Bill Mayo Jr.
William “Bill” Mayo Jr. died at age 93 on September 21 in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was the middle son of three, born in Norfolk, VA, and grew up in the Navy towns of Norfolk, San Diego and Honolulu. Independent by nature, his childhood was full of freedom and adventure.
In 1955, Bill moved back to San Diego with his young, growing family, and was a well respected local fixture in OB and Point Loma for 64 years.
Bill studied law at the University of San Diego for two years before deciding to focus on his construction business. He became a highly skilled local contractor who specialized in remodeling.
Always healthy and active, Bill was an avid belly boarder, swimmer and bicyclist, and took up hang gliding in his 50’s. Bill and Mary shared a love for poetry. They were talented poets, and were published in several editions of the Zip Code 92107 anthologies of the Ocean Beach Poet’s Circle.
For the past 18 years Mr. Mayo volunteered several days per week at Ocean Beach Elementary School in Cyndie Valpone’s 4th grade classroom. She called him her “right hand man” who taught science lessons, graded papers, and mentored students. Prior to that, he volunteered for several years at Brooklyn Elementary School in Golden Hills.
A true renaissance man, Bill loved the arts, history, science and nature. He tirelessly researched topics of interest, inspiring an appreciation for the earth in his children, grandchildren, and the students he worked with. He walked the talk by generously supporting the Jacques Cousteau Society and other environmental organizations. He was drawn to Chicano and Native American cultures, and participated in pow wows and Chicano Park festivals. His den is filled with a fascinating collection of cultural artifacts, books, fossils, rocks, shells and poetry anthologies.
During WWII, Bill served in the Army Air Corps as a flight mechanic, stationed in South and Central America. He remained passionately patriotic all his life, proudly flying the American flag every day. He despised corruption and dishonesty in government and would often curse at the TV during the evening news.
Bill’s generous heart and passion for life will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
Bill is survived by Mary Mayo, his wife of 69 years, his children Valerie Mayo Martin, Catherine Mayo Zamora, Ed Mayo, Rebecca Mayo Cody, and his eight grandchildren: William, Elijah, Luke and Samuel Mayo, Katie and Cebrina Martin, and Westley Mayo Cody. Bill was also loved and respected by his daughter and sons-in-law Nicole Held Mayo, Peter Martin, Frank Zamora and Scott Wolcott Cody.
We will celebrate his life at a memorial service and scattering of his ashes at Sunset Cliffs, at the foot of Hill Street on Friday, October 18 at 4:00pm. All are welcome. Please bring a beach chair. There will be readings, music, bagpipes, and friends may speak if they wish.
— From His Family
{ 0 comments… add one now }