Obituary: Mcelroy, William Raby, Ii
He is buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery near St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, a place he loved and had lived in over a span of 40 years.
Bill was born in Los Angeles, California to William R. McElroy and Doris Stewart, where he received his early education.
He completed two years of high school at New Mexico Military Academy, graduating from Whittier High School in LA.
He later served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 and then resumed his education at Los Angeles City College and the University of Southern California, where he received his Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1962.
Bill had an illustrious and world-wide career working as an engineer in the oil industry.
He held the titles of Reservoir Engineer, Drilling and Production Supervisor, and Area and Terminal Superintendent.
He served in these capacities not only in the Los Angeles area, but also in Tripoli, Libya, Africa and outlying regions of the Sahara Desert.
Retired from camp superintendency, he then consulted for Husky Oil of Canada and supervised activities of oil recovery and drilling support operations in North and South Kuwait following the Gulf War.
Over the years, one of Bill’s greatest pleasures was staying in touch with his global colleagues and friends from his oil days.
He was loved and well-respected by many.
Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, The Royal Malta Sports Club, and a lifetime member of the New Mexico Military Academy Alumni Association.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Storey McElroy of Spokane Valley; daughter Sandra McElroy and son William R. McElroy, III, grandson Jason Burgad, also of Spokane; brother Dale McElroy of Augusta, Georgia, and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass in honor of William’s passing will be held on Saturday, January 11, at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Parish, S. 304 Adams Road, Spokane Valley, with a lunch reception following in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Catholic Charities, Spokane, Washington, in Bill’s name.