Allen “Bill” Moore
Wherever Allen “Bill” Moore went, he brought humor and enthusiasm. We are sorry to say that that light went out on October 16, 2014 in his home in Challenge, CA. Bill passed peacefully, with some family in attendance. Born in Decatur, IL on April 6, 1929, he was 85 years of age. Bill was raised by his parents, Frances and Allen Moore II in Ottawa, IL with help from his younger sister, Patricia Moore [Brooks]. From an early age, Bill exhibited a fervor for life, a unique intelligence and a penchant for fun. Bill enrolled in Andover Academy 1944, then Stanford University where he pledged ATO, played guard on the football team and studied for a Bachelor of Science degree. It was at a dance with a sorority that he met his future wife, Margery Nelson. Bill finished his degree in Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston.
Bill and Marge were married on December 23, 1950 in Ottawa, IL. Their first born, Aerin was born a year later, and they soon packed up and moved to El Cerrito, CA where Bill went to work for his father-in-law’s sign company, Nelson Neon. Thus launched a successful career that spanned over 50 years. Bill was one of the founding directors and two time president of the California Electric Sign Association and was very involved in sign industry affairs. Three more children were added to his brood, Skip, Kathleen and Suzanne. Bill launched his own company, Bill Moore and Associates in Albany, CA in 1975 where he built a successful business that continues to thrive to this day.
In 1974, Bill and Marge bought a home in the rustic foothills of the Sierra where they both lived for the remainder of their lives. Flying his beloved Piper Comanche, Bill would commute to work weekly. In the later days of his career, he and Marge traveled the world extensively. Always forging his vision and ambition into community improvements, Bill founded the youth center program, Friday Nite Lights, was active with the Brownsville Lutheran Church, Brownsville Lions, and the Forbestown Museum.
Bill is survived by his four children, and his six grandchildren, Sheerene, Nehseem, Andrew, Olivia, Kaia and Christa. A Memorial service is planned by the family for noon on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at the Marge Moore Youth Center (old Grange Hall), 8408 La Porte Rd. in Brownsville, CA.
Those planning to attend the memorial service – Please RSVP to Skip Moore at 510.526.0296 or skip@billmoore.com.