William (Bill), a native of Phoenix, AZ, was born August 16, 1928 and passed away on October 7, 2020 at the age of 92. He was greatly loved by his family and will always be remembered as an avid outdoorsman, promoting the importance of education, and his enjoyment of travel.
After attending North High School, where he was a state athlete and made life-long friends, Bill joined the Navy and served as a meteorologist, monitoring the weather over the Pacific. After the Navy, Bill attended Arizona State Teacher's College (ASU) where he would later receive his Master's in Educational Administration and complete his Doctorate. His first job out of college was as a teacher in the Osborn School District, inspiring students and making a positive impact in their lives, retiring as Superintendent after 31 years in the same district. Bill had many interests, but most important to him was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Gwen, his children and step-children, George Stivers (Katie), Keri Kelley, Cindy Edmonds, Cindy Gort (Chris), William Stivers (Jill), Cathy Greaves, Judi Stivers, his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private family memorial service will be held.
Tributes
Betty and Bill Reid wrote on Oct 18, 2020:
"Dear Gwen and Family,
We are sad to hear of Bill\'s death and send our deep sympathy to all of you. We have the best of memories, however, and are grateful that both of you became our friends in Pinewood. We are thinking of you with love...
Betty and Bill Reid"
Dolores Ames wrote on Oct 15, 2020:
"A special man, teacher, administrator, and friend! Sincere sympathy to Gwen an family! Dee Ames"
Nancy Fournier wrote on Oct 14, 2020:
"My sincere condolences to Gwen and the entire Greaves family. It was a pleasure for both my late husband, Don, and me to work with Bill during our time on the Osborn School Board and to have a friendship which dates back to the late 60?s. He was a sweet, charming man and shall truly be missed I know. Nancy Fournier "
Kathy Garity Stock wrote on Oct 14, 2020:
"Mr. Greaves was at Clarendon while I was a student although I never had him. I did enjoy seeing him and the times I spoke with him. Many years later I was lucky to meet his daughter, Cathy, as a PE teacher at Tomahawk. It made for a nice circle. So pleased that he was able to enjoy many years of retirement. Condolences to the family."
Marilyn & Dick Kemp wrote on Oct 14, 2020:
"Bill Greaves meant a lot to our family. He was Grandview principal for all three of our sons. We worked closely with him in many PTA activities. As Osborn District superintendent, it was a joy to work with him as secretary (Marilyn). His smiles, enthusiasm, leadership, friendship--all among the good things we\'ll never forget. To Gwen and family, our sympathy and love.
Marilyn and Dick Kemp"
Rory Kelley wrote on Oct 14, 2020:
"Mr. Greaves, as I new him in 1955, was a \" cool \" dude. Always involved in sports at Clarendon School. He taught 6th grade , however I never had him for a classroom teacher.
Just a very nice and special person. He contributed a lot to many young people and the community as a whole. Bless him. Rory J. Kelley "
Larry Bauer wrote on Oct 14, 2020:
"I am very sad to hear of my mentors passing. He did so much for me in my career as a school administrator and educator. Osborn School District was such a great place to work while he was the Superintendent. My condolences to Gwen and family. Dr. Larry Bauer 6023902236 Please call me"