William "Bill" Peters

William Harold Peters, known to most as “Bill,” was born to Eleanor and William Peters on June 29th, 1936, in Oakland, California. He attended grammar school in Oakland at Markham Elementary and eventually moved to San Leandro, where he graduated from high school at Castlemont High School in 1954 and continued his studies at Diablo Valley College.

Bill served in the National Guard of the United States and the California Air National Guard from 1957 to 1960 and began his career as a police officer with the Oakland Police Department. Later, he became a firefighter and engineer in San Leandro, where he retired in 1985.

He married Helen Barth in 1960, and Bill and Helen had five children: Julia, John, Mike, Billy, and Ellie. They raised them in Castro Valley, California.

Bill was involved in many community and civic activities, from coaching Little League to leading Parks & Recreation programs. He was a member of the East Bay Zoological Society and volunteered with the Oakland Zoo. He loved animals and spent many hours working with, learning about, and raising them —a trait replicated in all of his children, especially John, and his grandchildren. It wasn’t unlike Bill to “gift” a grandkid an animal or two.

Bill kept himself busy in his retirement. You could find him at Ellie’s softball games or Bill’s tennis matches to cheer them on. Sometimes he’d walk Luke the llama from their house on Heyer Ave. to Ellie’s tennis matches at Castro Valley High. He loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports and enjoy their various activities (and a heckle or two.) Whether it was going out on the Russian River or spending time (garage) sailing, Bill loved an outdoor activity.

In 1993, Bill married Barbara, and his family grew to include Barbara’s 4 daughters, their husbands, and 9 additional grandchildren. Bill and Barbara lived in Roseville before settling on their ranch property in Newcastle.

The pair was involved in many community initiatives and participated in many events through the Elks Lodge. They loved to travel, and they especially enjoyed having barbecues. Over the many years, Bill and Barbara would invite their big family and friends to their Newcastle home.

Bill kept up his love of hobbies. He was an avid hunter, loved fishing and boating, and would share these activities with his kids and grandkids anytime he had the opportunity. He especially loved taking his grandchildren to Denny’s for breakfast, driving around in one of his many golf carts, and shooting BB guns.

He took up acting with the help of his oldest, Julie. He became a member of the Screen Actors Guild and had many small roles in different movies and theater. He also became known for his famous Santa Claus appearances over the years.

Bill was a member of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association, where he was very involved in holding workshops in Newcastle for aspiring carvers. He enjoyed volunteering and attending their events and was proud to pass on his volunteer duties to Pete and Cathy. He was an active member of the Auburn Elks Lodge and, in 2006, became the Exalted Ruler, a title he was very proud of. He was an award-winning carver, an artistic trait he shares with his son Mike.

Bill and Barbara relocated to Roseville after many years on the Ranch in Newcastle. They shared a quiet life until Barbara passed away in 2018. Bill spent a few more years in Roseville tinkering around his house and enjoying the company of his close friend, Cathy, who kept him busy. He spent his remaining time in the Bay Area, where he cherished visits and outings while sharing memories alongside family and friends.

Bill was a father, husband, father-in-law, friend, and Papa. He was cherished by many and will be dearly missed by those who loved him.