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William “Bill” Courtice, 75, passed away on December 22, 2021 at his home in Duarte, CA. He was the husband of Doris Courtice, the love of his life, who was by his side through 37 years of marriage and when he passed. He was previously married to Margo Gomez, who bore him his 3 daughters.
Born in Los Angeles, Bill was the son of Stu and Aletha Courtice, long-time South Pasadena residents. He graduated from South Pasadena High School, and continued his education at California State University, Los Angeles where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He worked briefly as a banker and owned his own photography businesses, but his ultimate career passion was as a police officer for the South Pasadena Police Department.
He served and protected the community for approximately 32 years and rose to the rank of Sergeant and worked as a detective for SPPD as well. After his retirement, he was also part of LA Impact, a multi-jurisdictional task force that investigated major crimes within LA County, with specific emphasis on drug trafficking.
Bill was a member of the Kiwanis Club and also served with the National Guard Reserve. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and taking motorhome trips with his family in his free time. He had a deep love and appreciation for music, and would participate in spontaneous dance sessions that once provoked embarrassment in his children. They are now looked back upon with joy and love.
Bill is survived by his wife, Doris Courtice, children, Lara Plaia, Cheryl Kewley, Jaclyn Haugen, and David Courtice, and 12 grandchildren. An ardent pet lover, he also leaves behind cats, Patches and Tiger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stu and Aletha, his older brother, Stu Courtice, and beloved canine companions, Star and Shadow. When asked how he would like to be remembered, in his own hand he wrote: “He loved his family dearly and loved protecting and serving.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 2PM at the War Memorial Building – 435 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030.
Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Pasadena Humane Society – 361 Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105.
