Bill Foster Armstrong, a man of profound depth and boundless zest for life, passed forward peacefully on March 18th, 2024, in Santa Cruz, California, at the age of 81. Born on October 9th, 1942, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Wayne Bernell Armstrong and Lila Louise Foster, Bill’s early years were characterized by a spirited blend of ambition, and service, a theme that would beautifully thread through the entirety of his life.
The Armstrong family’s move to Clinton, Oklahoma, in 1950 marked the beginning of a lifelong engagement with the principles of hard work, entrepreneurship, and community spirit, lessons learned while working at his father’s Pontiac dealership. After graduation from Clinton High School in 1960, he continued his academic pursuits at The University of Central Oklahoma (class of 1963), and later graduate work at The University of Tennessee (class of 1966) which prepared him for a distinguished career in dentistry. Bill served his country in the Dental Corps for the Navy Reserve at Camp Pendleton from 1967 to 1969, a period that ignited his love for California where he chose to remain for the rest of his life.
Post-military service, Bill embarked on a successful career in dentistry, where his skill, compassion, and dedication to his patients set him apart. Yet, the essence of his character was sculpted by a fearless love of living, a natural flair for fostering social connections, and during his later years, the resolute pursuit of personal evolution. An avid pilot, he sought adventure in the skies, sharing countless journeys with friends and family that ranged from crosscoun-try explorations to leisurely coastal trips for a “quick” lunch. His enthusiasm to discuss business, technology, and motorsports showcased his ceaseless curiosity in the human condition and his joy in witnessing the boundaries of innovation being pushed.
In the heart of his journey, Bill’s life was a testament to the beauty found in simplicity and the profound joys of quiet moments. He embraced sobriety and spiritual growth, which led him to discover solace in the gentle whispers of nature and the unassuming moments that stitch the fabric of our days. Fishing became not just a hobby but a meditative practice for Bill, a time when the serene dance of light on water and the patient wait for the day’s catch offered a deep connection to the natural world. The act of walking in the woods or exploring a stroll along the earlymorning wetlands near his home was emblematic of Bill’s approach to life—slow, deliberate, and fully present. It was here, amid the tidal marshes that he enjoyed clarity and inspiration. The California delta was his sanctuary, a place where he could be alone with his thoughts, yet feel deeply connected to the world around him, living each day with intention and gratitude. These moments of solitude were not about isolation but about finding harmony with the universe.
Bill’s legacy is carried forward by his sons, John Wayne Armstrong and William Bradford Powell; Grandchildren Haley, Kristin, Nick, and Sonder Armstrong of Santa Cruz, California; Sister, Linda Walker (Armstrong) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Nephews Russ Meacham, and Ryan Meacham of Clinton, Oklahoma; Niece Meredith Wilson of Edmond, Oklahoma; and a constellation of friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and indomitable spirit. Known for his grace, deep thinking, and non-judgmental perspective, Bill was a beacon of compassion and wisdom to all who knew him.
As we bid farewell to Bill Foster Armstrong, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by unyielding curiosity, and a deepseated love for the world’s wonders. His journey inspires us to pursue our passions, cherish our connections, and approach life with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. Bill’s memory will forever soar in the skies he loved, reminding us of the beauty of life and the power of a life well-lived.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.” - Rumi