Bill Bain

Bill was not only a wonderful father and grandfather, but he was also a friend to all.

Bill took time to drive down to see us for many life events, and we also made fun memories traveling together. Mexico, river rafting, mountain time, rodeos, there were always stories and adventures.

He liked to support and cheer on his grandkids. He was willing to help me wherever I needed help. Whether it was wrapping candy to sell at our local choir concert, walking our dog, fixing something at the house, or peeling potatoes, he was ready and willing. Many mornings, I would wake and come downstairs to find Bill up and ready for the day. He would sit and talk about things with me there in the kitchen. Things he was passionate about.

He wanted to ease suffering, reach out to the one, and advocate for those who are vulnerable and less fortunate than ourselves. I love Bill’s passion for life, love for his family, and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. He led by example, showing kindness to all. Over the years, he has been there for our family during life’s greatest celebrations and also life’s hardest trials.

You will be greatly missed. We love you Bill. ❤️

Brother Bain always had a smile and some knowledge to share. I enjoyed being at Young Women’s Camp with him and going on hikes with the YW.

My last connection with him and Sister Bain was working in the Stake Primary Presidency. He would support our set up and take down of events and would help facilitate pieces of activities.

He is an outstanding example and representative of Christ and ministering to all. Sending love to the entire Bain family! So glad to have shared in small parts of his meaningful, wonderful, awe inspiring life!

1993 Jamboree #2. The SFBAC Jamboree contingent toured part of the East Coast before we got to Fort AP Hill, site of the Jamboree. We are touring Boston on the weekend. On Sunday, Bill had arranged that the LDS Scouts would separate from the contingent to attend the Sacrament Meeting at a local Ward.

Now remember, this was before the internet. Bill could not just easily “Google” the information that he needed.

Bill had to find a Ward whose meeting time fit within time constraints, so that we could travel to the Ward. We were staying in a downtown hotel, so we had to travel to a residential area. Then attend the meeting, and return to meet up with where the contingent would later be located.

As Scouts, we wore our uniforms while touring. After breakfast, the LDS Scouts gathered and then walked to the subway. Bill already knew which Ward we were going to attend, but we needed to check the map to see which subway line to take and which station to disembark. Upon disembarking, we needed to walk to the Ward, but we needed to orient ourselves as to which direction to walk. We couldn’t simply just open our phones and “Google” directions, Scouts orienting a map for a city walk.

We got to the Ward building before the Sacrament Meeting started. Approximately 15 uniformed Scouts entered together. The Ward noticed us. Bill had previously contacted the Ward’s Bishop to tell him of our intent to attend that Sunday. As the meeting started, we were introduced to the Ward membership and asked to stand to be recognized as coming all the way from the SF Bay Area.

Once again, just a reminder that Bill did all this without the benefit of the internet. Bill lived his faith.

I would like to thank Bill for going to the meetings at the city council, and other meetings for the unhoused. We shared some great conversations. Let him know that I personally appreciated him for this. Will miss him. Good bye for now.

I first met Bill Bain when I was eight years old. Bill volunteered for the Big Brothers program in Berkeley, which is an organization for mentoring boys. Bill went far above and beyond the program requirements, becoming a lifelong friend of our family. I could write a book about all of the experiences and adventures I had with Bill as a youngster, and the positive impact he had on our family during challenging times, so I’ll pick just a couple to mention here.

Bill taught me many valuable skills that I have used throughout my career and personal life. He taught me how to safely use power tools and hand tools, basic construction and repair skills, and how to shoot a rifle, just to name a few. Bill also taught me about integrity and values. My first trip to Yosemite and Kings Canyon was with Bill and Louise. Before a hike, Bill purchased a couple of tour booklets from the park recreation center for 10 cents each (yes, this was decades ago!) At the trail head was a stack of the same booklets, a small lock box with a slot, and a sign reading “Ten cents each.” Being an eleven-year-old boy who grew up in the city, I mentioned that we should have picked up the tour guide booklets here, and we would have had them for free. Bill pointed out the sign and lock box where you drop in a dime for each booklet you take. I said, “We could just take the booklets without dropping any coins in the slot.” Bill softly said, “Not if you’re honest.” That short phrase changed my perspective for life. For years, I held on to the ten-cent booklet that Bill had purchased for me, remembering the important lesson that he taught me about integrity.

Bill was not without a sense of humor. During that same trip on the way to Yosemite, we were traveling along Highway 120. Bill had passed a few slow cars on the left along the two-lane section. Taking in the scenery, I didn’t realize that the highway opened up to four lanes, and the oncoming lanes split off to the other side of a berm. I noticed that Bill was passing cars on the left, which I thought was the oncoming traffic lane, and not moving back to the right. I expressed my concern for what I thought was a head-on collision waiting to happen. Instead of explaining that both lanes were the same direction, Bill accelerated around a curve and said, “Have you ever played chicken before?” I think it was Louise who pointed out the white line between the lanes, indicating they were both moving in the same direction, because Bill was laughing so hard he couldn’t speak! From that experience, I learned that it is always a good idea to be aware of one’s surroundings, or the joke is on me.

The Big Brothers program had some restrictions on promoting religious beliefs. Bill and Louise were always what I consider to be Missionaries by Example. Although it was three decades later when I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my decision was positively influenced by the example Bill and Louise always demonstrated. One of the greatest blessings was having Bill and Louise attend the Sealing of my wife, Mary Anne, and me at the Sacramento Temple in 2024, fifty years after I met Bill Bain.

People say the details of experiences can fade, but how someone made you feel and the impact they had lasts.

That’s how I think of Bill.

I may not remember every moment, but I’ll always remember who he was… a steady, humble leader with deep integrity. He set a high standard and led by example in a way that has stayed with me.

His influence made a lasting difference in my life, and I’m grateful to have had him as a leader in my youth.

Thank you for sharing this intimate time. We love Bill.

We met the Bains when our oldest son Jacob, married Melissa in our hometown of Salt Lake City. It was a joyous celebration that started our friendship and family.

Jake and Melissa have lived most of their married life in California. We trekked many times to see them and the grandkids. We loved sharing the grandkids with Bill and Louise. We had dinners together, watched grandkids play sports, and enjoyed the lemons from their tree. We were schooled on lemons, the care, and how to make lemon anything.

One trip to California, I was to watch the grandkids while they went out of town. My schedule was tight and I had to leave before they returned. Bill was the designated Uber driver for me. He drove about an hour to pick me up and then an hour to the airport. Then did the same drive to get home. He told me all about the trips he planned, the long car trip, hiking in Utah, and vacations planned with his family. He was a great outdoorsman and scout. Service was his middle name.

Our door was always open to them at our house. We loved all the Bains. We got to know Laura when she was working at the Utah State Prison. We were serving in a bishopric at the prison. Our stories were great to share.

Cecilie was the entertainer. She welcomed us to family events and many dinners. Our last visits with Bill and Louise were at Cecilie’s. We saw the old Bain house all remodeled by Scott and Cecilie. Then went to the new home of Bill and Louise. Bill was thinking of new ways to enjoy the patio. He likes to make things. A real builder.

Bill was a natural leader in the church as a bishop and a young men’s leader. You always knew where Bill stood on gospel topics. He never wavered in his beliefs. He is happy that his family is near. He loved his family deeply. Always wanting the best for them.

This is a hard time for the Bain family. We love and support you all. It is a comfort to know that he will be leaving an earthly family and will be greeted by his past loved ones.

Bill, you are a great example to all. Now you are off to another great adventure.

With Much Love,
Heather Spurlock

I just pray that THE LORD will relieve Bill of any pain and discomfort and that he will have a peaceful passing into the Kingdom and that his family remembers that the Lord’s love is eternal and families ARE TOGETHER FOREVER.

Bill is a very nice man and I will remember his kindness.

I knew both Bill and Louise from our days attending the Berkeley University Branch. So many years ago, and yet I recall clearly when Bill and Louise got engaged. Truly a wonderful couple!

I think the last time I saw you was in the Oakland temple. I left Alameda almost 5 years ago and now live in Central Florida. I send all my good thoughts and prayers for you and your family.🙏

Robin Hughes Ablett

While I don’t have a specific story to share, I will always remember how Bill made me feel genuinely cared for whenever I was in his presence. He treats everyone with kindness and fairness, and never backs down from an opportunity to help others.

I learned a lot about the principles and integrity of being a good human being. I’m forever grateful for all the guidance he has given me.

Bill and I met through Scouting. We worked closely together when T446 (Coyote Hills Ward) and T448 (Brookvale Ward) were once again able to to work together as a combined Scout Troop (instead of separate entities). Bill was the SM of the combined troop while I served as the CC. It was fun working with Bill.

Every month he wanted to have an outdoor activity, so the rest of the committee were supporting him. Bill was a firm believer that an active troop keeps the youth energized and wanting to be in Scouts because the troop was active.

I recall be telling me, that if an outing is planned, “we” go. Bill did not want to cancel any outing. (He may have cancelled 1 or 2?)

In 1992, Bill and I, along with many other adults, applied to be SFBAC scout leaders for the 1993 Nat’l Jamboree. When we interviewed, it was at the Council’s offices, interviewing on the same day. Days later, both Bill and I were informed that we were selected to be ASM’s for the SFBAC’s Blue Troop.
The next time we saw each other, as we were talking about our new positions and responsibilities, Bill’s eyes widened and he said,
“What did we just get ourselves into?”

Because of being 446/448 SM, he influenced many of our Scouts into attending the 1993 Nat’l Jamboree at Fort AP Hill. Without pulling out a troop photo, out of 36 youth, 12-15 Scouts were LDS.

I have always liked Bill. He was fun to be around. He and Louise have been our friends for many years. Last August after our 60th high school reunion, we ran into them at the Cassia County fairgrounds and they told us about another class member that didn’t attend the reunion so we could get in touch with him. We wish the best possible for Bill in his last days and for Louise and the kids. We remember them when they were small. Love to you all.