Clyde Willard ‘Bill’ Case, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 23, 2005, at the University of Chicago Hospital, surrounded by his family, after a courageous fight to survive. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and will be remembered for his generosity, his compassion, his steadfast integrity, his intellectual and philosophical depth, his patience, his gentle nature, his ability to love unconditionally, his belief in the good in others, his strong work ethic, his capacity to listen, his loyalty, his unflagging defense of others, his whimsical sense of humor, his love of adventure, his wisdom, his quiet strength, his contagious laugh, and his wonderful smile. Born on November 6, 1923 in Trenton, NJ, he was the eldest son of Elizabeth Rusling Case and Clyde Willard Case Sr., with two brothers, Blair and Richard. He graduated from Trenton High School and attended the University of New Hampshire as part of the US Army ASTP. He was a communications specialist in the U.S. Army in the Pacific for three years in World War II and served in the Battle of Okinawa. He returned to college after the war and graduated from Rutgers University in 1948 with a BSEE. He was initiated into Zeta Psi Fraternity in 1941, and held chapter office of Supreme Council in the Delta Chapter of Zeta Psi at Rutgers. He and his wife Margaret were married for 56 years. He was a passionate, loyal, loving, and sentimental husband. He was a wonderful, nurturing, protective, and supportive father and grandfather who cherished and was cherished by his three daughters, Nancy Elyse, Laura Elizabeth, and Margaret Anne (Peggy), and his two granddaughters, Jennifer Anne and Laura Marie. Having grown up in the depression, he worked hard and was generous with all that he achieved, making sure his family never wanted for anything, and making sure that those around him thrived. He valued education and knowledge and believed in those he loved, instilling in his children a love of learning and a belief that one can strive for and achieve the highest ideals in life. He was fun to be around and taught his children how to swim, to ride bikes, to climb trees, to ski, to sail, and to appreciate music, philosophy, and nature. He lived graciously and never raised his voice. He kept his family safe from harm, lived by the golden rule, and was a true gentleman in the finest sense. His professional career included electrical engineering in the early years, moving on to executive positions in business in later years. His career included the following positions: Engineering with General Electric, Vice President of General Office Supply, Director of Sales and Marketing at Corry Jamestown Division of Hon Industries, Vice President of Lehigh Leopold Division of Litton Industries, Vice President of Allsteel, and Manufacturer’s Representative in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and was on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Chapter of the AIA; he was also a member of the Merchants and Manufacturers Club of Chicago, Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, and the Rotary Club (NYC). He announced his retirement at the age of 75, when he and his beloved ‘Margy’ celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He will be missed more than words can describe. A private memorial celebrating his life will be held at the family home and he will be buried in northwestern New Jersey. The family will be establishing an educational award in his honor.
