William Blaine Greenman, III's Obituary
William Blaine Greenman, III, passed away on November 4, 2019, at the age of 70, with family at his bedside. Bill was bright, gifted, and generous to all. Those who were fortunate enough to have known him will remember his kind heart, wry sense of humor, and fun-loving nature.Born in San Diego, Bill grew up in La Mesa, graduated from Grossmont High School in 1967 and attended the University of Florida at Gainesville. He transferred to the University of California, San Diego and graduated in 1973 with honors in psychology.High school friends will recall Bill as high spirited and an avid downhill skier and bicyclist. He raised homing pigeons, and for several years he and his mother drove far into the countryside for the joy of releasing the birds and racing them back toward home on Mount Helix. Bill was a prolific reader and loved mathematics thanks to his high school math teacher and good friend, Frank Hamilton.Bill would be the first to point out that the trajectory of one’s life is not guaranteed. In his early 20’s he was diagnosed with a serious mental illness which haunted him all of his adult life. Many individuals displayed tolerance, opened their hearts and arms, and assessed neither judgement nor shame. To the innumerable caregivers who befriended him throughout his life, his family expresses deep gratitude. To the end, Bill was the humblest of men, wishing God’s blessings on others.On one particularly joyful day of sailing, under a brilliant San Diego sun, Bill asked that we scatter his ashes along the Pacific coast. We plan to do so at a date to be determined in spring or summer of 2020.Glad he is at peace, we ask those who remember Bill to memorialize him here. Donations in his memory can be made online to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at www.nami.org.Bill was predeceased by his parents Wm. B. Greenman, Jr. and Ouida Jo Greenman. He is survived by his sister Pamela of Port Ludlow, WA, niece Elizabeth, nephew David and three great-nephews, Michael, Peter and Thomas.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?