William John Herter

            Bill’s life began on April 20, 1949, in New York City where he was born to his parents William Herter and Edith Cline Herter. His growing up years were spent in North Carolina where his family moved when he was very young, but he spent most of his adult life in California. Bill turned 73 years old in April of this year. Bill’s career was in Information Technology where his specialty was development, testing and support of communications software.  Bill held a degree in Computer Science from North Carolina State University and earned this degree at the time when the Research Triangle area of North Carolina was becoming the Silicon Valley of the East.

            Bill was a kind and caring man who loved people and most especially his family.  He was married to Patricia (Tricia) Briggs Herter, and they celebrated their 51^st wedding anniversary this past May.  They have one daughter, Kimberley Kaplan, of whom Bill was very proud and legitimately so! Kim works in Washington, DC  for the federal government in the field of government ethics. Because of her expertise, she has done two tours of duty in the White House. Bill is also survived by his brother, Fred Herter and his wife Gale from North Carolina, his sisters Nancy Apmann and Alice Herter, who both live in Rocklin, his sister-in-law, Yvonne and her husband Tim McLoughlin, from Portland, Oregon and his brother-in-law, Lem Briggs of North Carolina. Bill is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews including Shelly Briggs Harris and her husband Jody, Christy Canter and her husband Dennis, Vicki Carol Herter, William “Butch” Herter and his wife Beth, John Herter and his wife Carol, Amanda Dollar and her husband Eric. 

            In addition to his family, Bill loved sports, traveling, and games.  He was an avid bridge player and first learned the game when he was about 5 years old.  And when Bill was  playing games, the child in him came freely to the surface.  He could laugh and be joyful just like a kid. Bill also loved music … especially rock and roll … and his love for music encouraged his love for dancing.   His love for traveling took Bill and his wife Tricia all over the world.  In fact, it is a shorter list to name the places they have not been rather than those where they have visited.

We will miss Bill’s sense of fun and his laughter, but they remain as special memories and a source of great comfort. Bill was a man with a good heart. He was always helpful and kind. He leaves behind many acts of caring, much goodness and many joyful memories. Rest in Peace, dear Bill.