William J. Yonan

William J. Yonan, age 85, passed peacefully on December 29th in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Bill attended Horace Mann High School and graduated in 1955 as President of his Senior Class. He attended the University of Illinois, initially studying Architecture, and then transferred to the Business School. While at the U of I, Bill played Freshman football and basketball. He was a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity member and its Vice President in his Junior year. He worked for The Daily Illini student newspaper, where he earned the nickname "Phones" in advertising sales.

In 1959, Bill joined TIME Inc., initially stacking magazine racks. After moving to Boston, Chicago, and New York, thirty-five years later, Bill retired as TIME's Associate US Advertising Director. In his next chapter of life, Bill served as Special Assistant to the President of the Indiana University Foundation for two years, then became Associate Athletic Director at the University of Illinois for another five.

North Carolina became his retirement home for 16 years, where he served in many areas at the First United Methodist Church. After a brief stay in Indianapolis with his family, Bill relocated to Denver to be closer to his son, Matt, and his family. 

Bill was an active member of Journey Church Colorado, where he was appointed "Staff Encourager." Wherever Bill went, he knew everyone's name. He made people feel loved and appreciated, serving through the gift of sweets. His love of donuts, See's candy, or, to be honest, any candy and a bucket of ice cream, would always be on his delivery list. Bill learned from his Assyrian grandmother to show love through sharing food! He was purposeful in using his gifts and talents. 

Bill loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and his community at Journey Church and Cherry Hills church; he loved New England, he loved to fish, he loved lobster, and of course, all things sweet. 

Bill is survived by his sister, Barbara (Gary) Canaday; his three children, Melissa Yonan (Mark Horn), Tracie (Jay) Miller, Matt (Amanda) Yonan; his nieces Lori Ellwanger (Todd), and Allison Barber (David), and thirteen grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at a future date in Indiana. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Bill's name to Camp Brookwoods' General Fund. Please gift to Christian Camps and Conferences, Inc., 34 Camp Brookwoods Rd, Alton, NH 03809. Www.christiancamps.net/donate Memo: Bill Yonan Memorial.