William “Bill” R Bratt, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in San Tan Valley on September 12, 2022.
Bill was born on November 10, 1952 in Waterford Michigan to Casey and Ruby Bratt.
Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years Nancy, his two daughters and their spouses, Chelsie Norman and her husband Josh, and Cassie Duke and her husband Jamie all of Queen Creek, and his dog Rylee. Bill was predeceased by his other dog Harlee. Bill also leaves behind his brother Bruce and his wife Debi both of Colorado Springs, Colorado as well as his sister Bonnie and her husband Tom of Oxford, Michigan and four nephews.
Bill relocated from Waterford, Michigan to Tempe, AZ, in 1983 to work for Impra, Inc, later acquired by CR Bard. Bill was awarded 13 patents that contributed to the improvement and manufacture of medical devices. Bill also was awarded the Charles Russell Bard award for his outstanding citizenship and giving back to the community, an important achievement within the CR Bard organization.
During his tenure at CR Bard, Bill was also an Adjunct Professor at Mesa Community College, teaching Drafting 101.
Bill served in the US Army, stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1973. He was an active member of the American Legion Apache Post 27 where he could be found hanging out often dominating the conversations with his jokes and stories.
Bill loved to collect automobile and motorcycle memorabilia related to his youth. He amassed several cars and motorcycles, along with the service station signs and equipment of the time. He was a member of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club and the Cushman Club of America.
Bill was a founding member of the “Ruff Riders” Motorcycle club in Mesa (5 members) and the Shed society (2 members) in Tempe
Bill had unique qualities that were appreciated by many, especially his unique sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends
In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions to John Greco of Asheboro, NC.
What a life he lived! And what a wonderful legacy of commitment, hard work, dedication to family and love of country. I so appreciated his sense of humor and love for his sweet wife and daughters.
I didn’t know Bill very well, just met him a few years ago even though he, Nancy and I all grew up in Waterford together and went to the same school. I met him when I moved to Arizona. From what I did see and learn of Bill was that he sure was not a quitter. He lived his life to the fullest up the very last moments. I am positive that many people are going to miss this man as he seemed to have touched so many lives thru out his lifetime. My condolences to Nancy, Cassie, Chelsie and their families… and to all the people that loved Bill. RIP
Nancy, Chelsea, Cassie and family, I’m so sorry for your great loss. I wish I could have met Bill, but I was so impressed with his beautiful collections, and of course your beautiful home and barn. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
A good man gone to soon. May he RIP…
I had the pleasure of working with Bill for a number of years. He was a good man . My sincere condolences to his family.
I only knew Bill for about a month. Visiting while we put his old Cushman Eagle together. What a neat guy!!. He will be remembered every time I see an old car or automobile sign. RIP .
So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was an excellent mechanical engineer (worked with him at DEC Colorado Springs and Tempe AZ). He, Andy and I did the annual Barrett Jackson car show visit for nearly 20 years.
The loss must be absolutely devastating for his close family… my sincere sympathies.
Fyi, I received an email from Bill just a few weeks prior to his passing. He apologized for a delayed response to my new car photo/email… he indicated he had a “minor” medical issue… ALWAYS the tough guy.
I did a lunch with a former DEC associate and friend of Bill’s (Beverly) the other day… we toasted “To Bill”.
He will be missed. GREAT picture of him holding his favorite beverage in hand.
Dave
What a life he lived! And what a wonderful legacy of commitment, hard work, dedication to family and love of country. I so appreciated his sense of humor and love for his sweet wife and daughters.
I didn’t know Bill very well, just met him a few years ago even though he, Nancy and I all grew up in Waterford together and went to the same school. I met him when I moved to Arizona. From what I did see and learn of Bill was that he sure was not a quitter. He lived his life to the fullest up the very last moments. I am positive that many people are going to miss this man as he seemed to have touched so many lives thru out his lifetime. My condolences to Nancy, Cassie, Chelsie and their families… and to all the people that loved Bill. RIP
Nancy, Chelsea, Cassie and family, I’m so sorry for your great loss. I wish I could have met Bill, but I was so impressed with his beautiful collections, and of course your beautiful home and barn. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
A good man gone to soon. May he RIP…
I had the pleasure of working with Bill for a number of years. He was a good man . My sincere condolences to his family.
I only knew Bill for about a month. Visiting while we put his old Cushman Eagle together. What a neat guy!!. He will be remembered every time I see an old car or automobile sign. RIP .
So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was an excellent mechanical engineer (worked with him at DEC Colorado Springs and Tempe AZ). He, Andy and I did the annual Barrett Jackson car show visit for nearly 20 years.
The loss must be absolutely devastating for his close family… my sincere sympathies.
Fyi, I received an email from Bill just a few weeks prior to his passing. He apologized for a delayed response to my new car photo/email… he indicated he had a “minor” medical issue… ALWAYS the tough guy.
I did a lunch with a former DEC associate and friend of Bill’s (Beverly) the other day… we toasted “To Bill”.
He will be missed. GREAT picture of him holding his favorite beverage in hand.
Dave