Wygant, William Clayton
William Clayton Wygant, resident of Albuquerque since 1972, was born December 3, 1932 in Meadville, PA, to Edward Clayton Wygant and Arlene Snyder Wygant. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, Arthur Wygant. William attended high school in Meadville and served honorably in the US Navy aboard the USS Tarawa 1953-57. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, William worked at Titanium Steel in the Ohio River Valley. In 1966 William moved his family to Las Cruces, NM, where he attended NMSU and received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. He was later employed by Public Service Company of NM, retiring in 1988 as Senior Vice President.
William married Nancy L. Aldrich in 1951 and is survived by her. William is also survived by daughter, Kimberly B. Wygant; son, Clay A. Wygant and wife, Louise V. Ford; granddaughter, Charlotte E. Roche LT USN and husband, Marco V. Roche LT USN; grandson, Stuart C. Wygant; and great grandson, Vincent R. Roche.
William was a dynamic force in the lives of those who knew him. He was inspirational as a mentor, results-driven and focused, with a genuine and honest interest in the wellbeing of those in his immediate circle and the broader community.
In the course of his life, William was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday school, and was involved in numerous industry and education committees (WEST Engineering and Planning Committee, Electric Utility Management Programs Advisory Committee at NMSU, Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Group at NMSU, Edison Electric Institute System Planning Committee, Western Systems Coordinating Council – Planning Coordinating Committee – Environmental Committee). He was a weaver of designer fabric and Nantucket Lightship basketry, an avid reader, and a good husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. William lived a full life and his legacy lives through the qualities and fellowship he lived and shared with others: let your actions be ethical and your words honest. The void a great man leaves at death is never filled but is crowded by those with the will to meet the challenge and pay it forward.
William Clayton Wygant died quietly at home in the arms of his wife Nancy on August 20, 2016. At his request, no service will be held. Gifts in William’s memory may be made to the food pantry at La Mesa Presbyterian Church, 7401 Copper Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Please visit our online guestbook for William at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
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