John William Daudet Jr. (Bill) died on July 13, 2010, after a brief illness. He was 76. Bill was born on July 13, 1934, in Midway, PA. He was the second of three sons born to Lois Ferguson Daudet and John W. Daudet Sr. As a child he was very energetic. His great-grandmother wrote of him in her diary that, “Billy was never still a minute.” This is a trait he passed down to his own children, grandchildren, and now, great-grandchildren. In high school, he funneled this energy into football.
After graduating from high school in 1953 he joined the U.S. Air Force and was eventually stationed in Munich, Germany where he met Nancy Jane Kammeyer, whose father was also stationed in Munich. They married in November 1955 and the oldest of their six children was born in August 1956, before they returned to the States. After briefly living in Washington, DC and Monaca, PA, the young family moved to Salinas, CA where their next four children were born. Finally, they settled in Hollister, CA in 1962 where their last child was born in 1965.
Bill worked for Pacific Gas & Electric until his retirement in 1999. Over the years Bill enjoyed many hobbies, including golf and photography. He became interested in home computers in its infancy, purchasing his first home computer, a Vic 20 in 1979 and upgrading ever since. He also was a HAM radio operator, achieving expert level and teaching code to scores of individuals. He loved technology and gadgets. He also loved sports, particularly football and was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. After retiring, one of his favorite things to do was have family to dinner. He had great skill at the barbecue.
Bill is preceded in death by his younger brother, David Daudet and his oldest grandson, David Aaron Daudet Maslen. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy and his six children, John W. Daudet III (Gloria) of Hollister, Thomas E. Daudet (Pamela) of Olympia, WA, Linda R. Bourdelais (Scott) of Orange, Karen L. Burwell (Edd) of Chico, Mary L. Joly (Jim) of Yreka and Judith A. Salinas (Roy) of Gilroy, 15 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his brother, Paul Daudet of Grants Pass, OR, his uncle Howard Daudet of Phoenix, AZ and his aunt Ruth Mumper of Pennsylvania as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Cancer Society. The family is planning private memorial services.
Arrangements by Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home and Gavilan Hills Crematory, Hollister. Condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
