Longtime Vallejo resident and orthodontist Dr. William Coon passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 26, 2009, at the age of 94.  Bill had a wonderful, full life with his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol, who preceded him in death in 1998, as did his daughter Gayle in 1961.  Bill is survived by his sons, Ned (Elane) and Christopher (Donna) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After graduating with high honors from USC, he began his practice in Vallejo as a dentist before specializing as an orthodontist.  He developed lifelong relationships in his professional life, giving freely of his time to serve as president of the State of California Society of Orthodontists, the United Cerebral Palsy Society, Suisun Resource Conservation District, the State of California Advisory Water Council, the State Soil Conservation Commission, and many other professional associations.

Bill had a sparkling personality that shone brightest in any social setting.  His gift for telling a joke or story punctuated with colorful dialects was renowned.  He had a passion for travel and loved nothing more than anticipating his next adventure.  He especially enjoyed seeing the world with his numerous friends by way of ship and logged a total of 39 cruises.  Additionally, he was happiest when fishing, abalone diving, hunting, playing bridge, or enjoying a good dry martini.  He was one of the founding members of Green Valley Country Club and the Sprigsville Ranch Duck Club and spent many enjoyable summers golfing, boating, and socializing at Glenbrook Inn in Lake Tahoe with his family.

After the death of his adored wife, Bill was blessed with the companionship for many years of his dear friend Harriet Martini, who continued to spoil him where Carol left off.  Together they ate well, traveled, and forged new friendsips in Santa Rosa.  He will be truly missed by his family, countless friends, former patients and business associates.

Times-Herald, September 29, 2009