William Bernard Eastman (February 8, 1916 - October 8, 2008) passed away quietly October 8, 2008 after a long and joyful life. He is survived by three sons, John, Mark and Kent; daughters-in-law, Sharon and Gretchen; grandchildren, Dan, Tim, Christy, Blake and Drew; and eight great-grandchildren.

Born in Porterville, California, Bill moved to South Pasadena with his parents at age 2, and grew up within bicycle distance of the Rose Parade. During the Depression, he helped his family pay the bills by working various jobs, most notably an extensive paper route. Before going to work at Westinghouse Electric, he attended Pomona College, where he met his future bride, Helen Norton Wagner. After a honeymoon train trip across the country, they settled in Long Beach, and raised their family. In 1947, Bill bought a run-down appliance store, re-named it A-1 Home Appliance, and built it into a well-respected and successful business, based on honesty, fairness, and service to customers. Upon retiring in 1993, Bill and Helen moved to Hawaii to live out their dream in paradise.

After a 66-year-marriage, Bill's beloved Helen passed away in 2005, and he came to live with Kent and Sharon in Long Beach. He loved the last years of his life sitting on the porch, greeting the neighbors, watching the dogs play in the park, enjoying his family, and taking his caregivers to Hof's Hut. Bill took an interest in whatever he was involved in. Some of his favorite organizations were 20-30 Club, Kiwanis Club of Long Beach, the Boy Scouts, and United Stores Buying Group. His favorite pastimes were woodworking at his Idyllwild cabin, and boating. He was the proud owner of over 15 powerboats in his lifetime. He was a good Christian with a deep faith that God would always provide. He was a loving father that his whole family could depend on. But his lasting legacy will be the care and deep devotion he had for Helen throughout their lives together. The family will have a celebration of "the Dood's" life October 19th, 2008.

Long Beach Press Telegram, October 12, 2008