescent City, Joseph Sullivan and his wife Mary Sullivan of Crescent City, and Grant Sullivan of Walla Walla, Wash.; sister Bonnie Sullivan Finley and her husband Patrick Finley of Crescent City; grandchildren Blake Sullivan and Molly Sullivan, and numerous other relatives.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Dee & Leo Sullivan.

Visitation will be held at Wier's Mortuary Chapel on Friday, May 22, from 12 - 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with graveside services to follow. A reception is planned at Veterans Memorial Hall from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Bill Sullivan Memorial Scholarship through the Del Norte Scholarship Foundation, 275 Elk Valley Road, Crescent City, CA 95531.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier's Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.