William Augustus Micheau

August 5, 1950 - January 16, 2020

William Augustus Micheau was born August 5, 1950 in Pendleton, Oregon and passed away January 16, 2020 in Bakersfield, California.

Willie, unfortunately, had been suffering with a rare illness for quite some time.  I discovered this in 2018 when I called his home and spoke with his gracious wife, Georgia.  

You may recall that Willie and Georgia attended the Meet & Greet in 2018.  Georgia told me that he was very happy to be part of our celebration.  I, personally, found his participation an inspirational moment.

I was hoping to speak with Georgia this weekend but could not make a connection.  However, I was able to talk with his brother Kevin, who is 7 years younger than us.  Kevin had nothing but kind things to say about Willie and his spouse.  I learned that Willie's father was French Canadian, thus the interesting surname -- Micheau.

Willie's father was a patriot and a warrior in WWII.  He fought in both the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.  I'm not sure if he was fighting for the Canadians or the US, but that does not make much difference, really.  He was on the side of the Allies and they crushed the Nazis.

Kevin told me that Willie was an excellent golfer, usually teeing up at the Kern River golf course.   He said that Willie just wanted to retire so he could play more golf and be with friends.  

His primary line of work was as a welder, specifically in the oil fields in the Lost Hills area.  As a certified welder, he worked out there for years and had his own truck and related equipment.  He got along with just about everybody.  

The Micheau family had five kids.  I think Willie was the second child born.  Four boys and one girl.

I spoke with Willie for a few moments at the M&G.  It was a very emotional exchange for me.  I hope that many of you also went out of your way to communicate with him.  

Services will be held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 12:30 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.